Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: bible

Spirit Led

Encouragement

One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.
Acts 13:2-3

Acts 13:1-3 describes a significant moment in the early Christian church when the Holy Spirit set apart Paul and Barnabas for a special work. As they were worshipping and fasting, the Holy Spirit spoke to the church leaders and called them to separate these two men for the task of spreading the gospel to the Gentiles.

This passage reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s direction and guidance in our lives. Just as the church leaders were sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, we too should be attentive to God’s voice and open to His leading.

God has a plan and a purpose for each of us, and it is only by seeking His guidance that we can fulfill that purpose. When we take time to worship, fast, and pray, we create space to hear from God and discern His will for our lives.

Let us follow the example of the early church and be intentional about seeking God’s direction in all that we do. As we do so, we can trust that He will lead us on the path of righteousness and use us to accomplish His purposes.

Pray

Lord, I want to be led by Your Spirit and be obedient to Your commands. Help me to discern Your voice. Help me to rid myself of any distractions that are keeping me from following You.

Unshakable Faith

Encouragement

For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.
II Timothy 1:12

Today’s verse serves as a powerful reminder that our faith in God is unshakable, and that he is always with us, even in the midst of our suffering.

The apostle Paul wrote these words while he was imprisoned for his faith, facing persecution and the very real possibility of death. Despite his circumstances, Paul remained steadfast in his faith and trusted in God’s power to protect him and the gospel message that he had dedicated his life to spreading.

As Christians, we will face challenges and difficulties that will test our faith. However, we can take comfort in knowing that our faith is rooted in Christ who is infinitely powerful and trustworthy. When we face trials, we can turn to Him for strength and guidance, knowing that He is able to protect us and keep us safe.

In times of struggle, let us hold fast to these words in 2 Timothy 1:12, trusting in God’s power and love to see us through. May we find comfort in knowing that He is with us always, guarding our faith and guiding us on our journey towards eternal life.

Pray

Lord, You are all-knowing and I can trust that You know my every concern. Give me strength to face today with bold faith. I know You are with me right now.

Give Me Peace

Encouragement

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭26:3‬

In today’s verse we find a promise from God to those who trust in Him. There’s no doubt that we all need more peace in our lives today. Have you noticed when you’re nearest to God there is more peace and joy? 

That is because your trust is in Him. But how can we keep that “perfect peace” when we are faced with difficulties of life?

We need to rid ourselves of the fear and doubt that intrudes our minds which ultimately affects the way we think and act. 

Oswald Chambers said, “Your mind is the greatest gift God has given you and it ought to be devoted entirely to Him. You should seek to be ‘bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…’ (2 Corinthians 10:5). This will be one of the greatest assets of your faith when a time of trial comes, because then your faith and the Spirit of God will work together.” 

If we place our minds on anything else we may experience temporary and imperfect peace, but God alone is the giver of perfect peace. God is the only One who can deliver on the promise of perfect peace. 

In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus calls us to build our lives on Him and to obey His words. The rain will fall, the floods will come, the winds will blow, but those who build on the foundation of Christ are like a house built on a rock that can withstand these storms. But those who put their trust in anything else other than Christ are like houses built on sand that can’t hold up and are washed away. I pray you place your mind on Christ and trust God who will provide you with peace that passes all understanding. (Philippians 4:7)

Pray

Lord, remove all doubt that I have. Give me peace that surpasses all understanding. Let my faith in You be greater than all my fears.