Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Keep Moving Forward

Encouragement, Faith

‘Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.’
Philippians 3:13-14

Life is full of surprises and full of challenges. How we deal with the unexpected issues of our daily activities determines how view God. God allows us to encounter challenging circumstances for a reason.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year. He is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety.” 

The apostle Paul knew how to get through difficult situations by pressing on. He understood that everything he faced was for a reason. Many of our struggles help us strengthen our faith in God and deepen our relationship with Him.

Instead of giving up, we must step up. It’s easy to throw in the towel but it takes courage to keep pressing on. God expects us to rely on Him for wisdom and understanding. With God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).

Whatever your facing today just know that you are not facing it alone. As Christians we have everything we need through Jesus Christ. He gives us the strength to keep going and to overcome any new challenge or difficulty. Don’t ever think that you have to do it all on your own.

Jesus wants to be your Helper, Counselor and Savior. Trust Him for all things. Take on the attitude that Paul had and forget what has happened and reach forward to the things ahead. Press on!

Pray

Lord, give me strength and courage today to do the things I must do. Help me to maintain an attitude that is pleasing unto You. Help me to keep my head up and my eyes on the prize.

Don’t Let Evil Doers Deceive You

Encouragement, Trust

“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:6‬

Today’s Scripture contains a serious warning from the apostle Paul. He was instructing Christians at Ephesus to be careful of what they listen to. He said, “Don’t be deceived.”

Christians need to be careful not to be misled by ungodly influence. As Christians we need to be a witness to unbelievers but we must not conform to their ways. We must be empowered by God to never let ungodly words trick us into sin. That is exactly how the enemy operates. The devil is sneaky and deceiving.

Usually the way we get tricked is by hearing the words, “there’s no real harm in it”, or “you’ll never get caught.” That’s how Eve was deceived in the garden of Eden. Paul voices his concern that there will be ungodly people try to smooth talk you into sinning. Everyday we are tempted to sin and when we have a voice repeating to us that it’s ok we may fall into the trap.

One of the problems that we face as Christians is we try to justify our sins. It is never ok to sin. Just because we have been wronged does not justify that we take revenge in return. And the biggest justifiable phrase we hear is, “at least I’m not as bad as them.”

Here is the solution. We are all accountable for our sins. We need to stand for what is right and for what the Bible instructs us to do. We must turn the other cheek, love our enemies, and forgive others. We will all stand in front of Jesus on judgment day and give an account. We should long to hear the words, “Well done!”

The verse goes on to state what happens to the unbelievers who deceive God’s children. The Scripture says they will face His wrath. Those are serious words. No one wants to face the wrath of God. But God will deal with the ungodly. In the meantime, be careful of who you listen to. Make sure your actions line up with the truth of God’s word. Make sure you’re not deceiving others.

Pray

Lord, forgive me of my sins. Help me to be guarded against the ungodly people I’m surrounded by. May they see Jesus in me.

Bold Faith

Faith

‘For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.’
II Timothy 1:12

Is your faith worth dying for? Of course it is you say. We say we would die for our faith, but remember Peter said the same words and then denied Jesus three times before the rooster crowed.

Paul was in prison and awaiting death.  He was recounting the cause for Christ that led him to persecution and distress and then imprisonment.  He was writing to a young preacher named Timothy who was a close brother and friend to Paul.  Paul wrote him to encourage the young preacher as he too would face persecution for his faith.

Paul was hated by the Jews for preaching the gospel to the Gentiles.  Even though he suffered persecution and waiting execution, Paul considered his call to preach the gospel a worthy cause.  He never backed down from telling the truth of the gospel and never avoided speaking when he had a chance to share the Word of God with anyone.  His confidence in the Lord produced a boldness that glorified God.  His faith and hope in Christ fueled his efforts of winning souls and building the Kingdom of Heaven.

Paul’s knowledge and faith in Jesus Christ strengthened him daily but God’s grace is what kept him striving to endure the hardships he faced. Our knowledge of God’s Word and our strong faith in Jesus allows us the same opportunities to share the gospel with boldness. Never shy away from telling others about the good news of Jesus and always be ready to give an answer for your faith.  It is during times of persecution and trials that people either coward down or boldly step up.  Be prepared today to speak words of comfort to those who are suffering or lost.

Pray

Lord, give me boldness to speak my faith. When I fear persecution let me remember the words of Paul and not be ashamed. Thank You Jesus, for giving me eternal life.