Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: devotional

Hands And Feet Of Jesus

Encouragement, Salvation

“Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.”
‭‭John‬ ‭4:34‬

What are your top priorities today? Is it making it to work on time, making sure the kids behave, or completing a task that has been lingering for some time?

Whatever it is, it has your attention and your focus. Your focus becomes your priority and your priority becomes what you do.

Throughout the Gospels we can read and understand the focus and priorities of Jesus.  We also see the priorities of His disciples.  Jesus was more concerned with the spiritual needs of people and the disciples were most concerned with their physical needs.  

Many examples throughout the gospels prove that Jesus’ focus was on people knowing and believing Him. Everything Jesus did pointed people to God. The disciples were learning from Jesus what the most important priorities should be.

In the beginning verses of John 4, Jesus met with a Samaritan woman at the well.  The disciples left to go get some food and came back to give some to Jesus.  When they asked him to eat He said these words, “My food is to do the will of God and to do His work.”  Again while Jesus’ mind was on spiritual matters the disciples were thinking about feeding the flesh.  Jesus was giving the woman at the well eternal life while the disciples were more interested in being fed and satisfying themselves.

Jesus entrusts us to do His work.  We are the hands and feet of Jesus and need to be concerned with the spiritual needs of others as much as we are trying to meet their physical needs.  Sometimes we neglect sharing the truth with those who need it and concentrate on making sure they have something to eat.  

We should always make sure that we are giving the “bread of life” to those who are lost and hungry.  Giving someone something to eat and not offering them Jesus is missing out on a great opportunity to witness.  We need to be about our Lord’s business and make new disciples.

Pray

Lord, send someone in my direction and allow me time to share the truth of Jesus Christ with them. Let my priorities prove that my love for you is authentic.

Do You Follow Jesus?

Faith, Salvation, Trust

Whoever is not with Me is against Me, and whoever does not gather with Me scatters.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭12:30‬

There are those who follow Jesus and those who follow Satan.  There is no other choice.  Everyone must decide who they will follow.  

To be against Jesus is to side with Satan.  If you are not serving Christ you are serving Satan.  If you are against Jesus you are against God.  There is no peace for those who are against God.

Joshua said, “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15) 

The world has a lot to offer but it cannot give you anything permanent like what Jesus can.  The world will offer you happiness but Jesus gives you everlasting joy. Only Jesus can satisfy the longing of your soul.

Satan will deceive you and make you think that life is better without Jesus. Don’t fall in that trap. He comes to steal, kill and destroy. Jesus comes to give life and life more abundantly.

Which will you choose? To whom do you belong? Who gives you hope?

Pray

Lord, I will serve You and You only.  Guide me and direct my paths to do the work You call me to do. Thank You for giving me grace and forgiveness.

What Is Your Story?

Faith, Salvation

 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.
1 Peter 3:15

When was the last time you boldly asked someone if they have ever received God’s free gift of salvation?

There may be someone close to you that needs to hear your story of how you came to Jesus in faith.  Did you know that people are more likely to listen and relate to your story than they are to respond to a sermon?  That’s why it is so important for every Christian to be ready to give an account of their faith.

Every one has a testimony or a story of how and when they met Jesus Christ.  There is no testimony that is too boring or meaningless.  Your story might be the perfect words for someone to understand God’s grace and mercy.  

Don’t be fearful or bashful because the Holy Spirit will give you exactly what you need to say to those who need to hear exactly what you have to say.  You just need to be willing and ready to share your faith with everyone.

Truth is, most everyone who needs Jesus just needs the basics of knowing God’s love and compassion.  Simply telling someone that God sent His only Son to die on the cross for their sins could turn their life around.  

Just by speaking in the name of Jesus could make a world of difference.  A very easy way to start a conversation with someone is to simply say, “Have a blessed day!”

Pray

Lord, thank You for giving me Your salvation. Give me boldness to speak out and speak up for Jesus. Let my story be encouraging to others.