Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Trust

The Word Of God

Faith, Trust

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:17

The gospel of Jesus Christ leads lost people to saving grace.  The power of God’s Word calls people to trust in the name of Jesus and causes people’s faith to be strengthened.

Sadly, there are a lot of people in the world today who are not searching for truth.  People believe much of what they hear to be true, even if it isn’t.  The media only tells people what they want them to hear and many times that means leaving out the truth.

One thing we can stand firm on is that the Word of God is true. All of Scripture is God’s truth to mankind. Truth produces faith and faith produces love and love produces patience.

Faith opens our hearts and minds to understand God’s truth.  Only those who hear the Word of God can repent of sin and trust Jesus for eternal life.  This is why God’s Word is so important.

As Christians, we need to be consumed in the Word of God so we can know and understand the perfect plan of God.  Scripture will reveal what we need to know.  However, if we never turn to the Word of God we will never understand what God desires for us to know.  

Maintaining a constant and consistent study and meditation of the Bible will allow us to hear from God and to align our lives with what He desires.

Pray

Lord, give me the desire to know the truth through reading Your word. Help me to align my heart with Your heart. Only Your word will I hide in my heart.

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.