Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Eliminate Your Worry

Faith, Trust

“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭12:25‬

Did you know most of the things you fear will happen will never happen?  Most of our fears come from a misunderstanding of God’s love and grace.  If God takes care of His children and provides every need then why should we worry?

Jesus provides a solution that helps us eliminate all anxiety.  In Luke 12:22, Jesus instructed His disciples not to worry about their physical needs.  Jesus says your life is worth more than worrying about food and clothing.  

Because you exist to glorify Him, He will supply your every need.  We are not to worry if we have enough now or if we will have enough in the future.  

Worry is a lack of trust.  Worry is a sin!  Remember that God provided in times of hunger.  There are many examples in the Bible including, Joseph saving his family, God providing daily Manna, Jesus feeding the 5,000 men and the list goes on and on.  

When you worry, Jesus asks, “Where is your faith?”

Jesus says in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”  The solution to a worry-free life is to live a life of worship and praise to God.  Seek Him first, then all other things will be added.  Paul says in Colossians 3:1, “seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”  Set your mind on Heavenly things.

So what are you worried about today?  Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7)

Pray

Lord, I know I shouldn’t worry. Help me to trust you more everyday. I know you are aware of my thoughts and cares. I give glory to your name.

How Are You Living?

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,”
Philippians‬ ‭3:20‬

The Apostle Paul was writing to the church at Philippi who placed much value in their Roman citizenship. Although they were not living in Rome, they considered themselves to be under the Roman law, custom, and culture.

Paul, himself, was a Roman citizen and knew their mindset. So Paul under the influence of the Holy Spirit wrote this Scripture for them to consider the value of what it means to be a citizen of heaven.

Just as a Roman citizen would never forget that they belonged to Rome, Christians must never forget that they belong to heaven. This ultimately means that we must conduct ourselves as heavenly citizens. If we belong to heaven, we need to act like it.

To live somewhere you don’t belong means you’re an alien or pilgrim. We live on this earth we but don’t belong here. We were made for so much more. This earth is foreign land to us.

As Christians we are pilgrims passing through and waiting for our time to come when we are residents of heaven. We should be set apart from this world and noticed for something special about us.

The problem is sometimes we live like we belong here on this earth and value the things here more than heavenly things to come. For example, if we know that we have a mansion in heaven being prepared for us, why are we placing so much value in a home here on earth?

Paul says it best in verse 19, “Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.” Then he says, “But our citizenship is in Heaven.”

Are you living like you belong here or heaven?

Are you storing up treasures here on earth or investing in Heaven?

God would have you to place more value in the life to come in heaven than being so earthly mindset. Take a moment today to consider your heavenly citizenship.

Pray

Lord, I know I belong to you. Let my actions and words be proof of my citizenship to Heaven. Today I live for You.

Joy vs. Sin

Encouragement

‘You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. ‘
1 Peter 1:8

Are you living a holy and righteous life? If you can say “yes” then most likely you are experiencing a fullness of joy.

As our verse for today says, “we rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy!” That’s a joy that’s so incredible you can’t even express it. And it’s all because of Jesus Christ.

At conversion, Jesus changes our life and gives us a new reason to live. The old self is dead and our new life is established in the purposes and plans of God. What a glorious way of living for Jesus!

Holiness is not about being religious. Rather, pure holiness is a beautiful expression and demonstration of the character of God. God desires that we live positively joyful while being disciplined and dedicated to the things that makes God happy.

The reason why people are not rejoicing is because they are harboring sin and shame. If you are not a joyful person you need to search your heart and repent of your sin. Then God will renew a right spirit within you and you will become joyful.

There is no joy in living in sin. Some people may enjoy their sin but there is no joy in their life. Instead they are miserable and disappointed.

But those who seek Him and His righteousness are full of inexpressible joy.

The only way we can remain pure and holy is to stay focussed on what is good, true, and right.

Pray

Lord, make my heart and mind reflect upon You and Your promises. Your ways and thoughts are much higher than mine. Give me a joy that reflects Your character.