Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: bible

June 19, 2023

Encouragement

Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, For my heart rejoiced in all my labor; And this was my reward from all my labor.
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬

King Solomon, the son of King David, denied himself nothing, pursuing all forms of pleasure. Through his pursuit, he discovered that all the pleasures he indulged in were ultimately empty and meaningless.

There is a longing within every human heart to pursue happiness, satisfaction and fulfillment. It’s easy to fall into the trap of accumulating wealth, seeking temporary thrills, and hoping that these pursuits will fill the void within us. But, like Solomon, we too are left feeling empty and disillusioned.

Solomon directs us toward a great truth. He realized that the true rewards of life are not found in worldly pleasures but in something far more profound. It points us toward the eternal, the spiritual, and the heavenly.

Our hearts are designed to find fulfillment in a relationship with our Creator. In Him alone, true joy can be found.

Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:33, to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all things will be added unto you. Our pursuit of pleasure and satisfaction is to be rooted in the pursuit of God and His righteousness. When we prioritize our relationship with Him above all else, we discover that all other things fall right into place.

Are you seeking a right relationship with God? If so, you will find fulfillment in His love, peace, and grace. True joy resides not in the accumulation of worldly treasures but in knowing and serving our Lord with a sincere heart.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the wisdom given to me through Your Word. Help me to seek first Your kingdom and righteousness, knowing that You will provide all of my needs. Fill my heart with lasting joy. In Jesus’ name, amen.

June 16, 2023

Encouragement

But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.
‭‭I John‬ ‭2‬:‭20‬

What an of incredible blessing we have received as followers of Christ: an anointing from the Holy One. This anointing is the presence of the Holy Spirit within us, empowering and guiding us.

God’s anointing serves as a seal of divine approval, a mark of identification that sets us apart as His chosen ones. It is the Holy Spirit who teaches us and reveals the deep mysteries of God’s Word.

The anointing of the Holy Spirit gives us spiritual discernment. It empowers us to navigate the complexities of life with divine guidance.

Have you considered the anointing of the Holy Spirit to be a blessing in your Christian walk?

Listen to His voice today and yield to His leadership. By doing so, you will experience the abundant life that Christ has promised.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the precious gift of the Holy Spirit and the anointing I have received. Help me to fully embrace Your presence. Guide me and empower me to be the person You have called me to be. In Jesus’ name, amen.

June 15, 2023

Encouragement

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬-‭21

Living as citizens of heaven in a fallen world can sometimes be a challenge. We are constantly faced with temptations and distractions that attempt to sway us away from our true identity and purpose. However, our hope lies in the glorious promise of Christ’s return.

The anticipation of Christ’s return should impact the way we live. It should motivate us to live in a manner that reflects the character and nature of our heavenly citizenship. Our lives should testify to the transforming power of the Gospel and demonstrate a life that is surrendered to Jesus.

Our earthly bodies, which are subject to decay, will one day be transformed to be like Christ’s glorious, resurrected body. This truth gives us great comfort. The issues we face in our mortal bodies are just temporary. The day is coming when we will experience a perfect condition.

As you endure the ups and downs of life, continue to fix your eyes on Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith. Just know that we belong to something greater—a kingdom that will never fade away.

Seek to honor God in all that you do. And share the hope we have in Christ with those who need to experience the joy and peace we experience. Let your life be a reflection of the glory of God.

Pray

Lord, thank You for blessing me with the privilege of being a citizen of heaven. Help me to have an eternal perspective, watching for Your return. Strengthen my faith, as I strive to please You. In Jesus’ name, amen.