Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: daily devotional

It’s All For The Lord

Encouragement

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23-24

Mediocrity and laziness have no place in the life of a follower of Christ. We must always maintain integrity and reliability. Our work habits and labor reflect in our personal relationship with the Lord. God always wants us to do our best. 

We will always have people in our lives that will disappoint us, neglect us, mistreat us, and even betray us. Some will demand that we give to them while offering nothing in return. And that is why Paul instructs us to do everything enthusiastically as to the Lord and not to people.

There is a big difference between doing something for people and doing something for the Lord. Working for the Lord changes our perspective as we view our endeavors in light of what He has done for us. Our efforts are never overlooked when we know we are doing it all for the Lord.

You may have a boss that doesn’t appreciate you, a friend who isn’t loyal, or a spouse who doesn’t respect you, but that does not give you the right to cut corners, gossip or cheat in return. God demands that we love others the same way He does. We are to treat others according to the way God treats us.

Pay close attention as to why you do what you do. Are you doing things to please others or to please the Lord? God is worthy of our best effort.

Pray

Lord, increase my abilities to always give my best in everything I do. Give me wisdom to understand that I am working for You and You will reward my efforts. Thank You for giving me strength, knowledge and wisdom to do what I do.

Effective Prayers

Encouragement

“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15:7‬

Some people say that praying is useless because God is going to do what He wants to do. What’s the point of praying?  Sadly, those people are missing out on a blessing. Prayer is the most powerful and wonderful tool that we have to use. Prayer is powerful and miraculous when we are connected to Jesus. 

Jesus says that when we abide or remain in Him and if His words remain in us we can ask anything and it will happen. That is the secret to prayer. If we want our prayers to be heard and answered by God we need to know him and know Him closely. 

The more we know God the more we know the things of God. We won’t be asking for a million dollars to be in our bank account tomorrow morning. We will be more mindful of what others need more than what we want. 

We will be more aware of what God is already doing in our life and we will be in His will. We can expect our prayers to be answered because they are according to the Spirit of God. What are you praying for today?  

There’s nothing wrong about praying selfishly for the things that glorify God and praise His name. Prayer is effective and powerful when we abide in Him and His words abide in us. 

Pray

Lord, I seek you will all of my heart. I want to know you and honor you. Please lay on my heart what I need to pray for. 

Keep Growing

Encouragement

“We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other,” 
II Thessalonians 1:3

It is important that we grow in faith. God is constantly presenting us with new opportunities where we can mature in our faith and trust Him. Nothing pleases God more than when we fully trust in Him. 

Growing in our faith is a Christian process. We are continually faced with life situations that put our faith to the test. These tests let us know where we can improve but they also show us where God is leading us. 

God is equipping us to successfully conquer our next faith challenge. He is preparing you today for what is coming. God knows what we need.

You may be in the middle of a test right now. God may be waiting to see how you respond to what is happening in your life. Do you see God working in your life?

When we fully trust Him is when we can see what He is doing. We must keep advancing in our wisdom and faith. When we stop advancing we start slipping.

Be encouraged today. You have what you need through Jesus Christ. He will assist you and guide you through everything you face. You just need to recognize where you stand. 

Are you standing strong in your faith? Are you grounded in the truth of God’s Word?  Strengthen yourself in the Lord and keep growing in faith.

Pray

Lord, You are my strength. You are the One who establishes my ways. Keep me on track and in Your will.