Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: daily devotional

Eliminate Your Worry

Faith, Trust

“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭12:25‬

Did you know most of the things you fear will happen will never happen?  Most of our fears come from a misunderstanding of God’s love and grace.  If God takes care of His children and provides every need then why should we worry?

Jesus provides a solution that helps us eliminate all anxiety.  In Luke 12:22, Jesus instructed His disciples not to worry about their physical needs.  Jesus says your life is worth more than worrying about food and clothing.  

Because you exist to glorify Him, He will supply your every need.  We are not to worry if we have enough now or if we will have enough in the future.  

Worry is a lack of trust.  Worry is a sin!  Remember that God provided in times of hunger.  There are many examples in the Bible including, Joseph saving his family, God providing daily Manna, Jesus feeding the 5,000 men and the list goes on and on.  

When you worry, Jesus asks, “Where is your faith?”

Jesus says in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”  The solution to a worry-free life is to live a life of worship and praise to God.  Seek Him first, then all other things will be added.  Paul says in Colossians 3:1, “seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”  Set your mind on Heavenly things.

So what are you worried about today?  Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7)

Pray

Lord, I know I shouldn’t worry. Help me to trust you more everyday. I know you are aware of my thoughts and cares. I give glory to your name.

Joy vs. Sin

Encouragement

‘You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. ‘
1 Peter 1:8

Are you living a holy and righteous life? If you can say “yes” then most likely you are experiencing a fullness of joy.

As our verse for today says, “we rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy!” That’s a joy that’s so incredible you can’t even express it. And it’s all because of Jesus Christ.

At conversion, Jesus changes our life and gives us a new reason to live. The old self is dead and our new life is established in the purposes and plans of God. What a glorious way of living for Jesus!

Holiness is not about being religious. Rather, pure holiness is a beautiful expression and demonstration of the character of God. God desires that we live positively joyful while being disciplined and dedicated to the things that makes God happy.

The reason why people are not rejoicing is because they are harboring sin and shame. If you are not a joyful person you need to search your heart and repent of your sin. Then God will renew a right spirit within you and you will become joyful.

There is no joy in living in sin. Some people may enjoy their sin but there is no joy in their life. Instead they are miserable and disappointed.

But those who seek Him and His righteousness are full of inexpressible joy.

The only way we can remain pure and holy is to stay focussed on what is good, true, and right.

Pray

Lord, make my heart and mind reflect upon You and Your promises. Your ways and thoughts are much higher than mine. Give me a joy that reflects Your character.

God’s Truth Makes Him Faithful

Faith, Trust

‘Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments; ‘
Deuteronomy 7:9

We live in a world full of broken promises. From workplaces to marriages there are people suffering from broken promises and unfulfilled commitments.  A person’s word has no merit when it comes to contracts and legal documents.  Unkept promises make for a very frustrating life.

When we learn about the truth of God we know that faithfulness is part of His character.  It’s what makes Him God. He keeps His word because He is faithful.  If God were not faithful, we could not be saved nor would there be any reason to pray and absolutely no hope for the future.

To say that God is faithful we must realize that what He speaks is the truth.  He says what He means and means what He says.  His word never fails or falters.  His promises will always come to pass.  2 Corinthians 1:20 says, “For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him. That is why it is through Him that we utter our Amen to God for His Glory.”  If God says it we can count on it.

Sometimes when we face trials in our life we tend to think that God has either forgotten about us or He doesn’t care what happens to us.  That is far from the truth and we must change the way we view God’s character.  God loves His children and He is faithful in every aspect known to man.

Pray

Lord, thank You for keeping Your promises. I know that You can only be the Truth. As I rely on Your word for hope and joy, let me never forget Your faithfulness.