Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: daily devotional

Make A Difference

Faith, Trust

‘Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.’
I Corinthians 16:13-14

This is the only place in the New Testament where the Greek word for “be brave” is used (andrizomai). It literally means “to act like a man.”

Paul emphasized 5 military commands: Watch, continually be on guard, lest you be surprised by your enemies… Stand fast, keep in your ranks, not disorderly… Be brave, maintain your ground… Be strong, summon up all your courage.

Paul knew what it meant to be a soldier for Jesus Christ. He experienced great opposition for the cause of Christ and considered the reward as a blessing. Sometimes we sit by silently because we don’t want to offend or cause a problem. But when it comes to our convictions we must maintain our ground and be brave.

Shadrach, Meshac, and Abednego didn’t coward down to governmental officials. Joseph didn’t let bad circumstances destroy his destiny. Caleb and Joshua foresaw victory when the rest of the eight spies saw defeat. The list goes on but what remains true of each of the brave men and women mentioned in the Bible is that they stood their ground and God blessed them.

Be brave today and maintain your ground with conviction. Be the one who is left standing when everyone else is gone. Anything that’s worth having is worth fighting for. Be led by the Holy Spirit in what you say and do to show love and gentleness while being brave. Be someone who makes a difference.

Pray

Lord, help me not to fear anyone or anything but You. Give me strength and boldness to be brave. Guard my heart from evil thoughts and let Your love shine through me.

You Can Win

Faith

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
James 1:12

Do you feel like you can’t win no matter how hard you try? You can win but you must know how to fight the battle.

We are constantly in a spiritual battle. Our nation, our churches, our families, our children, we all are under attack. Satan is fighting for the souls of men.

Satan will use whatever and whoever to divide and conquer. He will do whatever to steal, kill, and destroy. He will devour the weak.

So many Christians are not prepared for this battle. If we are going to win the battle we must be armored, strengthened, and ready to fight. Remember it’s a spiritual battle.

We must endure to the end. We must finish the race. And at the finish line is our reward, the crown of life.

Jesus gives us strength. His Word gives us wisdom. The Holy Spirit gives us courage. We have everything we need to win.

We can overcome every temptation we face. Jesus overcame the temptation of the devil with speaking the truth; the Word of God. He gives us what we need to endure and be approved.

What will you do today to prepare for the battle?

Pray

Lord, equip me and sustain me for what I will face today. Give me Your strength and courage to fight to the end. Thank You for giving me the crown of life.

Salt And Light

Faith

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Matthew 5:13-14

Are you the salt and light Jesus has called you to be? Do people see Jesus in you?

It is time that Christians make a difference in our world. We need to step out in faith and show the world we love them enough to be uncomfortable. If we don’t love them then who will?

Tragically, we are tempted with the notion that we may offend someone by sharing our faith in Jesus. But more importantly we should be aware that it offends Jesus when we miss an opportunity to speak outwardly about our faith.

Not everyone can just walk up to someone and boldly begin speaking and asking questions. But everyone has a unique way that they can witness.

Some may share their faith in a way of serving people. Some may write a letter or a note. Others use their testimony of how God brought them out from a life of sin and rebellion. Still others have an encouraging charm about them that attracts people to listen.

We all have the responsibility to share the message of Jesus however the Holy Spirit sees fit to do so. We must be the salt and light in the world for others to notice. Today there may be a person you come in contact with that needs eternal life. Will you share your faith with them?

Pray

Lord, I want to be a witness of your love and grace. I want people to see You in me. Give me an opportunity to share my faith with someone who is lost.