Pastor Stephen Dedman

Question #7 – Do find joy even in the midst of difficult circumstances?

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭3‬

It may seem a little counterintuitive to human nature to find joy during hardships. However, as Christians we are to look beyond the suffering and notice how God is working all things out to His glory. It’s difficult to understand but it’s a command.

The difficulties we face are opportunities for growth. James says that our faith is strengthened when we face difficulties in life. It’s when things get out of our control that we must trust God more. And once we see God work it all out, we gain a deeper trust in God.

When you face difficult circumstances, do you focus on your pain or do you recognize God’s power? God promises to supply our very need. So if you have a need, count on God to come through for you. God’s power will give you the confidence to smile.

Every trial has a purpose. When we face challenges, we often want immediate answers or relief. But God uses these situations to develop our character, to teach us perseverance, and to draw us closer to Him. The pain you feel today may be preparing you for a greater purpose tomorrow.

Are you experiencing a difficult circumstance at the present? Count it all joy! Have you come through a difficult season? Praise the Lord! Remember that God has a purpose and a plan.

Pray

Lord, thank You for being with me in every season of life, including the difficult ones. Help me to see my trials not as obstacles, but as opportunities for growth. Strengthen my faith, and remind me that You are always at work, even when I don’t understand what is happening. Give me the grace to trust in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Question #6 – Are you mentoring someone?

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭19‬

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave His disciples a powerful mandate to go out into the world and make disciples. This command is for all believers to go out and raise up new followers of Christ.

A way of making new disciples is to mentor other people who need spiritual guidance. In the early church, Paul was an excellent example of mentoring through his relationship with Timothy. He poured his life into Timothy, teaching him in the ways of the Lord, encouraging him in his faith, and preparing him to lead others.

Mentorship is a biblical principle that is rooted in the life of Jesus and His disciples. Just as Jesus invested His time, energy, and wisdom into His followers, we are called to do the same. We often overlook this responsibility, thinking it’s only for pastors or church leaders. Discipleship is not just about sharing the gospel, but it includes guiding, teaching, and walking alongside someone as they grow in their faith.

When you mentor someone, you’re multiplying the work of God in the world. You are equipping others to grow deeper in their relationship with Christ, and they in turn can mentor someone else. This process builds the kingdom of God far beyond your personal reach.

Are you mentoring someone? Are you investing in the spiritual growth of someone else? Mentoring doesn’t have to be intimidating. It could be as simple as meeting with someone over coffee and praying together about the things that are happening in their life. Just making yourself available is what matters most.

Pray and ask God to open your eyes to someone who could benefit from your guidance and wisdom.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the Great Commission. Help me to be obedient to this command and to recognize the importance of mentoring others in their spiritual walk. Give me wisdom and patience to encourage others around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Question #5 – Do you have a generous heart?

I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭20‬:‭35‬

When Paul was addressing the elders in the church at Ephesus, he emphasized a principle that reflects the heart of Christ: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” These words, originally spoken by Jesus, reveal the power of generosity. But what does it mean to live with a generous heart and mindset?

Jesus, the ultimate model of generosity, consistently gave of Himself during His time on earth. He gave His time, His healing touch, His teachings, and ultimately, His life for the salvation of the world.

Paul reminds us of this truth, that giving brings a blessing far greater than simply receiving. This is not to say receiving is bad, but there is a deeper joy, fulfillment, and divine blessing that comes with a life of generosity. The heart behind giving reflects God’s nature—He is a giving God, and we are called to reflect His character.

A generous heart is not just one that gives occasionally or when it’s convenient. It’s a heart that looks for opportunities to bless others. It’s a mindset that sees giving not as an expense, but as a gain—a spiritual gain that aligns us more closely with the heart of God.

Generosity flows freely from a heart that fully trusts in God. Is God calling you to be more generous?

Pray

Lord, thank You for showing me what true generosity looks like. Help me to live with a generous heart and mindset. Open my eyes to see the needs around me, and give me the courage to give selflessly, trusting that You will provide for all my needs. May my generosity reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.