Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Be Fruitful

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

‘Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.’
I John 5:21

Just as it’s important to maintain a healthy heart physically, it is equally vital that we guard our hearts from spiritual implications as well. As Christians, God takes 1st place in our hearts so we must be aware of what is competing for taking His rightful place.

Solomon knew the importance of this issue as he wrote, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” (Proverbs 4:23) There are dangerous consequences when we allow other things, besides the things of God, to take precedence in our hearts.

What’s competing for your affection today? The best way to find out is to consider what Solomon stated. What is the course of your life today or right now? Is your relationship with Christ as close as it’s ever been?

If not, something may be causing you to drift away from the things of God. Whatever you give your heart to will determine the course of your life. The enemy wants to distract you from serving God with your whole heart. Jesus said the most important commandment is to love God with all of our heart, soul, and mind. (Matthew 22:37)

Is your heart open to Christ? Does He have first place in your heart? If not, ask Him to give you a heart after His own heart. Let the Lord have full reign of your heart and it will set you on course. Put God first and your life will be fruitful and productive for His glory.

Pray

Lord, I invite You to have full access to my heart. I desire Your fellowship and need Your grace. Lead me today to a fruitful and productive life.

Choosing To Live Right

Encouragement

Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.
Romans 6:6

There are a lot of Christians that have the mindset they are destined to fail. They think they will never experience victory, joy, and peace on this side of heaven. And in response they give in to temptation and sin.

We don’t have to be plagued by defeat. In fact we can experience power and victory over temptation and sin. The choose is ours to be made.

In Christ, we have been redeemed and saved from the power of sin. Sin no longer dominates our life. We are released from being slaves to sin.

As Christians, we have victory! We have the power of the Holy Spirit of God living inside of us because Jesus conquered the cross and the grave. We have new life in Christ.

We have the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome temptation and sin. But the choice is up to each individual to live in newness of life. God desires we live the best life on this side of heaven.

Living in righteousness is somewhat compared to dieting. When you resist unhealthy food and drinks and consume what is healthy we can lose weight. It takes much discipline and will power to lose weight.

Living in the will of God requires death. We must die to self and be resurrected to new life in Christ. We must choose to live in righteousness. As Christians we have the power to overcome.

What choices are you going to make today to live more like Christ?

Pray

Lord, I choose to serve You today. I desire to do Your will and not my own. Give me courage and wisdom to overcome evil and live in the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

Pursuing Godliness

Encouragement, Trust

“For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.”
‭‭I Timothy‬ ‭4:8‬

In ancient Greek and Roman cultures physical exercise was very popular. Most adult men participated in competitive sports and would devote themselves to staying fit. Paul writes to the young pastor, Timothy, and says that the same work and commitment that people put towards physical exercise should be put toward pursuing godliness.

The word godliness means to have the character and attitude of God. It is a task to be godly but it is attainable. It is a worthy goal, much more worthy than the potential attainments of physical exercise. It takes effort, strength, and determination to achieve godliness which is comparable of how an athlete trains to be the best.

Spiritual development and physical development share some similarities. Both require exertion and proper nutrition. Feeding our mind, heart and soul is just as important, if not more, than feeding our body. Jesus was tempted by the devil to turn stones into bread but replied, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”‭‭ (Matthew‬ ‭4:4)

Do you exercise towards godliness? Do you put forth an excellent effort to keep yourself pure and holy? It takes a great deal of strength and will power but it’s worth the effort. God is very pleased when we reflect the image of His character and attitude.

Pray

Lord, I pray Your Word feeds me and satisfies me more than anything else. Help me to know You more so I can be who You want me to be.