Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: daily devotional

Jesus Warned Us

Encouragement

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
Matthew 7:15

The New Living Translation says it this way: “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.” 

“Disguised as harmless” is a good description of what we see today. There are voices all around us that claim to speak God’s truth. But watch out, most of them are fake, false, and phony.

Pay close attention to the voices you are listening to. Most importantly make sure you discern the voice of God. You can easily discern the voice of God when it aligns with the truth of the Scriptures. 

God’s truth and word does not change and will not change. What He said 6000 years ago is still true today.

Sadly, there are bad people disguised as good people that claim to speak the truth. They tell you how to believe, what to do, what to say, how to vote, how to spend money, how to parent, etc… These voices sound good and look good but they are vicious wolves. Their intent is to devour. 

Jesus warns us to make sure every voice we hear is supported with the authority of God’s Word. Does their message agree with the rest of the Bible? Does it point people closer to Jesus? That is why it is important to know what the Bible says to study it. 

You have a responsibility to choose wisely who you listen to. 

Pray

Lord, help me to discern who speaks in Your name. Let me speak truth and wisdom into others. Protect me and my sheep.

Upheld By God

Encouragement

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37:23-24‬

Have you ever had one of those days when you feel defeated and discouraged? Yes, we all have. Maybe you’re feeling that way today.

Just know that the enemy is the one who is trying to discourage you, not God. As today’s scripture promises God upholds you with His hand. As the insurance commercial states, You’re in good hands. 

David wrote Psalm 37 while he was in a desperate and discouraging place. He was reflecting back on when he was in a similar situation and leaning on the promises of God. David knew God would never forsake him.

He had a close relationship with God which gave him confidence. He knew that if he stumbled, God would be there to pick him back up. God is a loving Father who wants the best for His children. 

The devil wants to make you feel that you are disqualified and rejected once you make a mistake. Sadly even some Christians criticize one another in the like manner. We must encourage one another and lift each other up. You can find plenty of negative people around you but how many are positive and encouraging?

Don’t ever believe the lies of the devil that you are disqualified when you mess up. In fact, most of our mistakes give us profound wisdom and understanding.

We must learn from our failures and get up and make a difference. Some of the best people to receive counsel from are those who have encountered similar failures and made a difference moving forward. You may be the perfect person to give spiritual advice to someone who is suffering today.

Good people fall everyday but God will uphold you. You’re not defeated. You may feel discouraged or battered, but today is a new day. The first step of getting back up is reaching out for help. Reach out to God for what you need and He will not let you down. Keep a positive attitude and wait for God. 

Pray

Lord, help me be an encourager to those who are discouraged. You are my Rock and Shield. Give me strength to endure. 

Faith That Speaks

Encouragement

Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart.” 
Mark 11:22-23

The attitude of faith believes that whatever God says in His Word will happen. It is a spirit of faith that thrills the heart of God. David said in Psalm 116:10, “I believed, therefore I spoke…” 

An attitude of faith demonstrates what one believes. This attitude of faith is demonstrated through Jesus in Mark chapter 11. 

Jesus and His disciples were on their way to Jerusalem when Jesus saw a fig tree that did not produce any fruit. In verse 14 He cursed the tree and it died. On the next day, as they were passing by, Peter saw the dead tree and remembered that Jesus spoke the words for the tree to die. Jesus’ response to Peter was, “Have faith in God.” 

Ultimately what Jesus was saying is faith believes and speaks. A person with an attitude of faith believes with all their heart and speaks it with their mouth. What you believe in your heart will come out through your mouth. 

When you believe the truth you will speak the truth. Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God.” An attitude of faith must be derived from knowing the Word of God.

Jesus then said, “If you really believe that you can say to this mountain, ‘be lifted up and tossed into the sea’, then it will happen. But there can be no doubt. Any doubt whatsoever will keep you from having faith. (Sin increases doubt.) A life that demonstrates faith looks at impossible situations the way God does. With God, all things are possible. (Luke 18:27)

Pray

Lord, let nothing stand in my way of believing Your Word. Let Your truth live in my heart and let all doubt be removed. Yes, Lord, I believe.