Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Every Word Of God

Encouragement

“Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭30:5‬

Reading and studying the Bible daily takes a real commitment. You must be intentional everyday. A careful plan will help you thoroughly read and apply the truth of God’s word.

When we allow other sources to dictate truth, we can easily be misled. Many things in our life compete with the Bible. The only way to know the real truth is to align our theology (what we believe to be true) with the Bible. Our lives should revolve around the Bible.

People are searching for the truth. With technology at our fingertips, we desire to know what is true and what is not.

However, the problem arises from the source of where the truth is searched. You can find all kinds of fascinating information on the internet, but it’s not all true.

We have full confidence and conviction through the Holy Spirit of God that the Bible is 100 percent true. God gives us the truth through His written word. God speaks life into us when we study and obey His commandments.

Do you turn to the Bible as your source of truth? Do you align your life according to His written commands?

Pray

Lord, help me to study and obey Your word. Give me knowledge and wisdom to understand Your principles. Thank you for giving me hope and joy.

Serve The Lord

Encouragement

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

A true follower of Christ looks for every opportunity to serve others in the name of Jesus. It doesn’t take much to notice the needs of others. Certainly we have more people today dealing with the pressures of everyday life.

In our spiritual walk we either strive to serve or to be served. We either contribute or we consume. Sadly, we live in a consumer mentality world. All advertisements lure you into the thinking that you need their product to live more happily and successful. Beware because it’s easy to get caught up in this trap.

Paul showed us through his ministry how important it is to support the weak. Paul’s mindset was to give all he had to help others in their spiritual walk with Jesus. His life was dedicated to contributing for the cause of Christ and avoiding selfish consumption.

Do you have a passion to serve Christ? If so, do you have an effective plan as to how you will serve? These are questions to consider if you truly follow Jesus. Jesus desires that we have a passion to serve.

What do you have to give for the glory of God today? How can you point someone closer to Christ? Make a plan to serve someone today.

Pray

Lord, today I am going to serve You with all of my heart. Place someone on my heart and mind who needs what I have to give. Let my service to You be an example of the grace and love you have given to me.

Be Strong In The Lord

Encouragement

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
Ephesians 6:10

Sometimes life can be a real struggle. Reality can be obscured from a fantasy of what we watch in advertisements, in Hollywood, and what we see on social media.

While the battle itself is invisible, the battlefield is very much visible. Individuals fight, couples argue, families quarrel, and churches split. Add school shootings to the list as well. The struggles of our children are amongst the conflicts as well. Depression and anxiety added to the mix equates for a real messy situation. Life is a struggle.

The true reason of why we struggle in life is much deeper than we can imagine. What we commonly think is the source of our struggle is not seen. Paul says our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but an invisible battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan.

The good news is that we are strengthened and set free through Jesus Christ. Through Him we obtain strength and courage to endure any situation. The Lord helps us overcome any obstacle we face.

Satan doesn’t have any power over God’s children. When Jesus defeated Satan on the cross and defeated death on the third day when He arose. We who believe are set free to live an abundant life.

However, when we don’t rely on the strength of the Lord we become weak. Paul tells us to put on the whole armor of God. The struggle is real but the Lord is ready to deal with our struggles.

Armor up with the strength of the Lord through the truth of His word. Face your daily struggles with confidence and assurance of who you are in Christ. Don’t try to do life without Him!

Pray

Lord, I am powerless and need You. Strengthen me in the knowledge of Your truth and wisdom. Help me to understand that without Jesus I am nothing. Thank You, Lord.