Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

Do You Need A Change?

Encouragement, Faith

“For I am the Lord , I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.”
Malachi 3:6

We need to remember an amazing truth about God. He will never change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. (Hebrews 13:8)

Because God will never change, we can seek Him for stability. It brings us great comfort to know that because God never changes, His promises never change. What God promised thousands of years ago remains the same today.

The same power that God displayed throughout the Bible is the same today. That should bring us peace and comfort. We trust that God is with us no matter what is going on in our life.

The world around us is changing quickly. It seems like everyday something new is being invented or discovered. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up with technology.

One thing we should never change is the Word of God. The Word is what it is and does not need to be changed. The method of how we share the Word of God may need to change but the message of God’s Word is perfect and final.

You may not realize it but you have changed over time. Your looks, hair, or style may change slowly over time. Some changes need to be made if you are not as close to God as you should be.

What can you do to make your life more like Christ? Do you need to change anything to look more like Jesus?

Pray

Lord, allow me to see who I am before You. As I look into the mirror I want to see You. If there is anything that I need to change to make me more like You, please show me.

Be Fruitful

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

‘Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.’
I John 5:21

Just as it’s important to maintain a healthy heart physically, it is equally vital that we guard our hearts from spiritual implications as well. As Christians, God takes 1st place in our hearts so we must be aware of what is competing for taking His rightful place.

Solomon knew the importance of this issue as he wrote, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” (Proverbs 4:23) There are dangerous consequences when we allow other things, besides the things of God, to take precedence in our hearts.

What’s competing for your affection today? The best way to find out is to consider what Solomon stated. What is the course of your life today or right now? Is your relationship with Christ as close as it’s ever been?

If not, something may be causing you to drift away from the things of God. Whatever you give your heart to will determine the course of your life. The enemy wants to distract you from serving God with your whole heart. Jesus said the most important commandment is to love God with all of our heart, soul, and mind. (Matthew 22:37)

Is your heart open to Christ? Does He have first place in your heart? If not, ask Him to give you a heart after His own heart. Let the Lord have full reign of your heart and it will set you on course. Put God first and your life will be fruitful and productive for His glory.

Pray

Lord, I invite You to have full access to my heart. I desire Your fellowship and need Your grace. Lead me today to a fruitful and productive life.

Choosing To Live Right

Encouragement

Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.
Romans 6:6

There are a lot of Christians that have the mindset they are destined to fail. They think they will never experience victory, joy, and peace on this side of heaven. And in response they give in to temptation and sin.

We don’t have to be plagued by defeat. In fact we can experience power and victory over temptation and sin. The choose is ours to be made.

In Christ, we have been redeemed and saved from the power of sin. Sin no longer dominates our life. We are released from being slaves to sin.

As Christians, we have victory! We have the power of the Holy Spirit of God living inside of us because Jesus conquered the cross and the grave. We have new life in Christ.

We have the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome temptation and sin. But the choice is up to each individual to live in newness of life. God desires we live the best life on this side of heaven.

Living in righteousness is somewhat compared to dieting. When you resist unhealthy food and drinks and consume what is healthy we can lose weight. It takes much discipline and will power to lose weight.

Living in the will of God requires death. We must die to self and be resurrected to new life in Christ. We must choose to live in righteousness. As Christians we have the power to overcome.

What choices are you going to make today to live more like Christ?

Pray

Lord, I choose to serve You today. I desire to do Your will and not my own. Give me courage and wisdom to overcome evil and live in the righteousness of Jesus Christ.