Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: daily devotional

True And Eternal Value

Trust

‘Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. ‘
James 5:1-3

What would you do if you knew that your bank accounts would be empty tomorrow? Would go buy as much as gold and silver that you could?

What if you owned stock in a company that you knew was going under tomorrow? You would sell your stock today, right? It wouldn’t make sense to hold on to something that has no value.

It’s obvious that we ought to invest in things that last and let go of things that are of no value. Only a wise person will comprehend that the material things of this world will not last but to invest their life into the life that is to come.

James gives us much needed wisdom today. He says that our treasures here on earth are already corrupted and moth-eaten. Our possessions will testify against us for wasting what God has entrusted us with.

Stockpiling is not an act of faith or trust. Instead it is a lack of being a good steward of what God has blessed us with. In fact, some of our possessions are keeping us from being close to God. It may be time to get rid of something.

What if Jesus returned today? What you have stored up wouldn’t matter. But what would matter are the things that bring glory to God instead of yourself.

Pray

Lord, keep me grounded in Your Word and truth. Help me to have an eternal mindset. Show me how to invest in the kingdom of heaven.

Choose Your Words Wisely

Encouragement

‘Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. ‘
Ephesians 4:29

In Matthew 12:34 Jesus says, “You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” The words that you speak come straight from the thoughts of your heart. You can’t hide it!

How would you describe your speech? Do your words build up others or tear them down? Encouraging and uplifting words always go further than the negative ones. People are drawn to encouraging people.

The Bible also says in Proverbs 18:21, “life and death are in the power of the tongue.” Destructive words can really hurt. Just think about all the hurtful words that have been said to you. You probably don’t remember exactly what was said but you remember how it made you feel.

Paul tells us in today’s Scripture verse to speak in such a way that we build others up and not to tear them down. Our words need to be graceful and helpful, especially while we point others to Jesus.

If our words reveal what is in our heart, we may need to have a change of heart before we speak. We will never always agree with others so we need to embrace the diversity and learn how to be graceful in our disagreements. Look for ways to build others up around you. Give words of encouragement so others will see the love of Jesus.

Pray

Lord, know my heart and teach me to do good. Change my heart so I can only speak encouraging words. Forgive me of saying words that have torn people down.

You Are Not Alone

Encouragement, Faith

‘Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should abe alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” ‘
Genesis 2:18

After God created man, He said, “it is not good that man should be alone.” God wants us to love others and to be loved by others. It’s important that we have social interaction with others and feel a sense of community and fellowship. Maintaining healthy relationships with others is vital to a healthy lifestyle, physically and spiritually.

There are some negative effects of loneliness that could have an impact on your health. Studies have shown that those who feel lonely or isolated choose more unhealthy food options and are less motivated. Loneliness can also lead to depression.

The devil tries to isolate you and make you feel like a prisoner in solitary confinement. He tries to eliminate your community and fellowship with others. But God provided a solution to the problem and created other people.

He told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply. (Genesis 1:28) After the flood He told Noah and his sons to be fruitful and multiply. (Genesis 9:1) He told Jacob to be fruitful and multiply. (Genesis 35:11) God wants us to be with and around other people.

We have become a society that avoids people and personal, social contact. We even have a fear that contact with others will cause sickness and the spread of viruses. We need to use caution but we still need personal interaction with others.

Do you know someone who lives alone? Have you noticed someone close to you not being as social anymore? Reach out to that someone today and let them know they are loved by you and loved by God.

Are you feeling a sense of loneliness? As a Christian you are not alone. Christ is living inside of you and He is with you. The Holy Spirit is our Helper and Comforter. Jesus said, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:18)

Pray

Lord, give me peace and comfort through Your Spirit today. Help me to notice who is lonely and share Your love and comfort with them. Thank You for giving us the Holy Spirit to help us.