Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: blessed

Victory Over Sin

Salvation, Trust

‘Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.’
Psalms 32:1

God has the power to forgive and forget our sin. The Bible makes it clear that the first step in receiving forgiveness is repentance. Jesus’ first mandate in His earthly ministry was repentance. Repent and be baptized.

When we try to hide our sin or justify why we sin, we fall into a trap of the Devil. The enemy doesn’t want us in fellowship with God and free from sin. Instead he entangles us into being bound up by the consequences and shame of sin.

There is power in the life of the Believer who is forgiven and set free. As we see in today’s verse, “Blessed is he whose sin is forgiven.” This is true on the day of salvation when we repented of our sinful life and it is true every time we confess our faults to God.

Great blessings await those who confess and repent of their sin. Fellowship with God is restored and we experience the love of Jesus that was shown toward us when He died on the cross.

If you find yourself falling into sinful habits and not grieving over them or confessing them to God, this indicates that you are not abiding in Christ. Return to Him in repentance; restore your fellowship with Him, and you will experience the victory over your sin.

Pray

Lord, I confess and repent of my sins. Restore my relationship and fellowship with You. Renew the joy of thy salvation in my heart. Cleanse me and make me new.

What Is Your Story?

Faith, Salvation

 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.
1 Peter 3:15

When was the last time you boldly asked someone if they have ever received God’s free gift of salvation?

There may be someone close to you that needs to hear your story of how you came to Jesus in faith.  Did you know that people are more likely to listen and relate to your story than they are to respond to a sermon?  That’s why it is so important for every Christian to be ready to give an account of their faith.

Every one has a testimony or a story of how and when they met Jesus Christ.  There is no testimony that is too boring or meaningless.  Your story might be the perfect words for someone to understand God’s grace and mercy.  

Don’t be fearful or bashful because the Holy Spirit will give you exactly what you need to say to those who need to hear exactly what you have to say.  You just need to be willing and ready to share your faith with everyone.

Truth is, most everyone who needs Jesus just needs the basics of knowing God’s love and compassion.  Simply telling someone that God sent His only Son to die on the cross for their sins could turn their life around.  

Just by speaking in the name of Jesus could make a world of difference.  A very easy way to start a conversation with someone is to simply say, “Have a blessed day!”

Pray

Lord, thank You for giving me Your salvation. Give me boldness to speak out and speak up for Jesus. Let my story be encouraging to others.