Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: christ

June 17, 2023

Encouragement

Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?
‭‭James‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬

James asks a thought-provoking question that invites us to consider the root cause of the conflicts that arise in our lives. He declares the source is the internal battle within ourselves—the war of self-pleasure.

James says that our external conflicts are merely reflections of the battles that are raging within our hearts. At this point we need to stop and ask ourselves two questions.

  1. Are our desires rooted in self-seeking motives, seeking to gratify our own desires without considering the well-being of others?
  2. Are our desires rooted in love, seeking to honor God and serve others?

We must allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts. When we choose to seek God’s will and align our desires with His, our conflicts will diminish.

Today’s verse is challenging us to examine our hearts and surrender our passions to God. As we yield to His guidance, we will experience His peace that surpasses all understanding and witness the transformation of our relationships for His glory.

Pray

Lord, help me to recognize the passions I have in my heart that are not surrendered to Your will. Give me strength to overcome the battles that I’m facing and wisdom to pursue unity with others. 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.

June 10, 2023

Encouragement

For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
‭‭James‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬

Today, James reminds us of the consequences of having a judgmental spirit. If we pass judgment onto others, we too will face the same judgment.

However, when we embrace the mercy of God, it is greater and more powerful than any human standard of judgment. When we show mercy to others, we align our hearts with the heart of God and invite His mercy to be revealed through us.

As people who have received the blessing of God’s great mercy, we are called to extend that same mercy to others. When we choose mercy over judgment, we exemplify the character of Christ. Mercy creates a spirit or attitude of grace and forgiveness. It breaks down the barriers of bitterness, anger, and unforgiveness and creates the best opportunity for healing and growth.

We must also understand that mercy does not mean we turn a blind eye to a sinful behavior. Rather, it involves recognizing our own need for forgiveness and acknowledges that we fall short of God’s holy standards. It is about viewing others as Jesus does.

Mercy allows us to see beyond others external actions and attitudes and see the brokenness and pain that people are experiencing. Most of the time, people produce bad behavior as a result of being lost or out of fellowship with God. Showing mercy can turn others to God.

As we encounter those who hurt us, wrong us, or disagree with us, let us choose mercy over being judgmental. Practice extending forgiveness, compassion, and grace. When you do so, you will experience freedom and peace and will point others to our loving Father who will transform their life.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your great mercy that triumphs over judgment. Help me to extend the same mercy to those around me. Teach me to see others the way You see them, with grace and understanding. Help me to be humble, acknowledging my own need for Your forgiveness and grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.