Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: daily devotional

Without Controversy, Part 1

Faith

‘And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.’
I Timothy 3:16

1 Timothy 3:16 is a wonderful verse and loaded with great truths. For the next few days we will break apart each phrase and dig deeper into the meaningful fundamentals of our Christian faith. The Apostle Paul reveals to us, and ages to come, a mystery of godliness.

In keeping the context of chapter 3, Paul is writing to Christian leaders instructing them on godly conduct, internal and external purity, and spiritual living. Each of these elements are expressed in the believer’s behavior.

The grace of God is made available to all who believe. This wonderful truth needs to be taught and spoken without controversy. It’s unfortunate when Christians debate or deny the fundamental truths of Christianity.

People develop personal beliefs by revelation of God’s Word and through inspiration of the Holy Spirit, but sound doctrine is based upon Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection, and glorification. Debating or denying these truths cause controversy.

Godliness is weaved into every born-again believer and is not something conjured up. Godliness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit that needs to be evident in our lives so that Christ is glorified. The more that Christ shines the more that people will believe.

Pray

Lord, thank You for saving my soul and making me a new creature. Thank You that the Word of God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. May my behavior reflect the glory and riches of Your great grace.

Election Day

Trust

‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.’
Isaiah 55:9

When we look back through the Old Testament we see God appointing various kings and leaders. Some were noted to be good and some were evil. But all in all, God appointed them to rule.

Let’s take a trip back to 1 Samuel 8 when the elders of Israel came to Samuel and asked him to appoint a king to judge the nation. Verse 6 says, ‘But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” So Samuel prayed to the Lord . And the Lord said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them. ‘ (I Samuel 8:6-7) In chapter 9 we read that Saul became the first king rule over Israel.

Tragically, Saul was not a good king. But what we see throughout history is that God appoints the leaders of all nations. Some seek the Lord and some do not. Some rule well but some do not.

Today we will see who God appoints for our nation. Regardless of who you vote(d) for, you cannot boast triumphantly nor can you despair since God sovereignly appointed our president. One thing is for sure, God is known for using whoever He chooses – even your enemies – to accomplish His great plans and purposes.

No matter who becomes our president, he is not God. Our nation needs to turn to God because He still reigns over us. May we all be like Samuel and pray to the Lord for guidance and protection. It’s not too late!

Pray

Lord, bless our nation. Bless our next national and local leaders. May they turn to You for guidance and wisdom. Allow us as a nation to trust in You.