Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: daily devotional

Keep The Word

Encouragement

Oh, that my ways were directed To keep Your statutes!
Psalms 119:5

Does this verse reflect your heart? Do your actions reflect God’s standards? As we mature in our walk with the Lord we should consistently reflect God’s will and ways in all our actions. 

However, we are human and we fall short of the target of perfection. The psalmist goes on to give us some helpful insights to overcome our daily temptations. In verse 9 he says,”How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.” There is supernatural power in the Word of God.

If we are to reflect God’s ways, we must know and keep God’s Word close to our heart. In verse 11 he says, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” When we treasure God’s Word we hide it in our hearts and it provides for us a weapon against the temptation to sin. Thus the power of God’s Word!

If you desire to reflect God’s statues in your actions, you must know them and treasure them deep in your heart. The enemy wants to keep you in the dark but God brings all things to light. Verse 105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Again, it’s the power of God’s Word.

Can we live pure in an impure world? Absolutely. Can we overcome the temptation to sin? Of course. The power of God’s Word gives us victory!

Pray

Lord, I need to trust in Your Word and meditate on it day and night. Give me the desire to study it and the wisdom to understand it. Thank You for giving me Your Word.

You Are The Church

Encouragement

But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.
Jude 1:20-21

For many church is a building and a religious organization. But the church is not about religion. It is not just about preaching, teaching and singing. The church is much more than traditions, rituals, or observances. The church is the Gospel of Jesus Christ lived out through believers. 

Church is about serving and sharing the gospel through acts of kindness and love wherever Christ followers may go. As we each have our own testimony and message of Jesus Christ, the church becomes a deployment opportunity in every community. The church is more than just words, its action.

When we build each other up in the faith, we are living out the gospel in our world. Living in a fallen and broken world is not easy so that is why we need each other. We thrive off of each others faith in Christ. Strong faith keeps people going in difficult situations.

One way we can build each other up in faith is through prayer. As we are told in today’s scripture, “pray in the power of the Holy Spirit.” As we pray, the Holy Spirit gives us boldness and courage to be messengers both in word and in action. 

Pray for the people who surround you. Pray for the people who lead you. And pray for God to use your life as an example of Christ’s love.

Pray

Lord, help me to live out the gospel of Jesus in this evil world. Let the light of Jesus shine and give encouragement to others. I lift up my brothers and sisters in Christ to be bold and courageous. 

Bold And Courageous

Encouragement

Peter said unto him, “Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.” 
Matthew 26:35

The Passover meal was prepared. It was the twelve disciples and Jesus in the upper room. Over and over, He reiterated His love for them, even kneeling before them to wash their feet. Their hearts were humbled. It was a time of celebration and reflection.

They knew Jesus was the Messiah and nothing could stop Him from bringing power back to the Jews. Or so they thought. They were bold and confident. Peter boldly stated, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” (Luke 22:33)

This reminds us of the times when our faith is so strong we could face any opposition and suppression and boldly proclaim our faith in our Lord. We stand tall and proud knowing that nothing can stand between us and the mighty hand of God.

It’s times such as these that our faith pushes us to do things we normally wouldn’t do. It’s faith in Jesus that allows us to stand with courage and speak boldly like Peter. “I am willing to die for Christ!”

But when darkness weighs heavily in our life and the tests and trials trouble our hearts, we often fail. By daybreak Peter swore he’d never been with Jesus.

What happened to the boldness and confidence? This is how quickly our testimony can be destroyed. If we aren’t careful, we too, can be just like Peter and fail the task laid before us.

Pray that you don’t enter into the temptation of the devil. Stand strong and be courageous in the Lord.

Pray

Lord, reveal to me if my pride is keeping me from experiencing Your presence and power. Forgive me of my arrogance and allow me to be filled with Your grace.