Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Faith

Live Like Jesus

Faith, Trust

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:6‬

Have you ever considered why we try so hard to be holy and righteous? It’s so hard to live a perfect life like Jesus commanded us to.

In fact sometimes we get discouraged when we’re trying so hard to be what God has called us to be as Christians and we see people who don’t go to church, don’t tithe, nor do they produce fruit and they seem to be doing just fine. The problem is we are trying too hard. We are working too hard trying to be holy and righteous when Jesus has already finished the work.

Jesus confronted this issue and used the Pharisees as an example in His sermon on the mount. In Matthew 5-7, Jesus raised the bar to a level that even the Pharisees realized they could never attain. The Pharisees were taught to hate their enemies; we’re told to love ours. They were told to judge; we’re told to recognize the fruit but not judge.

Here is the point. Their concept of righteousness didn’t glorify God, it glorified themselves. They sought a confidence before God based on their achievements instead of His works.

God knows we are going to struggle with sin and righteousness. That is why we need to work harder on increasing our faith in Jesus instead of trying harder to please God with self-made achievements. Until we come to the realization that we need to lean on Him instead of doing it all on our own we will never be satisfied.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.‭‭” (Matthew‬ ‭5:3‬) We need to come to a point of brokenness so we can lean on Him for everything.

Pray

Lord, help me to know that I can’t do anything without You. You are my strength and my shield. Help me to overcome my self-righteousness and pride.

Eliminate Your Worry

Faith, Trust

“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭12:25‬

Did you know most of the things you fear will happen will never happen?  Most of our fears come from a misunderstanding of God’s love and grace.  If God takes care of His children and provides every need then why should we worry?

Jesus provides a solution that helps us eliminate all anxiety.  In Luke 12:22, Jesus instructed His disciples not to worry about their physical needs.  Jesus says your life is worth more than worrying about food and clothing.  

Because you exist to glorify Him, He will supply your every need.  We are not to worry if we have enough now or if we will have enough in the future.  

Worry is a lack of trust.  Worry is a sin!  Remember that God provided in times of hunger.  There are many examples in the Bible including, Joseph saving his family, God providing daily Manna, Jesus feeding the 5,000 men and the list goes on and on.  

When you worry, Jesus asks, “Where is your faith?”

Jesus says in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”  The solution to a worry-free life is to live a life of worship and praise to God.  Seek Him first, then all other things will be added.  Paul says in Colossians 3:1, “seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”  Set your mind on Heavenly things.

So what are you worried about today?  Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7)

Pray

Lord, I know I shouldn’t worry. Help me to trust you more everyday. I know you are aware of my thoughts and cares. I give glory to your name.

How Are You Living?

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,”
Philippians‬ ‭3:20‬

The Apostle Paul was writing to the church at Philippi who placed much value in their Roman citizenship. Although they were not living in Rome, they considered themselves to be under the Roman law, custom, and culture.

Paul, himself, was a Roman citizen and knew their mindset. So Paul under the influence of the Holy Spirit wrote this Scripture for them to consider the value of what it means to be a citizen of heaven.

Just as a Roman citizen would never forget that they belonged to Rome, Christians must never forget that they belong to heaven. This ultimately means that we must conduct ourselves as heavenly citizens. If we belong to heaven, we need to act like it.

To live somewhere you don’t belong means you’re an alien or pilgrim. We live on this earth we but don’t belong here. We were made for so much more. This earth is foreign land to us.

As Christians we are pilgrims passing through and waiting for our time to come when we are residents of heaven. We should be set apart from this world and noticed for something special about us.

The problem is sometimes we live like we belong here on this earth and value the things here more than heavenly things to come. For example, if we know that we have a mansion in heaven being prepared for us, why are we placing so much value in a home here on earth?

Paul says it best in verse 19, “Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.” Then he says, “But our citizenship is in Heaven.”

Are you living like you belong here or heaven?

Are you storing up treasures here on earth or investing in Heaven?

God would have you to place more value in the life to come in heaven than being so earthly mindset. Take a moment today to consider your heavenly citizenship.

Pray

Lord, I know I belong to you. Let my actions and words be proof of my citizenship to Heaven. Today I live for You.