Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: daily devotional

Be Like Jesus

Encouragement

My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you,
Galatians 4:19

Paul wrote to the Christ followers in the region of Galatia because he knew they were struggling in their spiritual maturity. As he wrote this letter, he expressed a goal that God had for them. That goal is stated in today’s verse.

The goal is for Christ to be fully developed in the life of every believer. In other words, let Christ be completely and permanently formed (molded) within you. (from the Amplified Bible Translation). We are to be like Jesus.

As a parent, our goal is to see our children grow up to be healthy, mature adults. But it takes a lot of effort to reach that goal. Years of praying, training and discipline are part of the process.

In the same way, it takes an asserted amount of effort to be molded into the likeness of Christ. Lots of prayer, training, and discipline.

It’s easy for people to see Jesus in us on Sunday while we worship at church. But what about on Monday? It’s easy to be Christ-like when you are surrounded by Christ-like people.

When you see yourself surrounded by people who are not Christ-like, it makes life more challenging. That is why we are in a process of becoming more like Christ.

Paul knew the Galatians would never achieve the full measure of maturity in their own strength by simply following rules and regulations. Christ would need to be developed in their character and shape their lives from the inside out.

It’s the same for you and me. The more we grow in the grace of God the more mature we become as Christians. And the more knowledge of God’s Word we can receive the more Christ will shine through us.

Pray

Lord, fill me with Your goodness and grace. Let Your wisdom and love shine through me today. Mature my faith and mold me to be the person You have called me to be.

Joy Leads To Encouragement

Encouragement

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭31:24‬ ‭

We all get discouraged from time to time.  Discouragement is the opposite of encouragement.  If you find yourself discouraged today then today’s Scripture is just for you.

Many people throughout the Bible were discouraged at some point in time.  Elijah experienced a great mountaintop revival and then wanted to die.  

Discouragement is rooted in the fact that things didn’t turn out the way we had planned. We all like good results but sometimes we must endure the hardships which build character in our lives.

The cure for discouragement is quite simple.  You must realize that joy comes from a relationship with God through Jesus.  Joy leads to encouragement.

Be on guard!  Once you have great joy, Satan will desire to steal it away from you. Watch out for the people or things that come after your joy and the things you love.  

Spending time with God will give you the best encouragement.  No one ever comes into the presence of God and walks away discouraged.  God fills our life with peace and hope.

Showing mercy and kindness towards others will encourage your spirit as well.  Forgive those who have wronged you and you will begin to be encouraged.  

Protect your joyful heart, produce faith by spending time alone with God, and practice forgiveness as often as you can.

Pray

Lord, when I am discouraged, help me to find time to spend with You.  Give me faith to see the impossible and a heart to love others the same as You do.

Rejoicing In His Salvation

Trust

And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord ; It shall rejoice in His salvation.
Psalms 35:9

Do people believe that the most important thing to you is God?  It’s one thing to say that God is the most important thing; it’s another to prove it.

We must celebrate God in front of everyone we know.  We should never hide the fact that we belong to Jesus.  People should hear you speak about the One who gives you life and life eternal.

Do you take your relationship with God serious?  If you say yes, how much time do you spend with Him?  More importantly though, would God say you take your relationship with Him serious?

David took his relationship with God very serious.  He promised that his entire being would be given to honor God.  He truly celebrated and rejoiced in knowing God.

It makes a difference when we can rejoice in His salvation.  It’s not our salvation.  Salvation belongs to God and is given to us through the blood of Jesus Christ.  That is something to celebrate about!

When you know you are saved and redeemed you can’t help but let others know it.  You can’t hide it under a bushel.  Let the whole world know who you belong to.

Pray

Lord, I praise You and honor You as my Lord and Master.  Give me courage to never be ashamed to tell others that I love You.  May my life prove that love You more than anything in my life.