Christ Who Lives In Me

December 11, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement, Faith, Salvation

Christ Who Lives In Me

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20

It’s No Longer Me

Being saved through Jesus Christ is not just a way to Heaven, it’s a new life in Christ here on this earth. Jesus not only gives us eternal life, He gives us new life here and now. Jesus changes our desires from the inside out. It begins with our heart and mind and works it’s way through our words and actions.

Jesus set forth the perfect example of how to live a holy life acceptable unto God. As Christians we strive to live like Christ and to strive for holiness and righteousness. We cannot do it alone for the flesh is weak. We must depend on the Holy Spirit to work in and through us. We must be conforming to His ways and seeking to please Him.

The power in this verse is the fact that being found in Christ we no longer are captive to sin. Yes, we do and will continue to sin but we are found not guilty when we place our faith in Christ. We are justified through the blood of Jesus. Jesus forgives us of our sins. Paul says we are crucified with Christ. We no longer satisfy our flesh desires, we aim to please our Lord and Master. No longer do we live for ourselves. Everyday should begin with the thought and ambition to please the Lord through everything we do. What are you going to do today for Jesus?

Prayer

Lord, today I die to myself and live for you. Use me and make me useful for Your kingdom sake.

A Gentle Tongue

December 10, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement, Trust

A Gentle Tongue

A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭15:4‬ ‭

Choice Words

Words have power. Our words have the power to heal or crush. Positive and encouraging words can build up a person and negative and degrading words will tear them down. We must choose your words wisely.

People need to hear the truth but there is a positive and constructive process to do so. Sometimes our words come out hateful and unkind and are received as criticism. We must be careful to always be alert to what we are say and what kind of tone we say them in. Hurtful words are unforgettable. People will always remember the negative things you say. Right now you probably remember something negative that was said to you years ago. This is why it is important to use our words wisely.

The old saying, “if you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all” is a very good rule to follow. If we only speak true and positive words in a positive tone the outcome will be positive. We must build each other up and encourage one another in the Lord. Jesus never said anything that was untrue or derogatory. His words were always right and right on time. We must learn to control our speech. It takes much practice but it is possible. We will never be perfect but we can strive for perfection. Your words will have a great effect on people whether you like it or not. Even when you need to give constructive advice you can do it in a positive and encouraging way. Just be sure to pray before you speak. The Lord will give you the right words to say at the right time.

Prayer

Lord, let Your Spirit control my words and allow me to speak the truth with courage.

Greater And Greater

December 6, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement, Trust

Greater And Greater

And David became greater and greater, for the Lord, the God of hosts, was with him.
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭5:10‬

God Was With Him

David was a man after God’s own heart. David loved the Lord and God was with him to give him strength and wisdom. He was chosen by God to be king. As David’s kingdom grew the more people he was entrusted with. God’s power was revealed through David. Even though David held much power he was never more powerful than God. It was God who made him greater and greater.

David was a portrait of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. David knew God on a personal level. He was not what people would expect a king to look like. In the same way Jesus was not what the Jews expected. Jesus came as a humble servant for the poor. The Jews expected someone with power to bring peace and prosperity. Instead Jesus was meek and humble giving attention to those who were sick and sinful. Jesus came and most didn’t recognize that He was the Messiah.

God is not looking for strong, powerful men. He is looking for men who are able to be changed. God will take a small, uneducated man and make him greater and greater. God wants to show His glory through men who can give Him honor and show others how powerful God is. God desires for husbands and fathers to be the leader of their home. They are the shepherds, pastors, and spiritual leaders of their family. God will give strength and wisdom to the ones who are humbled and under God’s direction. Seek to be the one who God uses to reveal His glory to shine for those who need to see who He is.

Prayer

Lord, use me to shine Your glory and light into this dark, sinful world. Lord give us Christian homes to train up more Christian leaders.