Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Are You Wasting Your Time?

Encouragement

‘See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.’
Ephesians 5:15-16

In what areas do you invest your time and energy to? What do you spend a lot of your time doing or thinking about?

A fool makes unwise choices with his time and energy. With every new opportunity that comes along, the fool chases off in a different direction, not questioning whether that is the best choice. Most of the time the loudest voice gains the most attention. But at the end of the day, the fool squanders the investment of time and energy on the things that don’t matter.

The devil knows that if he can get you to waste your time and energy on things that don’t matter then you will not be investing in the things of God. At this moment, the devil is trying to rob your time in the Word of God. The devil knows how to tempt you and make you veer away from God’s best.

Time is precious. Don’t waste your time on the things that you know are not of God. Instead take time to listen for the voice of God as He directs you to the most important and best things that bring everlasting joy.

Pray

Lord, help me to spend more time with You today. Speak to my heart and show me what I need to do to accomplish Your plans. Give me wisdom to discern the most important choices I can make today.

God Supplies Our Needs

Faith, Trust

“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:12-13‬

Sometimes we are faced with unexpected circumstances. Either what we thought would happen didn’t or something happened that we didn’t plan for. Sometimes these life events can seem pretty intense.

What do we do when we don’t know what the future holds? The Book of Philippians helps us learn about real life situations.

Paul was faced with incredible life threatening circumstances. He was chained in prison for preaching Jesus. He was physically chained to a Roman guard. There was no way out.

Can you imagine what was going through his mind? Would he actually be put to death for preaching in the name of Jesus? Would God somehow work a miracle and release him from prison? Or would he be forgotten about and spend the rest of his life in prison?

His future was uncertain but he was sure of one thing as he stated in Philippians 4:19, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” He knew God was in control and had a perfect plan.

When we face unexpected circumstances of our own we need to have the faith to respond and react the way that Paul did. He didn’t miss out on what God gifted him with. He didn’t have a multitude to preach to, but he did share the gospel with the Roman guards.

He didn’t have fellowship with other Christians but he did write to them and encourage them. Even though his circumstances were not what he expected, he knew that God would reveal Himself to be powerful.

When we face unexpected circumstances (and we will), we need to look at them with the perspective that God is up to something big and wants to use us in a specific way for His glory. As our verse for today states, Paul’s imprisonment was for Christ’s sake and for the Gospel to be advanced.

Pray

Lord, help me to use every opportunity to share Your grace with others. Let me notice that my unexpected circumstances are for Your glory. Make my faith stronger.


Shine The Light Of Jesus

Encouragement, Faith

‘Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.’
Isaiah 60:1-2

There is a thick cloud of darkness that is covering the world. You can feel the darkness around you. There is the darkness of disease, the darkness of poverty, the darkness of loneliness, etc… Millions are facing hopelessness and despair at extreme levels.

In reality no political party or world leader has the answer to the deepest darkness of the soul. But God has given His people the light of His glory to shine through the darkness to give hope and comfort to those who are living in darkness.

How can we shine in the midst of such darkness? The answer is found in today’s verses. The first word, arise, is a call to action. We must be intentional and arise to the challenge. Once we take a stand in this dark world, the light of Jesus will be reflected in our lives. Light will overcome the darkness!

Jesus told His followers, ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.’ Matthew 5:16 Look around and see how God wants you to shine. Is it an act of kindness? Could it be an act of service that demonstrates love? It doesn’t take much but it does take an effort.

This world needs to see the Light of Jesus through the Saints. The only hope this world has is through the love of Christ. Let’s be the Light!

Pray

Lord, I want to be Your servant. Use me today to shine the Light of Jesus in this dark world. Enlighten me of how I can arise and shine.