Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Choose Your Words Wisely

Encouragement

‘Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. ‘
Ephesians 4:29

In Matthew 12:34 Jesus says, “You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” The words that you speak come straight from the thoughts of your heart. You can’t hide it!

How would you describe your speech? Do your words build up others or tear them down? Encouraging and uplifting words always go further than the negative ones. People are drawn to encouraging people.

The Bible also says in Proverbs 18:21, “life and death are in the power of the tongue.” Destructive words can really hurt. Just think about all the hurtful words that have been said to you. You probably don’t remember exactly what was said but you remember how it made you feel.

Paul tells us in today’s Scripture verse to speak in such a way that we build others up and not to tear them down. Our words need to be graceful and helpful, especially while we point others to Jesus.

If our words reveal what is in our heart, we may need to have a change of heart before we speak. We will never always agree with others so we need to embrace the diversity and learn how to be graceful in our disagreements. Look for ways to build others up around you. Give words of encouragement so others will see the love of Jesus.

Pray

Lord, know my heart and teach me to do good. Change my heart so I can only speak encouraging words. Forgive me of saying words that have torn people down.

You Are Not Alone

Encouragement, Faith

‘Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should abe alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” ‘
Genesis 2:18

After God created man, He said, “it is not good that man should be alone.” God wants us to love others and to be loved by others. It’s important that we have social interaction with others and feel a sense of community and fellowship. Maintaining healthy relationships with others is vital to a healthy lifestyle, physically and spiritually.

There are some negative effects of loneliness that could have an impact on your health. Studies have shown that those who feel lonely or isolated choose more unhealthy food options and are less motivated. Loneliness can also lead to depression.

The devil tries to isolate you and make you feel like a prisoner in solitary confinement. He tries to eliminate your community and fellowship with others. But God provided a solution to the problem and created other people.

He told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply. (Genesis 1:28) After the flood He told Noah and his sons to be fruitful and multiply. (Genesis 9:1) He told Jacob to be fruitful and multiply. (Genesis 35:11) God wants us to be with and around other people.

We have become a society that avoids people and personal, social contact. We even have a fear that contact with others will cause sickness and the spread of viruses. We need to use caution but we still need personal interaction with others.

Do you know someone who lives alone? Have you noticed someone close to you not being as social anymore? Reach out to that someone today and let them know they are loved by you and loved by God.

Are you feeling a sense of loneliness? As a Christian you are not alone. Christ is living inside of you and He is with you. The Holy Spirit is our Helper and Comforter. Jesus said, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:18)

Pray

Lord, give me peace and comfort through Your Spirit today. Help me to notice who is lonely and share Your love and comfort with them. Thank You for giving us the Holy Spirit to help us.

Don’t Fall For It

Faith, Trust

“Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?””
Genesis‬ ‭3:1

The devil uses deceptions and doubt against us to cause us to sin. The deceptions that were used against Eve are still used against us today. It’s very noticeable when you read it but it’s not so noticeable when you live it.

The devil made Eve question the Word of God. The devil said, “did God really say…”. He deceived Eve into thinking that God’s instructions were not that important. He tried to convince Eve that she could eat of every tree in the Garden. She responded in verse 2 by saying they could eat of every tree except of the tree in the middle of the garden and if they even touched it, they would die. Then the devil went on to tempt Eve in a way that made her think that eating of the forbidden tree would make her be just like God and she would like it.

That’s exactly what the devil does to us today. He makes us question the authority of God’s Word and instructions and convinces us that it’s ok to go against what God says. It starts out as a thought and then it stems to a temptation and then to a sin. It’s quick and easy but it’s deadly.

Satan knows that when we sin we lose fellowship with God and with others. He sets traps for us to fall into until we finally fall. And when we do finally fall into sin he uses our sin against us. We feel the shame and regret and it takes a toll on us until we confess and repent.

We can stop deception in its tracks when we sincerely guard the Word of God as truth. Psalms 16:11 says, “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” God knows what is best for us. We need to keep His Word in our hearts and on our minds so when the devil tempts us to sin we can resist him. The only way to fight against the deception and lies of the devil is to proclaim the truth of God.

Pray

Lord, let Your Word be on my lips everyday. Help me to resist the temptation of the devil and make him flee. Protect me and guard me.