Pastor Stephen Dedman

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A Life Of Humility

Faith

‘For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?’
I Corinthians 4:7

The Apostle Paul addressed the Corinthians prideful hearts by asking three questions. (1) Who makes you differ from someone else? (2) What do you have that you did not receive? (3) Why do you boast as if you had not received it?

These questions should make us think about our own life. Do I give God credit for all that He has done for me and given to me? Do I possess a humble spirit? Am I grateful in all things? Am I content?

The christians at the church in Corinth thought of themselves as being successful due to their wisdom and courage. The problem was that their definition of success was all wrong. They considered their success as part of their own doings.

The only true success a person can have is obtained through the works of the Cross at Calvary. If we boast in anything else we possess a prideful heart. We are who we are because of who we are in Christ. Without Jesus we are nothing!

If we are going to possess a spirit of humility it must be based upon our relationship with Jesus. Let’s measure our success through how much we give and not how much we make. Our selfless, sacrificial service toward others proves that our hearts are in the right place.

The remedy for pride is spending more time in worship to God and realizing what Jesus has done for us.

Pray

Lord, give me strength to overcome pride. Help me to recognize if I have a prideful spirit. Keep me humble through the power of the Cross.

Study The Truth

Faith

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
II Timothy 3:16-17

Sadly, many people in the world today are not searching for truth. People find comfort in what they already believe to be true. Many are afraid to have their beliefs challenged due to the fact that it may deny what they actually believe.

There was a time when people believed the world was flat until someone challenged their belief and proved it to be round. It was once believed that the Sun orbited around the Earth.

The Word of God is our source for truth and wisdom. Wise people find every opportunity to study the truth of God’s Word. The power of God’s Word causes faithful people to trust in it’s truthfulness.

Why is it important that we be consumed in the Word of God? Because God reveals His truth and wisdom through every word, dot, and tittle. The Scriptures reveal everything we need to know.

If we never turn to the Word of God we will never understand what God desires to teach us. Consuming ourselves in the Word allows God to speak to us and allows the Spirit of God to change our lives.

If you were to be honest right now, would you say that you are a student of God’s Word? Do you find comfort and peace when you search the Scriptures for truth?

Pray

Lord, I desire to be in Your presence. Use Your holy Word to speak truth into my life. Give me the desire to meditate upon Your Word everyday.

In The Likeness Of Jesus

Encouragement

“The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26

One of the greatest blessings of being a Christian is knowing that God sees the righteousness of Jesus when He looks upon those who believe in Him. He doesn’t see our faults and failures; He sees the righteousness of Jesus that has been gifted to us.

Some people mistakenly believe that God is only pleased with them when they do good deeds. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. God is pleased with you and only wants good things for you.

God is never ashamed of your imperfections. He desires to bless you and give you peace. He wants you to be made perfect only through Jesus Christ.

If you want to understand who you are through Jesus Christ you need to recognize that God is perfecting you through His Son. Pauls said it this way, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.” (Philippians 3:12)

We are far from perfect. But everyday we should strive to be more like Jesus. Jesus makes all things new!

Pray

Lord, thank You for giving me Jesus. I look forward to being more like You everyday. Help me to understand that I am being perfected through the works of Jesus.