Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

A Change Of Heart

Encouragement, Faith

‘Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.’
Psalms 51:12

Sometimes we fall into the trap of thinking that a change would be good. We might think that a new job making more money could be the solution. Or maybe a new president could change our situation. Or thinking that a change of appearance could make things better. This way of thinking is dangerous.

It may not be the circumstances that need to change. Is it possible that your heart needs to change? Jeremiah 17:9 says, “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” The heart according to the Bible is deceitful.

Sometimes we just need a change of heart. Not so much as turning over a new leaf or trying to live a better life, but a radical renewing of your heart. Let’s be honest, sometimes we get into a slump and allow our lives to be controlled by the world’s way of thinking.

What we need is a spiritual transformation. That is exactly what David needed after he sinned against God and his whole world crumbled. He finally discovered that the problem was in his heart. The change that he needed was internal, not external.

Do you need a change of heart? Do you need God to transform your heart and give you a new heart? All you have to do is ask, and you will receive.

Pray

Lord, cleanse me and make me new. Wash me and forgive me of my sins. Make me hear joy and gladness. Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation.

Children Of Light

Encouragement

For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
Ephesians 5:8

Have you ever noticed that sin happens in the dark? Darkness is the absence of light. Where there is no light sin abounds.

Light is referred to as knowledge, truth and holiness.  When light shines in the darkness it overcomes it and there is no more darkness.  This is what Paul is meaning as he says, “Walk as children of light.”  

Before you made a decision to believe and follow Jesus you were living in darkness.  But now, you have overcome the darkness with the light of Christ.

This verse begins in the past tense, “you were darkness.”  In the first few verses of Ephesians chapter 2 Paul says, “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.”  

But now that Christ lives in you, you are light and there is no darkness is in you.  The light that is now inside of you has overcome the darkness that once controlled you.  To live as a child of light means to walk according to what is acceptable to the Lord which is goodness, righteousness, and truth (vs. 9-10).

Pray

Lord, let me be the light in this dark world. Help me to shine bright so that it brings others to the light. Thank You for being my Light.

The Mighty Works Of God

Encouragement, Trust

Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen up among us”; and, “God has visited His people.”
Luke 7:16

What should be the proper response when we witness the mighty works of God? In today’s verse we read about the response of fear (honor) and praise. There was a holy fear of the person and power of Jesus.

When the people witnessed Jesus raise the widow’s dead son back to life, they instantly realized that they had seen the mighty work of God. They knew only God could raise someone from the dead.

The raising of the widow’s son is another great illustration of how much God cares and loves His children. God is at work in the lives of His children and He deserves to be feared and praised.

God is involved with our daily concerns and wants us to recognize His greatness. Everyday God displays acts of blessing, mercy and grace upon those who believe. It is up to us as to how we respond.

This widow was helpless and hopeless. She needed more than just comfort. She needed supernatural providence. And Jesus was the source of what she needed.

What is your response when you face your struggles? Do you get angry at God or praise God? Do you blame Him or do you worship Him?

If we keep a proper response of honor and praise to God in our daily lives, we will naturally praise and honor Him even in our struggles.

Keep a watch for the mighty works of God today.

Pray

Lord, You know my heart and concerns. You know what is on my mind and what I need today. I thank You and praise You for Your daily provisions and for blessing me with amazing grace.