Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: faith

May 20, 2023

Encouragement

“My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.”
‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭29‬

Jesus affirmed the assurance we have as Believers, assuring us that no force can ever snatch us away from the loving grip of our Heavenly Father.

It is essential to grasp the significance of this wonderful truth. We will undoubtedly face trials and difficulties in our journey of faith. The enemy will attempt to sow seeds of doubt and insecurity, seeking to separate us from the love and grace of our saving God. But we can find comfort and peace in knowing that nothing will ever snatch us away from the grip of our heavenly Father.

When you feel weak and vulnerable, remember that you are not alone. You have a Shepherd who goes before you, walks beside you, and carries you when you cannot walk on your own. He is intimately acquainted with your struggles, your pain, and your fears. In His hand, you find refuge, strength, and everlasting security.

In times of uncertainty, when the storms of life threaten to overwhelm, you can rest assured that you are held firmly in the hands of the One who holds the universe together. The trials we face may seem unbearable, but they are no match for the power of our God. Trust in His unfailing love, knowing that His grip is unyielding and His promises are unbreakable.

Let this truth strengthen your faith and deepen your trust. Surrender completely to the care of a Good Shepherd, knowing that you are forever secure in the hand of your heavenly Father.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the assurance that I have in Your Word. I am grateful for the love and protection You extend to me through Jesus. Help me to remember that nothing can snatch me from Your hand.

May 19, 2023

Encouragement

but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭15‬

As believers, we are called to embrace both truth and love. These two components are inseparable when it comes to our relationships with God and with others. Living in a world full of lies, deception, and manipulation, the call to speak the truth in love is a requirement for every believer.

When we speak the truth, we align ourselves with the character of Christ. Jesus proclaimed, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6). Truth is not merely a concept but the person of Jesus Christ. As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate Him with our words, actions, and attitudes.

However, speaking the truth can sometimes be a challenge. Especially when it involves addressing difficult or sensitive issues. Hence the reason why the apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth in love. Truth without love can become condemning. On the other hand, love without truth can lead to compromise. The combination of the two brings about peace and harmony.

Speaking the truth in love is not about winning arguments or proving our superiority but about nurturing genuine connections and fostering growth in others. When we embrace the call to speak the truth in love, we become examples of Christ.

Do your words, actions and attitude reflect a right fellowship with Christ?

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your Word that guides and instructs me. Help me to embrace the call to speak the truth in love. Fill my heart with Your truth, that my words and actions will reflect Your character.

Encountering Others

Encouragement

Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭5‬-‭6‬

Sometimes we encounter people who do not share our same beliefs and values. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, encourages us to be wise in our attitude and actions toward nonbelievers. Let’s reflect on these two verses and discover the wisdom they offer.

Walk in wisdom: As followers of Christ, our actions should reflect His character and love. We are called to be intentional in the way we conduct ourselves, especially when interacting with those who do not share our faith. We must be wise in our actions, showing kindness, compassion, and respect to everyone we encounter.

Make the most of every opportunity: We must strive to make a positive impact on others. Each interaction, whether big or small, can be an opportunity to reflect God’s love and share the hope we have in Christ. We must be alert and prayerful, asking God to open doors for us to share His love and truth.

Let your speech be full of grace: Our words hold tremendous power. They can either build someone up or tear someone down. They can encourage or discourage, bring peace or cause strife. As followers of Christ, we should speak with kindness, empathy, and humility, seeking to bridge gaps and foster unity.

Seasoned with salt: The words we speak should be seasoned with grace, wisdom, and truth. The world needs Christ’s message of redemption and love. We need to be intentional with our words.

As we strive to live out these verses, our ultimate goal is to honor and glorify God in all that we do. By walking in wisdom, making the most of every opportunity, speaking graciously, and seasoning our speech with salt, we can be vessels of God’s love and truth in a world in need.

Pray

Lord, grant me wisdom to interact with those who do not know You. Help me to make the most of every situation to share Your love and truth. Use me as a vessel of Your transformative power to impact others for Your glory.