Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

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.

Pure Hearts Are Blessed

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:8‬

Jesus began His teaching and preaching ministry by going straight to the heart of His listeners. Jesus was more concerned with a persons inward character than He was about a persons outside performance.

the Bible says the heart is the center of man’s life. “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs‬ ‭23:7‬)

Pure in heart refers to holiness and righteousness. To have a pure heart is to be like Jesus. It really means to be one with God.  God said of David, “I have found a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.” (Acts 13:22)

Jesus frequently spoke about the Pharisees as being hypocrites because their hearts were not right.  Jesus didn’t want His disciples to be like the Pharisees.  They were to be holy and set apart by the Holy Spirit of God.

“For they shall see God” means they see the glory of God in nature, history, and in the spiritual things. God will make Himself visible to those who are pure in heart.  The pure in heart will see God’s glory.

It also refers to those who will be with God for eternity.  It takes a pure heart to see God.  We can see God in a beautiful sunset, in the daily happenings of our life, and in the history of mankind.  God reveals Himself to those whose eyes have been spiritually opened.  

Is your heart right with God?

Pray

Lord, cleanse and purify my heart and set my heart in tune with Yours.  Help me to love the things You love and hate the things You hate. Let my heart be set on fire for You.