Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: daily devotional

Believe Or Not

Encouragement

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
Romans 8:5

There are only two kinds of people in this world. Romans 8:5-8 draws a sharp and distinctive difference between these two kinds of people. There are believers and nonbelievers of Jesus Christ.

There are some who live according to the flesh (or self will) and some who live according to the Spirit (the will of god). There is a distinction between the two. There is not a third or fourth class of people. Either you are saved or not.

Paul states there is an indication of salvation in your life. Do you live for yourself or do you live for the Lord?

Once you make a decision to follow Jesus your mindset is changed. Paul says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

No longer should you desire to live according the the things of the flesh. The things of the flesh lead to death but the things of the Spirit lead to everlasting life.

A true believer will show characteristics of being humble, kind, loving, and graceful. An unbeliever will show signs of being greedy, prideful, selfish, and unforgiving. It’s easy to see the difference, especially in the Christmas season.

What display of characteristics do you show? As long as you are walking in the flesh, you will display the things of the flesh. But if you are walking according to the Spirit of God, you will be displaying the image of God through everything you say and do.

Pray

Lord, I belong to You and You have changed my life. I no longer desire the things of the flesh but I desire to live for You. Help me to take up my cross everyday and die to self.

Suffering For A Purpose

Faith, Trust

Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:19‬

We often find ourselves in the midst of suffering. Suffering can surface in various forms such as mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. As we live for Christ, we will suffer for Christ.

So what should our attitude be when we encounter such great suffering?

Peter gives us detailed steps on how we should respond to suffering. First, we are to rejoice. 1 Peter 4:13 says, “But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” God is in control of all things and allowing your suffering for a reason.

Second, verse 17 says we are to review our lives. “For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” Our suffering may be happening because God is cleaning house and He will start with His own first. If the suffering is due to our sin, we need to confess and repent immediately. But always remember Job; he suffered hard and was righteous.

Third, verse 19 says we are to simply rely on Him. “Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” When we realize that our suffering is for the cause of Christ, we need to rely on the grace of God. Just rely on God’s promises.

Pray

Lord, give me strength to endure the suffering You have set before me and give me wisdom to understand why. Help me to rely on You for all things.

New Life In Jesus

Trust

“Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance,”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭3:8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

John the Baptist tried to prepare people for the coming Messiah but many would not listen.  They held tight to their false religion. Sounds a lot like today’s world, doesn’t it?

Some of the Jews did not keep the Law of God as they were commanded to do. Some of the Jews repented but others, especially the religious leaders, were too prideful to repent.  They thought they were good people.

Jesus’ message was similar in nature but instead of trying to keep the law, He wanted people to turn to Him in a personal relationship.  He wanted people to trust Him for forgiveness.

Jesus preached a message of grace and peace that could only be found through Him. They needed to trust in Him as the Messiah. 

We too need to trust in His saving grace. It’s not until we have an experience with Jesus that we seek His righteousness. Zacchaeus is a wonderful example of a changed life after experiencing Jesus in a personal way.

Some people look at salvation as having to give up something they really like. However, our salvation through Jesus is something we’ve gained. We’ve gained eternal life, forgiveness of sin, peace, and hope. And it’s all a gift through faith.

Are you trying to hold on to something of your old life before Jesus?  

You will never enjoy all that God has in store for you until you give up and surrender everything to Jesus.  It will be obvious by the way you live if you’ve experienced a new life in Christ. 

Pray

Lord, I trust in You for forgiveness and eternal life. Replace my heart of stone with a new heart that loves and obeys You. Let my life prove that I’ve been saved and redeemed.