Pastor Stephen Dedman

Question #2 – Do you have a repentant heart?

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭10‬

Repentance is more than just feeling sorry for your sinful behavior. It is the act of turning away from sin and turning to God. Repentance requires a change and cleansing of the heart.

After being confronted of his sin, King David prays to God in a heartfelt plea for forgiveness and restoration. He recognized that his actions had brought harm to others and grievance toward God. He was deeply repentant.

David asked God to cleanse his heart and renew his spirit. He knew that a change of heart and attitude needed to happen. He didn’t try to justify his actions or minimize his guilt. Instead, he acknowledged his need for God’s grace and pleaded for inner renewal.

True repentance is a humble recognition of sin and a desire for God to create a pure heart within us. We must realize that sin distorts our relationship with God and others.

However, when we have a repentant heart, God will not only forgive us but He will restore us and renew us. A repentant heart opens the door for God’s healing work in our lives. God is both willing and able to cleanse us and make us whole again.

What areas in your life do you need to seek repentance? Take time today to humbly confess your sin and ask God to renew your heart.

Pray

Lord, I come before You with an open heart and confess my sin unto You. Forgive me and create a renewed joy in my life. Help me to notice the areas of my life that need a change of heart. Thank You for forgiving me of my sins. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Question #1 – Is your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life?

And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭20‬:‭15

Some people think that because they are a good person or because they have done good things for other people they are going to heaven. Jesus said in Mark 10:18, “No one is good but God.”

Today’s verse simply states if your name is not written in the Book of Life, you will be cast into the everlasting lake of fire. Those who do not believe that Jesus died for their sins will be forever tormented.

If you are reading this today, you probably believe your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. The Book of Life is a reminder that salvation is not about good works, religious observance, or personal merit but about being reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ.

The only way to be certain your name is written in the Book of Life is to know without any doubt that you have placed your faith and belief in Jesus Christ and have repented from your sins.

As believers, this passage should fill us with both gratitude and urgency. Gratitude for the assurance we have that our names are written in the book of life if we trust in Christ, and urgency because so many around us have yet to hear or respond to the Gospel. The final judgment is a reminder of the eternal stakes at hand—there is no neutral ground.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of salvation. I am humbled and grateful that my name is written in the Book of Life, not because of anything I have done, but because of Your grace and mercy. Help me to live with a sense of urgency, sharing the hope of the Gospel with those who do not know You. Give me boldness and compassion to point others toward the eternal life that is found in Jesus. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭7‬

In a world that often rushes for immediate results, the idea of waiting patiently might seem counterintuitive. Yet, the Bible encourages us to find rest in the Lord and teaches us the beauty in being patient.

Often we may be tempted to become anxious, to fret, or to question why it seems that the unrighteous are succeeding. But God’s word offers a different perspective.

To “rest in the Lord” means to surrender all of our anxieties and to find peace within His presence. It means acknowledging that God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with our own desires or expectations.

“Wait patiently for Him” is an act of faith and humility. It means recognizing that God’s plan unfolds in His own time, and our role is to just trust His plan. Waiting patiently allows us to grow in faith and to learn valuable lessons along the way.

When we see others around us prospering through wicked schemes, we must not be discouraged. God’s justice prevails and the rewards of the righteous endure. Our duty is to remain faithful and obedient to God.

Are there any anxieties that you need to surrender to the Lord? Take a moment to rest in the Lord. Let go of your anxieties and concerns, and wait patiently for Him. And while you wait for the Lord, just enjoy being in His presence. 

Pray

Lord, I surrender my deepest concerns and anxieties to You. I know You are in control of all things and everything fits within your perfect plan. Thank You for taking care of me. In Jesus’ name, amen.