Pastor Stephen Dedman

but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man’s voice restrained the madness of the prophet.
‭‭II Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭16‬

In 2 Peter 2, the apostle Peter warns against false prophets and teachers who lead others astray with their deceptive ways. In verse 16, Peter references the story of Balaam, a prophet who was enticed by the promise of wealth and honor to curse God’s people. However, God intervened, using a donkey to speak truth and prevent Balaam from falling to his own greed and folly.

The story of Balaam serves as a reminder of the dangers of pursuing temporary pleasures and worldly gain. Like Balaam, we may be tempted to compromise our integrity or stray from God’s path in pursuit of selfish desires. However, just as God intervened to restrain Balaam, He also provides warnings and guidance to protect us from falling into sin.

Instead of chasing after selfish satisfactions, let us fix our eyes on the eternal promises of God. May we seek His will above our own desires, trusting in His wisdom and guidance to lead us on the path of righteousness.

As we encounter moments of temptation or distraction, may we remember the story of Balaam and the donkey. Let us heed the warnings of Scripture and allow God’s Word to guide our thoughts, words, and actions. By surrendering our desires to God and seeking His kingdom above all else, we can experience true fulfillment and lasting joy.

Pray

Lord, guard my heart and mind against the deceitfulness of sin and worldly pleasures. Help me to prioritize Your will above my desires, seeking Your kingdom above all else. Give me wisdom and discernment to recognize and resist temptation, and may Your Word be a lamp to guide my steps. In Jesus’ name, amen.

the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬

In the opening chapter of Ephesians, the apostle Paul prays for the believers in Ephesus. He is asking God to enlighten their understanding so they may fully grasp the hope of His calling and the glorious inheritance awaiting them in heaven. Paul urges them to live in light of their identity as God’s chosen people.

This prayer echoes the desire for believers to have spiritual insight and understanding, enabling them to comprehend the depth of God’s love and the significance of their calling in Christ. As recipients of God’s grace, we are invited to live each day with enlightened eyes, embracing the hope and assurance found in His promises.

To have the eyes of our understanding enlightened means to look beyond the temporal and to grasp the eternal truths of God’s Word. It involves recognizing the hope to which God has called us and understanding the riches of His glory that await us as His beloved children. This enlightenment empowers us to approach each day with confidence and purpose, even amidst challenges and uncertainties.

All we have to do is ask God for a deeper insight into His will and purposes for our lives. Live each day with a sense of anticipation and joy, knowing that your future is secure in Christ.

Pray

Lord, open the eyes of my understanding, that I may fully grasp the hope of Your calling and the richness of Your inheritance. Help me to live with confidence and assurance, knowing that You have chosen me and lavished Your love upon me. Help me walk in the light of Your truth, empowered by Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.

This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.
‭‭Titus‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬

The apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of believers being devoted to doing good works, which are not only beneficial to others but also essential to the Christian life. While salvation comes through faith alone in Christ, genuine faith naturally produces a life characterized by good works. As recipients of God’s grace, we are called to reflect His love and righteousness through our actions, attitudes, and behaviors.

Good works are not merely acts of charity or kindness but are evidence of a heart and a life surrendered to God. They include acts of compassion, generosity, service, and love towards others, motivated by a desire to glorify God and advance His kingdom.

We are called to be intentional about maintaining good works in our lives. This requires a daily commitment to living out our faith in practical ways, seeking opportunities to bless and serve those around us. Whether it’s helping a neighbor in need or simply showing kindness to a stranger, every act of goodness reflects the character of Christ and has the potential to impact lives for eternity.

Let us not grow weary in doing good, but let us be steadfast in our pursuit of good works, knowing that they are pleasing to God and beneficial to others. May our lives be a witness of God’s grace as we strive to live out our faith in love and service to the world.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of salvation. Help me to be diligent in maintaining good works, as a response to Your grace and love in my life. Open my eyes to the needs of those around me, and empower me by Your Spirit to be a source of blessing and encouragement to others. May my life be a reflection of Your goodness and mercy, drawing others to You and glorifying Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.