Anger Lodges In The Heart

September 18, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement, Trust

Anger Lodges In The Heart

Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools.
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭7:9‬

Slow To Anger

Frustration can lead to bitterness. Bitterness leads to anger. If anger resides long enough it can get the best of you. The key to overcoming anger is not just a forgiveness issue, it’s a heart issue. If you are bitter and angry for too long you will suffer physical and spiritual problems.

It is sad that people like to watch and listen to disagreements. Reality TV shows are a booming business because of this. Some people feed off of drama. They are thrilled when someone gets what they deserve and anticipation grows when they don’t. In the real world it’s the same. It’s very sad but it’s true to say that some people like to watch others suffer.

As Christians we are to be different from the rest of the world. However, if we fill our minds with the filth and garbage of reality TV, gossip, and drama, we tend to engage upon it. There comes a point in time when the Holy Spirit urges us to stop feeding on the negativity and start feeding on positive thoughts and actions. It can be difficult sometimes but it is best to abstain from the filthy lust of the flesh. Evil surrounds us and is easily enticed when we allow it. But on the opposite spectrum, when we fill our hearts and minds with encouraging and uplifting spiritual things we produce righteousness. Feeding our bodies with the correct nutrients is comparable to feeding our souls with the necessary nutrients. If you want to produce good fruit you will need to feed your soul biblical truth. The more you mature in the Word of God the more distance can come between you and sin. Thrive on the blessings that only come from God and reap the joy of doing so.

Prayer

Lord, take my focus off the negative things of this world and allow me to see the great things You are doing in my life.

Murder

September 17, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Faith, Trust

Murder

“You shall not murder.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭20:13‬

Are You A Murderer?

You are probably reading this and wondering why in the world would this be the scripture for today. Most, all, people know that the intentional killing of a person is a sin. You don’t even have to be a Christian but you know that murder is morally wrong. You would think that no one in their right mind would ever intentionally kill someone else. However in today’s world we need to biblically teach that murder is a sin and the Sixth Commandment.

Cain killed his brother Abel. Moses killed an Egyptian. David killed Goliath and had Uriah killed. Paul had Stephen stoned to death and was responsible for persecuting and killing Christians. As you can see there were many key people in the Bible who committed murder or were part of the act of murder. There are many occasions in the Bible that hundreds and thousands were killed because of one person. We need to teach, “You shall not murder.”

Jesus intensified it and took murder to another level. You may be thinking right now that you have never murdered or killed anyone so you are good. Jesus said in Matthew 5:22 anyone who is angry with his brother is guilty of the same judgment of murder. That is serious. Because we have anger in our hearts toward another person we too can be just as guilty as someone who has committed murder. Paul says if your enemy is hungry you must feed him, not kill him. Murder stems from a condition of the heart. Jesus says because you have hatred or anger toward someone you are a murderer. If you have hatred or anger toward someone it is time to get things right with them.

Prayer

Lord, I don’t want to be a murderer. Help me to love instead of hate. help me to forgive just as I am forgiven.

Skillful

September 16, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement

Skillful

Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭22:29‬ ‭

Work For Jesus

God blesses every believer with extraordinary gifts. The Holy Spirit works in your life to show you who you are in Christ. You are special to God.

The Lord places us where He wants us to be. You are where you are because God has a plan to use your gifts and abilities for His glory. You need to have confidence in knowing that God has a specific plan for you. Nothing happens by accident or by mistake. God has equipped you and given you the opportunity to work a specific task that can only allow God to shine. You did not get to where you are without the help and guidance of God. You are placed at specific places for specific people. Your work is primarily a way for you to glorify God.

God blesses those who bless others. Sometimes you are blessed so that you will bless someone else. This is one way we can view or jobs. We should seek ever opportunity to show others how blessed we are for the knowledge and ability to do what we do for others. No matter what job you work or who you do it for, make sure to give God the glory and He will advance you when the time is right. You may have a boss but more importantly you have a King. His name is Jesus and He deserves all credit and honor. So honor Him today with your hard work and abilities that you have been blessed with. In return you will be full of joy and peace. If your goal is to please your Heavenly Father you are on the right track.

Prayer

Lord, today I give to those what you have given to me.