Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Immediate Action

Faith, Trust

But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭8:22‬

There is a story about a certain tribe in Africa that elected a new king every seven years.  The king would reign for seven years being treated with the highest honor and given every luxury.  The king had absolute authority even to administer power of life and death over members of the tribe.  

The only catch was at the end of the seven years a new king was chosen and the old king was killed.  This practice went on for years and every tribe member knew the provision and there was never a shortage of men wanting the position.  They were willing to forfeit their lives in order to enjoy seven years of luxury and power.

Jesus encountered a disciple who wanted to follow Him but needed to go home and take care of some business first.  Regardless of the situation, Jesus commanded an immediate response and obedience.  Jesus knew the heart of this man and what was happening in his personal life.  

Jesus is not saying that we are to neglect our families and friends but instead He is prompting immediate action.  Either this man was being greedy and waiting for his part of the inheritance or this man valued his family more than Christ.  Regardless, Jesus instructed the disciple to follow Him right then.

Many of us have excuses of why we can’t serve the Lord to the fullest right now.  We may only get one opportunity for certain tasks and if we don’t immediately obey we will miss out on a great blessing.  The Lord wants us to be available to be used by Him on His timing.  Don’t get caught up in the luxury and power of this world only to miss an opportunity to serve the Lord.

Pray

Lord, You have my heart and soul.  Show me where I need to be in complete obedience to your plans for my life.

Do You Need A Change?

Encouragement, Faith

“For I am the Lord , I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.”
Malachi 3:6

We need to remember an amazing truth about God. He will never change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. (Hebrews 13:8)

Because God will never change, we can seek Him for stability. It brings us great comfort to know that because God never changes, His promises never change. What God promised thousands of years ago remains the same today.

The same power that God displayed throughout the Bible is the same today. That should bring us peace and comfort. We trust that God is with us no matter what is going on in our life.

The world around us is changing quickly. It seems like everyday something new is being invented or discovered. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up with technology.

One thing we should never change is the Word of God. The Word is what it is and does not need to be changed. The method of how we share the Word of God may need to change but the message of God’s Word is perfect and final.

You may not realize it but you have changed over time. Your looks, hair, or style may change slowly over time. Some changes need to be made if you are not as close to God as you should be.

What can you do to make your life more like Christ? Do you need to change anything to look more like Jesus?

Pray

Lord, allow me to see who I am before You. As I look into the mirror I want to see You. If there is anything that I need to change to make me more like You, please show me.

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.