Pastor Stephen Dedman

Salt And Light

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Matthew 5:13-14

Are you the salt and light Jesus has called you to be? Do people see Jesus in you?

It is time that Christians make a difference in our world. We need to step out in faith and show the world we love them enough to be uncomfortable. If we don’t love them then who will?

Tragically, we are tempted with the notion that we may offend someone by sharing our faith in Jesus. But more importantly we should be aware that it offends Jesus when we miss an opportunity to speak outwardly about our faith.

Not everyone can just walk up to someone and boldly begin speaking and asking questions. But everyone has a unique way that they can witness.

Some may share their faith in a way of serving people. Some may write a letter or a note. Others use their testimony of how God brought them out from a life of sin and rebellion. Still others have an encouraging charm about them that attracts people to listen.

We all have the responsibility to share the message of Jesus however the Holy Spirit sees fit to do so. We must be the salt and light in the world for others to notice. Today there may be a person you come in contact with that needs eternal life. Will you share your faith with them?

Pray

Lord, I want to be a witness of your love and grace. I want people to see You in me. Give me an opportunity to share my faith with someone who is lost.

The Word Of God

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:17

The gospel of Jesus Christ leads lost people to saving grace.  The power of God’s Word calls people to trust in the name of Jesus and causes people’s faith to be strengthened.

Sadly, there are a lot of people in the world today who are not searching for truth.  People believe much of what they hear to be true, even if it isn’t.  The media only tells people what they want them to hear and many times that means leaving out the truth.

One thing we can stand firm on is that the Word of God is true. All of Scripture is God’s truth to mankind. Truth produces faith and faith produces love and love produces patience.

Faith opens our hearts and minds to understand God’s truth.  Only those who hear the Word of God can repent of sin and trust Jesus for eternal life.  This is why God’s Word is so important.

As Christians, we need to be consumed in the Word of God so we can know and understand the perfect plan of God.  Scripture will reveal what we need to know.  However, if we never turn to the Word of God we will never understand what God desires for us to know.  

Maintaining a constant and consistent study and meditation of the Bible will allow us to hear from God and to align our lives with what He desires.

Pray

Lord, give me the desire to know the truth through reading Your word. Help me to align my heart with Your heart. Only Your word will I hide in my heart.

His Name Is Praised

My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord , And all flesh shall bless His holy name Forever and ever.
Psalms 145:21

Did you know that God will take what Satan intended for evil and make it good? That is how good our God is!

Sometimes it seems like when we get closer to God is when the spiritual battles occur in our life. But that is when Satan tries his best to make you stumble.

If you are not facing Satan’s opposition it may be because you are not doing anything for the Lord. When you boldly praise the Lord and live righteously for Him, Satan will attack like never before. Be on guard!

Satan’s strategy is to defeat you but God is there to empower you and lift you up. He will give you strength in times of weakness and grace to overcome any opposition.

God will be praised by those who truly seek Him and follow Him. His name will be blessed and honored by people who trust in Him for all things. His name is on the tip of our tongue all the day long.

If you were to have a recording of everything you said yesterday, what percentage of your speech was praise to the Lord? Was the majority of your words used to glorify God?

We need to be more attentive in speaking praise of the Lord. We are to bless His holy name all the day long. If we were to speak more praise we would be full of His joy. Praise the Lord today and watch what happens.

Pray

Lord, I praise and honor You with all of my heart, soul, and mind. Your wonderful works bless me and keep me strengthened. Let me see Your glory today.