Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

Choose Your Words Wisely

Encouragement

‘Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. ‘
Ephesians 4:29

In Matthew 12:34 Jesus says, “You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” The words that you speak come straight from the thoughts of your heart. You can’t hide it!

How would you describe your speech? Do your words build up others or tear them down? Encouraging and uplifting words always go further than the negative ones. People are drawn to encouraging people.

The Bible also says in Proverbs 18:21, “life and death are in the power of the tongue.” Destructive words can really hurt. Just think about all the hurtful words that have been said to you. You probably don’t remember exactly what was said but you remember how it made you feel.

Paul tells us in today’s Scripture verse to speak in such a way that we build others up and not to tear them down. Our words need to be graceful and helpful, especially while we point others to Jesus.

If our words reveal what is in our heart, we may need to have a change of heart before we speak. We will never always agree with others so we need to embrace the diversity and learn how to be graceful in our disagreements. Look for ways to build others up around you. Give words of encouragement so others will see the love of Jesus.

Pray

Lord, know my heart and teach me to do good. Change my heart so I can only speak encouraging words. Forgive me of saying words that have torn people down.

You Are Not Alone

Encouragement, Faith

‘Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should abe alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” ‘
Genesis 2:18

After God created man, He said, “it is not good that man should be alone.” God wants us to love others and to be loved by others. It’s important that we have social interaction with others and feel a sense of community and fellowship. Maintaining healthy relationships with others is vital to a healthy lifestyle, physically and spiritually.

There are some negative effects of loneliness that could have an impact on your health. Studies have shown that those who feel lonely or isolated choose more unhealthy food options and are less motivated. Loneliness can also lead to depression.

The devil tries to isolate you and make you feel like a prisoner in solitary confinement. He tries to eliminate your community and fellowship with others. But God provided a solution to the problem and created other people.

He told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply. (Genesis 1:28) After the flood He told Noah and his sons to be fruitful and multiply. (Genesis 9:1) He told Jacob to be fruitful and multiply. (Genesis 35:11) God wants us to be with and around other people.

We have become a society that avoids people and personal, social contact. We even have a fear that contact with others will cause sickness and the spread of viruses. We need to use caution but we still need personal interaction with others.

Do you know someone who lives alone? Have you noticed someone close to you not being as social anymore? Reach out to that someone today and let them know they are loved by you and loved by God.

Are you feeling a sense of loneliness? As a Christian you are not alone. Christ is living inside of you and He is with you. The Holy Spirit is our Helper and Comforter. Jesus said, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:18)

Pray

Lord, give me peace and comfort through Your Spirit today. Help me to notice who is lonely and share Your love and comfort with them. Thank You for giving us the Holy Spirit to help us.

We Can Make A Difference

Encouragement, Trust

‘When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. ‘
Acts 2:1-4

There are defining moments in our lives when our life changes and we are never the same. Some of those moments are anticipated and are welcomed into our life but other times they come unexpected and sometimes with pain.

Often times we struggle with change and wonder how God can bring about any good with the pain and suffering. But God always has a way of working all things for our good, even when the enemy intends to do harm.

On the day of Pentecost the disciples lives changed. Something happened that defined who they were. They were ordinary men who were able to be used by God like never before.

But they had to wait for the very specific time and date. They had to wait for the exact moment for it to happen. They had to wait for the promise to be fulfilled.

As we live in a world full of chaos and turmoil we need to know that God wants to do something great. God wants to use us in this fallen world.

It is up to you and me to make a difference. It is up to us to stand up and be like Jesus in this world and to make a statement of love and mercy. It takes courage and the strength of the Holy Spirit to do it.

Pray

Lord, fill me with courage and grace to speak words of love and encouragement. This world needs You. We need Your grace and love.