Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: daily devotional

Attributes Of Jesus

Faith, Trust

David himself calls him Lord. So how is he his son?” And the great throng heard him gladly.
‭‭Mark‬ ‭12:37‬

Jesus had a multitude of followers but they were not the educated or the sophisticated. They were common people who gladly listened to His words. They received His preaching and teaching because His words were relatable and understandable.

Jesus had three attributes that contributed to His messages. First, He had godly character. People will listen when they witness godly character. If you don’t display godly character in your life, people will not listen to your message or testimony.

Second, Jesus had holy conduct.  His conduct proved what He said was true and honest.  His conduct was without flaw.  Holy conduct proves what you believe.  His conduct reflected what He taught.

Third, Jesus had concern for others.  Because He was concerned for others salvation, people would give their attention to Him.  When you show people that you care for them, they will gladly hear what you have to say.

With these three attributes people gladly listened to Jesus when He spoke.  Do you exhibit these three attributes in your life? Make your voice be heard by living like Jesus.

Pray

Lord, let others see You through my actions.  Let my words prove that You are my Lord. Give me boldness to share the gospel with everyone I see.

Devoted To Scripture

Encouragement, Trust

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭4:13‬

How important is the truth of God’s Word to you? Do you value the time in which you read and study the Bible? It must be important if you’re reading this devotional.

Keeping within the context of this verse, Paul is giving advice to Timothy on leading the church as a pastor.  Even though this is directed to Timothy as a minister, it can be beneficial for everyone.  As Christians, everyone is to be a spiritual leader of some sort.

Paul instructs Timothy to devote himself to the public reading, preaching and teaching of the Scriptures.  The Scriptures are to be the central focus of our life.  We can find true success in life if we devote ourselves to the Bible.  

The local church should be a place where people can hear the Word of God spoken accurately and plainly.  In Nehemiah 8, Ezra read from the Scriptures from early morning until midday.  As he opened the Book, the people stood and listened intently.

There is great power in hearing the Word of God.  Romans 10:17 says, “so faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

Are you devoted to the Word of God?

Prayer

Lord, Your Word is my central focus today.  Give me passion for Your Word as I desire to hear it and obey it. Help me to meditate on it and speak it to others.

What God Wants You To Do

Encouragement

Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭10:39‬ ‭

One of the most difficult challenges we face as Christians is understanding what God wants us to do with our lives. Sometimes it seems as clear as day, and at other times, it may seem clear as mud.

Thankfully today’s verse provides insight as to what God wants us to do with our lives.

Jesus said to His disciples in Matthew 10:39, “If your first concern is to look after yourself, you’ll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to Me, you’ll find both yourself and Me.” Sometimes we get confused with who is first in our life.  

If we focus on demonstrating our love for God by following His direction, loving others, and sharing the Christian message of hope, other parts of our life will come along. As the verse in Matthew 10:39 says, when we adjust ourselves to God’s standard, the confusion goes away.  When we are living our lives for the Lord’s sake we are right where we belong.  

It’s not about being someone special or doing something magnificent. It’s about placing yourself under the lordship of Jesus Christ.  It’s about placing the Lord’s work above all other things.

What are you doing today to put others first?

Pray

Lord, I know You have a plan for me. Help me to remember to align my plans to Your will and only then I can accomplish both.