Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

Are You Wasting Your Time?

Encouragement

‘See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.’
Ephesians 5:15-16

In what areas do you invest your time and energy to? What do you spend a lot of your time doing or thinking about?

A fool makes unwise choices with his time and energy. With every new opportunity that comes along, the fool chases off in a different direction, not questioning whether that is the best choice. Most of the time the loudest voice gains the most attention. But at the end of the day, the fool squanders the investment of time and energy on the things that don’t matter.

The devil knows that if he can get you to waste your time and energy on things that don’t matter then you will not be investing in the things of God. At this moment, the devil is trying to rob your time in the Word of God. The devil knows how to tempt you and make you veer away from God’s best.

Time is precious. Don’t waste your time on the things that you know are not of God. Instead take time to listen for the voice of God as He directs you to the most important and best things that bring everlasting joy.

Pray

Lord, help me to spend more time with You today. Speak to my heart and show me what I need to do to accomplish Your plans. Give me wisdom to discern the most important choices I can make today.

Shine The Light Of Jesus

Encouragement, Faith

‘Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.’
Isaiah 60:1-2

There is a thick cloud of darkness that is covering the world. You can feel the darkness around you. There is the darkness of disease, the darkness of poverty, the darkness of loneliness, etc… Millions are facing hopelessness and despair at extreme levels.

In reality no political party or world leader has the answer to the deepest darkness of the soul. But God has given His people the light of His glory to shine through the darkness to give hope and comfort to those who are living in darkness.

How can we shine in the midst of such darkness? The answer is found in today’s verses. The first word, arise, is a call to action. We must be intentional and arise to the challenge. Once we take a stand in this dark world, the light of Jesus will be reflected in our lives. Light will overcome the darkness!

Jesus told His followers, ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.’ Matthew 5:16 Look around and see how God wants you to shine. Is it an act of kindness? Could it be an act of service that demonstrates love? It doesn’t take much but it does take an effort.

This world needs to see the Light of Jesus through the Saints. The only hope this world has is through the love of Christ. Let’s be the Light!

Pray

Lord, I want to be Your servant. Use me today to shine the Light of Jesus in this dark world. Enlighten me of how I can arise and shine.

The Power To Overcome

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭13:14‬

Paul uses the threefold title, “Lord Jesus Christ,” to emphasize the Lordship of Christ. He did so to prove a point that making Him Lord over our lives helps us overcome the temptation to sin. When we “put on” Christ temptation loses much of its power. This doesn’t mean that we avoid temptation, but it does mean we have the power to overcome it.

Temptation is an issue for everyone who draws a breath. Even Jesus was tempted just like we are. Satan tries to use temptation to make us stumble in our walk with God. When we submit to temptation and commit sin a sinful act, we break fellowship with God. Hence the importance of forgiveness of sin. We need to be forgiven so we can have a good relationship with our Lord.

The only way to fight against fleshly desires is to seek Jesus daily. When we put Jesus first we can fight the battle of temptation much easier. Everyone’s temptation is different. But know that the devil knows what you’re tempted with and will do whatever it takes to make you slip and fall and give in to sin. So beware of the devil, because he prowls like a lion seeking to destroy you. But have confidence that as a Believer you have the power of God to fight against the flesh and say no to sin.

It’s a daily battle and that is why Paul says to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” and don’t allow your fleshly desires to have a part of making decisions. When we seek Jesus with all of our heart, mind and soul, we become a fierce battle for the devil. Put on the Lord Jesus Christ today and make Satan wish he never messed with one of God’s children.

Pray

Lord, I seek you today to be my first desire. Give me power to say no to temptations that I will face today. Thank you for giving me the power to overcome sin.