Pastor Stephen Dedman

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How Praying Works

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15:7‬

Have you ever received a marketing piece of mail from a car dealership with a key attached to it?  The purpose is to get you to the dealership to try your key and if it starts the vehicle it’s yours for free.

But if the key doesn’t start the vehicle it’s useless and not worth the postage that it cost to send it. It makes some people frustrated that they didn’t win and for some they see it as a hoax and a way for a dealership to sell you a car.

For some people the example of the key is a lot like prayer. Sometimes it works and when it does great things happen. But when their prayer doesn’t work they feel that praying is useless. They feel that God is not listening and it’s just a waste of time and energy to pray.

I’ve even heard Christians say that praying is useless because God is going to do what He wants to do. What’s the point of praying?  Sadly, those people are missing out on the best benefit of being a Christian. Prayer is the most powerful and wonderful tool that we have to use. Prayer is powerful and miraculous when we are connected to Jesus. 

Jesus says that when we abide or remain in Him and if His words remain in us we can ask anything and it will happen. That is the secret to prayer. If we want our prayers to be heard and answered by God we need to know him and know Him closely.

The more we know God the more we know the things of God. We won’t be asking for a million dollars to be in our bank account tomorrow morning. We will be more mindful of what others need more than what we want.

We will be more aware of what God is already doing in our life and we will be in His will. We can expect our prayers to be answered because they are according to the Spirit of God. What are you praying for today?  

There’s nothing wrong about praying selfishly for the things that glorify God and praise His name. Prayer is effective and powerful when we abide in Him and His words abide in us.

Pray

Lord, I seek you will all of my heart. I want to know you and honor you. Please lay on my heart what I need to pray for.

Tell The Good News

Trust

‘Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” ‘
John 20:21

One of the worst things is for Christians to remain silent. It is our duty and responsibility to share our faith just as Jesus sent the disciples to do. How are you sharing your faith with others?

There’s no better time than now to share the Good News of Jesus Christ! The world needs to hear it and see it. And we need to proclaim it and live it. We miss too many opportunities to share our testimony or share the love of Jesus with those we come into contact with.

God has chosen us to be His witnesses in this world. That doesn’t mean that we must stand on a street corner and condemn people of their sins. We share our faith with others because we are concerned with their eternal destiny. We have Good News to give and they want it; they just don’t know what to do with it, yet.

If you have a voice, speak about Jesus. If you can sing, sing aloud to Heaven so others will hear a joyful noise. Can you teach? Teach someone the truth of God’s word. Are you called to preach? Proclaim the full Gospel of Jesus Christ. Can you write? Use your skillset so others may know the love of Jesus Christ.

The Devil wants you silent. Jesus wants you to witness. Loving others is a good witnessing tool. People want to be loved and people need to be loved. Today is a good day to share your faith with someone who needs the love of Jesus.

Pray

Lord, give me boldness to speak my faith when I’m tempted to remain silent. Let me show love and kindness to someone who needs it today.

Doing It For The Lord

Encouragement

‘And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. ‘
Colossians 3:23-24

Mediocrity and laziness have no place in the Christian life. We must always maintain integrity and reliability. Our work habits and labor reflect in our personal relationship with the Lord. God always wants us to do our best.

We will always have people in our lives that will disappoint us, neglect us, mistreat us, and even betray us. Some will demand that we give to them while offering nothing in return. And that is why Paul instructs us to do everything enthusiastically as to the Lord and not to people.

There is a big difference between doing something for people and doing something for the Lord. Working for the Lord changes our perspective as we view our endeavors in light of what He has done for us. Our efforts are never overlooked when we know we are doing it all for the Lord.

You may have a boss that doesn’t appreciate you, a friend who isn’t loyal, or a spouse who doesn’t respect you, but that does not give you the right to cut corners, gossip or cheat in return. God demands that we love others the same way He does. We are to treat others according to the way God treats us.

Pay close attention as to why you do what you do. Are you doing things to please others or to please the Lord? God is worthy of our best effort.

Pray

Lord, increase my abilities to always give my best in everything I do. Give me wisdom to understand that I am working for You and You will reward my efforts. Thank You for giving me strength, knowledge and wisdom to do what I do.