Pastor Stephen Dedman

May 23, 2023

May 23, 2023 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement

Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
‭‭James‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬

As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers. Today we are reminded of how important it is to be cultivators of peace.

Peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is a profound state of harmony and well-being. It involves unity, reconciliation, and restoration. God desires for us to promote peace to reflect His glory.

When we have experienced the peace that surpasses all understanding in our own lives, we become equipped to extend that same peace to others. As we draw near to God, He enables us to bear the fruit of righteousness, which includes peace as a vital part.

Promoting peace involves choosing our words carefully, speaking with grace and love, and seeking reconciliation rather than harboring bitterness and resentment. It involves careful listening, empathizing, and seeking to understand others’ perspectives. It involves forgiving others.

As we faithfully promote peace, we will reap a harvest of righteousness. Additionally, we create an environment where righteousness can flourish. It brings healing, restoration, and transformation.

Promoting peace may be difficult at times. But don’t get discouraged because God is with us. We can find strength in knowing that we are aligning ourselves with His divine purpose and reflecting His character.

Are you a peacemaker? Do you faithfully pursue peace, reflecting the awesome power of God’s love and grace?

Pray

Lord, thank You for calling me to be a person who reflects Your character. Help me to promote peace in all areas of my life. Transform my heart to reflect Your peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

May 22, 2023

May 22, 2023 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement

I will sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭13‬:‭6‬

The psalmist David, was known as a man after God’s own heart, and still experienced moments of despair and doubt. Though troubles surrounded him, he had a reason to rejoice!

Even when we are weighed down by life’s burdens, we can lift our voices and praise, declaring God’s majesty, His love, and His unfailing care. Praise becomes a powerful weapon when we face discouragement, as it redirects our attention from our problems to the One who is greater than any challenge we face.

In our time of uncertainty, we can find hope and encouragement in the never changing character of our God. He is a God who sees, who hears, and who cares deeply for His children. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). The circumstances around us may be burdensome, but our God remains steadfast, faithful, and true.

Regardless of what we may be going through, our hearts can sing melody of praise. Remember the goodness of God and give thanks for His faithfulness.

Pray

Lord, I praise You for Your goodness and faithfulness. Even in the midst of trials, help me to trust in Your unwavering love and care. Teach me to sing Your praises, regardless of my circumstances. In Jesus’ name, amen.

May 21, 2023

May 21, 2023 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
‭‭I John‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬

Prayer is a precious privilege that allows us to communicate with our Heavenly Father, sharing our heart, our desires, and all of our concerns with Him. The apostle John, encourages us to pray with confidence and to pray according to God’s will.

The assurance of being heard by God gives us comfort, hope, and strength. We can approach the throne of grace with boldness. God invites us to share our needs with Him because He cares deeply for us.

It is essential to understand that our confidence is not based on a presumption that God will grant every request we make. Our confidence is in knowing that God hears us and responds according to His perfect wisdom. As we align our prayers with His will, we can trust that He will answer in the way that is best for us and brings glory to His name.

Praying according to God’s will requires us to surrender our heart with Him. It means seeking His guidance and aligning our desires with His purposes. It involves a willingness to lay aside our own desires and submit to His perfect plan.

God’s timing is perfect, and His ways are higher than our ways. He sees the bigger picture and knows what is best for us, even when we cannot comprehend it in the moment. We can find comfort in knowing that God is always working things out for the best.

As we grow in our relationship with God and develop a habit of praying according to His will, our prayers will become more aligned with His heart. Our desires will become He desires. Our confidence is never in the outcome we desire, but in the goodness of our Heavenly Father.

Today, when you approach the throne room of God in prayer, align your desires with His purposes. Trust in His wisdom and timing knowing that He is already working all things together for your good.

Pray

Lord, thank You for giving me the privilege of prayer. Teach me to pray according to Your will and to trust in Your perfect wisdom. Increase my faith as I wait upon Your perfect timing. In Jesus name, amen.