Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: daily devotional

Tell The Good News

Trust

‘Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” ‘
John 20:21

One of the worst things is for Christians to remain silent. It is our duty and responsibility to share our faith just as Jesus sent the disciples to do. How are you sharing your faith with others?

There’s no better time than now to share the Good News of Jesus Christ! The world needs to hear it and see it. And we need to proclaim it and live it. We miss too many opportunities to share our testimony or share the love of Jesus with those we come into contact with.

God has chosen us to be His witnesses in this world. That doesn’t mean that we must stand on a street corner and condemn people of their sins. We share our faith with others because we are concerned with their eternal destiny. We have Good News to give and they want it; they just don’t know what to do with it, yet.

If you have a voice, speak about Jesus. If you can sing, sing aloud to Heaven so others will hear a joyful noise. Can you teach? Teach someone the truth of God’s word. Are you called to preach? Proclaim the full Gospel of Jesus Christ. Can you write? Use your skillset so others may know the love of Jesus Christ.

The Devil wants you silent. Jesus wants you to witness. Loving others is a good witnessing tool. People want to be loved and people need to be loved. Today is a good day to share your faith with someone who needs the love of Jesus.

Pray

Lord, give me boldness to speak my faith when I’m tempted to remain silent. Let me show love and kindness to someone who needs it today.

Doing It 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 Christian life. 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.

Everyone Needs Jesus

Faith, Salvation

‘Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” ‘
Acts 3:6

Have you ever had someone ask you for money and you didn’t have any cash on-hand to give them? I don’t mean just another beggar asking for money, I’m talking about someone who you really wanted to help but you couldn’t. It’s a bad feeling to know that you can’t help someone who really needs it.

Peter and John faced a similar situation. While walking into the temple to pray, Peter was asked by a lame man if he had any money to give. Peter didn’t give him money, instead he gave him the best thing that he could ever receive and that was… a new life. Peter had faith that the beggar could be healed and he was.

Immediately the man got up and started praising God. The Bible says that all who saw him were amazed at what happened. Peter used this miracle as a preaching opportunity and Acts 4:4 tells us that about five thousand men were saved because of it.

Perhaps the best words that Peter said were, “What I do have I give you.” Peter knew that he possessed what the lame man needed. Not just a healing but salvation. Don’t ever miss an opportunity to share your faith with someone who is in need. God may be sending someone to you today so that you will give them what you have.

Pray

Lord, give me the spiritual power to give people what they need. Help me to notice when someone is in need. Thank You for giving me the best thing that has ever happened in my life.