Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Faith

Bold Faith

Faith

‘For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.’
II Timothy 1:12

Is your faith worth dying for? Of course it is you say. We say we would die for our faith, but remember Peter said the same words and then denied Jesus three times before the rooster crowed.

Paul was in prison and awaiting death.  He was recounting the cause for Christ that led him to persecution and distress and then imprisonment.  He was writing to a young preacher named Timothy who was a close brother and friend to Paul.  Paul wrote him to encourage the young preacher as he too would face persecution for his faith.

Paul was hated by the Jews for preaching the gospel to the Gentiles.  Even though he suffered persecution and waiting execution, Paul considered his call to preach the gospel a worthy cause.  He never backed down from telling the truth of the gospel and never avoided speaking when he had a chance to share the Word of God with anyone.  His confidence in the Lord produced a boldness that glorified God.  His faith and hope in Christ fueled his efforts of winning souls and building the Kingdom of Heaven.

Paul’s knowledge and faith in Jesus Christ strengthened him daily but God’s grace is what kept him striving to endure the hardships he faced. Our knowledge of God’s Word and our strong faith in Jesus allows us the same opportunities to share the gospel with boldness. Never shy away from telling others about the good news of Jesus and always be ready to give an answer for your faith.  It is during times of persecution and trials that people either coward down or boldly step up.  Be prepared today to speak words of comfort to those who are suffering or lost.

Pray

Lord, give me boldness to speak my faith. When I fear persecution let me remember the words of Paul and not be ashamed. Thank You Jesus, for giving me eternal life.

Representing Christ

Encouragement, Faith

‘Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. ‘
II Corinthians 5:20

There is so much to the idea of being an ambassador for Christ. An ambassador does not speak on his own authority; his own opinions mean nothing. He represents the King who sent him. He is more than a messenger; he is a representative.

God has entrusted to us His message of reconciliation. God is making His appeal through us. This is why it is important for us to know His desires, values and priorities.

One might say that eliminating pain, poverty, and suffering would bring people true contentment. However, addressing the external needs won’t satisfy our spiritual needs. Even without pain, poverty, and suffering, you can still feel empty deep inside.

If we don’t address the deepest need of the human soul which is to know God, we’ve just given people a version of empty consumerism. Jesus always addressed the external and the internal needs of mankind. Meeting the external needs first gives us the opportunity to address the most important spiritual needs of people’s lives.

As an ambassador of Christ we should be the representative that shows others the love of God. Simply telling others that God loves them is not enough. We must prove it.

Pray

Lord, there are people all around me that need to know Your love and grace. Help me to represent You in such a way that people cannot resist the need of knowing You personally through Jesus Christ.

My Refuge

Encouragement, Faith

“I will say of the Lord , “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”
Psalms 91:2

We live in a society today that can often make us feel restless. There is much panic and fear over things that are out of our control. But know for certain that God is in control. He knows what is happening in our world and He knows what is happening in your life, right now. He knows and He cares.

Psalm 91 gives us a promising word of encouragement and assurance of God’s protection. We will never find peace in our life if we don’t rely on God’s presence and one way is to meditate on His word. The Psalmist exercised his faith in God as he proclaimed, “He is my refuge, and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”

God assures us of His divine protection despite the many dangers that surround us. We are encompassed with evil but rest assured that God has you in His hand. Romans 8:38-39 reminds us that nothing is able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Don’t think for a single minute that God is not able to protect you. Right now you are surrounded with guardian angels.

We will be restless until we find rest in Him. Take a few minutes today and reflect on how good God has been to you. Thank Him for providing His divine protection. God desires for you to live in peace and safety. But that doesn’t mean you’ll live a life exempt of danger or suffering. We all live in a world full of sin and in this fallen world life is difficult. God wants to reassure us that He is in control and is protecting your every step of the way.

It’s up to you to find rest and peace. The devil wants to steal, kill, and destroy all your peace and faith in God. But in the name of Jesus, all demons must flee. Find your peace and security in God today by taking Him at His word and meditating on His promises.

Pray

Lord, surround me with Your presence and give me assurance through Your promises. I trust You and know You are in control. Bless me today with peace.