Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Trust

Prayer Changes Things

Encouragement, Trust

But He (Jesus) would withdraw to desolate places and pray.
‭‭Luke‬ ‭5:16‬

Difficulties and trials either push us away from God or they get us closer to God. Consider the most current suffering you’ve encountered and reflect on your response to it. Did it bring you closer to God or did you take matters in your own hands?

Prayer is one of the most important things a Christian can do.  It is how we communicate with God which means our prayer life should be taken very seriously.  Praying with God is how we spend time with Him.  It’s how we can know the heart of God.

Sometimes we forget just how powerful our prayers are.  Praying does not change God it changes us.  Our perspective of who we are and what we are facing changes when we see who God is and how powerful He is.

Prayer changes our hearts and when our hearts are pure, our lifestyle becomes righteous and holy. Praying should be done just like what we see in the Bible. Jesus spent hours in prayer. Jesus could pray all through the night.

He would constantly get away from everything to spend time with God. Jews had set times throughout the day when life came to a stop so they could pray. It’s important to spend time in prayer speaking to God about the things that are on your heart; good and bad.

How much time do you spend praying to God?

Pray

Lord, You know my heart and You know what is happening in my life. You have the power to change my circumstances and problems. I will trust in You for all wisdom and understanding.

Attributes Of Jesus

Faith, Trust

David himself calls him Lord. So how is he his son?” And the great throng heard him gladly.
‭‭Mark‬ ‭12:37‬

Jesus had a multitude of followers but they were not the educated or the sophisticated. They were common people who gladly listened to His words. They received His preaching and teaching because His words were relatable and understandable.

Jesus had three attributes that contributed to His messages. First, He had godly character. People will listen when they witness godly character. If you don’t display godly character in your life, people will not listen to your message or testimony.

Second, Jesus had holy conduct.  His conduct proved what He said was true and honest.  His conduct was without flaw.  Holy conduct proves what you believe.  His conduct reflected what He taught.

Third, Jesus had concern for others.  Because He was concerned for others salvation, people would give their attention to Him.  When you show people that you care for them, they will gladly hear what you have to say.

With these three attributes people gladly listened to Jesus when He spoke.  Do you exhibit these three attributes in your life? Make your voice be heard by living like Jesus.

Pray

Lord, let others see You through my actions.  Let my words prove that You are my Lord. Give me boldness to share the gospel with everyone I see.

Devoted To Scripture

Encouragement, Trust

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭4:13‬

How important is the truth of God’s Word to you? Do you value the time in which you read and study the Bible? It must be important if you’re reading this devotional.

Keeping within the context of this verse, Paul is giving advice to Timothy on leading the church as a pastor.  Even though this is directed to Timothy as a minister, it can be beneficial for everyone.  As Christians, everyone is to be a spiritual leader of some sort.

Paul instructs Timothy to devote himself to the public reading, preaching and teaching of the Scriptures.  The Scriptures are to be the central focus of our life.  We can find true success in life if we devote ourselves to the Bible.  

The local church should be a place where people can hear the Word of God spoken accurately and plainly.  In Nehemiah 8, Ezra read from the Scriptures from early morning until midday.  As he opened the Book, the people stood and listened intently.

There is great power in hearing the Word of God.  Romans 10:17 says, “so faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

Are you devoted to the Word of God?

Prayer

Lord, Your Word is my central focus today.  Give me passion for Your Word as I desire to hear it and obey it. Help me to meditate on it and speak it to others.