Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: daily devotional

Suffering For Christ’s Sake

Encouragement

‘But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. ‘
Acts 28:3

Have you ever wondered why bad things happen to people who are doing God’s work? Sometimes we think just because we are on mission for God we should be immune to the sufferings and trials of this world.

On a mission trip Paul was shipwrecked and landed on the Island of Malta. Luke tells us that when they came ashore the islanders welcomed them with unusual kindness. Since they were cold and wet, they built a campfire.

Paul laid a bundle of sticks on the fire and a viper struck him on the hand. This is when we have to ask, why would God allow such a suffering? Wasn’t the shipwreck enough? Now a poisonous snake bite?

Some people might say that the devil is trying to interfere with God’s work. Or others might say that God is mad and causing havoc on His children. What’s interesting about this verse today is that it states why the viper bit him.

It says, because of the heat, the viper came out. The heat from the fire made the snake mad and aggressive. It wasn’t because of the devil, it was because of the natural causes of heat.

Let’s not forget that Paul shook off the snake and never swelled or got sick. Even though he was bitten by a viper, the islanders saw the power of God in Paul.

We may get sick or hurt from time to time. Viruses and germs may surround us. Natural disasters will occur. As Christians we are not immune to any of it. But we can trust the power of God to overcome our difficulties.

We pray for God to bless our endeavors. But because we encounter suffering, we shouldn’t be so quick to blame anyone or anything especially God. God only wants the best for us. Use the sufferIngs in your life to bring glory to God.

Pray

Lord, I pray that You bless my labor for Your kingdom. Help me to use and enjoy the gifts that You have given unto me. I will praise Your great name in the good times and the bad.

God-Fearing, Faithful Mothers

Trust

“When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.”
‭‭II Timothy‬ ‭1:5‬

Today we celebrate the women who are called by the name “mom.” What a great day to honor and cherish the mothers and women who mean so much to us.

Mothers are very important and influential.  Their worth and value can never be measured monetarily.  They never get a day off nor do they take a vacation from being a mother.

Paul mentioned that Timothy had a godly grandmother and mother.  Paul honors Lois and Eunice for being the faith influencers in Timothy’s life.  Because Timothy had a godly mother and grandmother, he became a godly man.  

Timothy’s mother instilled godly convictions and doctrinal truth into him as a young man.  She didn’t wait till he was grown, she began teaching him godly character at an early age.  It’s very clear that Lois and Eunice trained their son and grandson in the ways of the Lord.

Passing on sincere faith to our children is a necessity.  Sincere faith is genuine. Sincere faith takes time and effort to pass on to others.  Many hours of prayer and teaching the Scriptures go into raising a child to be strong in their faith.  

Godly mothers take the necessary time to teach what it means to be faithful in all things.  They teach their children the purpose of having sincere faith.

There is no such thing as a perfect mom but there are many who are close to it. Our moms need to be recognized for their love and commitment to passing on their faith to us. Make time today to say something special to your mom.

Pray

Lord, thank You for our godly mothers.  We give you praise and honor for giving us such wonderful teachers of Your Word. Give us more godly women who can continue the great work.

Faith Leads To Action

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Matthew‬ ‭16:16‬

What we choose to do and say today proves what we believe to be true about Jesus. Our faith in Jesus speaks louder than words. If our faith is weak, our life choices reflect it.

Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭16:13‬) He wasn’t asking this question because He didn’t know the answer, instead He was asking to make the disciples think.

So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?””‭‭ (vs.14-15‬) Then Peter responded with the most profound statement of his life. “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God!”

Jesus asked this question while in the distance behind him was a landscape of false gods and idol worship. Caesarea Philippi was a region that was said to be the birthplace of the god Pan, the god of nature. There was also a temple built of white marble to the godhead of Caesar.

It was if Jesus intentionally sat against the background of various religions and demanded the disciples to declare Him as the One True God. And that is exactly what Peter did.

We have the same opportunity today. In your backdrop of life is a mixture of idols and false gods that compete with Jesus Christ. And it is as if Jesus is demanding for you to proclaim that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. You may not say the words but your actions prove what you believe.

We can look at our bank account ledger and notice what we believe to be most important in our life. The way we spend money and what we spend money on prove to be a major factor of what is most important.

We can say with words that Jesus is the One True God but the way we live out our faith is what matters most. Are you living our your faith in Jesus Christ? Do you trust Him to be your One True God? Do you serve Christ in a way that points others to Him? Let’s be like Peter and declare that Jesus is the Son of the Living God.

Pray

Lord, I believe in You as the One True God. Remove any and all idols that stand in the way of serving you only. I trust You and know you are in control of all things.