Pastor Stephen Dedman

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What Is Your Story?

Faith, Salvation

 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.
1 Peter 3:15

When was the last time you boldly asked someone if they have ever received God’s free gift of salvation?

There may be someone close to you that needs to hear your story of how you came to Jesus in faith.  Did you know that people are more likely to listen and relate to your story than they are to respond to a sermon?  That’s why it is so important for every Christian to be ready to give an account of their faith.

Every one has a testimony or a story of how and when they met Jesus Christ.  There is no testimony that is too boring or meaningless.  Your story might be the perfect words for someone to understand God’s grace and mercy.  

Don’t be fearful or bashful because the Holy Spirit will give you exactly what you need to say to those who need to hear exactly what you have to say.  You just need to be willing and ready to share your faith with everyone.

Truth is, most everyone who needs Jesus just needs the basics of knowing God’s love and compassion.  Simply telling someone that God sent His only Son to die on the cross for their sins could turn their life around.  

Just by speaking in the name of Jesus could make a world of difference.  A very easy way to start a conversation with someone is to simply say, “Have a blessed day!”

Pray

Lord, thank You for giving me Your salvation. Give me boldness to speak out and speak up for Jesus. Let my story be encouraging to others.

Pure Hearts Are Blessed

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:8‬

Jesus began His teaching and preaching ministry by going straight to the heart of His listeners. Jesus was more concerned with a persons inward character than He was about a persons outside performance.

the Bible says the heart is the center of man’s life. “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs‬ ‭23:7‬)

Pure in heart refers to holiness and righteousness. To have a pure heart is to be like Jesus. It really means to be one with God.  God said of David, “I have found a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.” (Acts 13:22)

Jesus frequently spoke about the Pharisees as being hypocrites because their hearts were not right.  Jesus didn’t want His disciples to be like the Pharisees.  They were to be holy and set apart by the Holy Spirit of God.

“For they shall see God” means they see the glory of God in nature, history, and in the spiritual things. God will make Himself visible to those who are pure in heart.  The pure in heart will see God’s glory.

It also refers to those who will be with God for eternity.  It takes a pure heart to see God.  We can see God in a beautiful sunset, in the daily happenings of our life, and in the history of mankind.  God reveals Himself to those whose eyes have been spiritually opened.  

Is your heart right with God?

Pray

Lord, cleanse and purify my heart and set my heart in tune with Yours.  Help me to love the things You love and hate the things You hate. Let my heart be set on fire for You.

Celebrate God

Encouragement, Faith

‘And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord ; It shall rejoice in His salvation.’
Psalms 35:9

Do people believe that the most important thing to you is God? It’s one thing to say that God is the most important thing; it’s another to prove it.

We must celebrate God in front of everyone we know. We should never hide the fact that we belong to Jesus. People should hear you speak about the One who gives you life and life eternal.

Do you take your relationship with God serious? If you say yes, how much time do you spend with Him? More importantly though, would God say you take your relationship with Him serious?

David took his relationship with God very serious. He promised that his entire being would be given to honor God. He truly celebrated and rejoiced in knowing God.

It makes a difference when we can rejoice in His salvation. It’s not our salvation. Salvation belongs to God and is given to us through the blood of Jesus Christ. That is something to celebrate about!

When you know you are saved and redeemed you can’t help but let others know it. You can’t hide it under a bushel. Let the whole world know who you belong to.

Pray

Lord, I praise You and honor You as my Lord and Master. Give me courage to never be ashamed to tell others that I love You. May my life prove that love You more than anything in my life.