Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: faith

What Does The Lord Require Of You

Salvation, Trust

What Does The Lord Require Of You

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
‭‭Micah‬ ‭6:8‬

It’s More Than Being Good

Some people think all you have to do is live a good and moral life and you will go to Heaven.  That is far from the truth of God’s Word.  That is a lie that Satan wants people to believe.  There will be a lot of good people die and go to Hell because they believed this lie.  Faith and belief in Jesus Christ is how you receive eternal life in Heaven. We live good and moral lives to glorify God for sending us His Son.

The prophet Micah gives us three ways to glorify God in our daily life. First, do justice.  This means we should be fair to all people and don’t judge them.  God is the judge so we must not judge others lest we be judged.  Second, love kindness.  We are not only to be kind to others but we are to love kindness.  We are to show mercy to others even if they have wronged us.  Third, walk humbly.  As Believer’s we are to put others first.  Just as Christ was a humble servant, so we are to be Christ-like.

But are these the only requirements?

When asked what was the greatest commandment of the law, Jesus replied, “you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:35-39)  We will never fully satisfy the requirements of God but we can be justified through the works of Jesus Christ who did fulfill all His requirements.

Prayer

Thank God for His mercy and grace and then show others how thankful you are.

Resurrection Sunday

Encouragement, Faith, Salvation, Trust

Resurrection Sunday

He is not here, for He has risen, as He (Jesus) said.

Matthew 28:6

Because He Lives

Today we celebrate the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior of the world. Easter Sunday is a day that the world can be sure that God’s promises are true and that redemption is accomplished. Because Jesus lived a perfect and holy life on this Earth His blood that was shed on the cross became the atonement for our sins. In other words, Jesus paid the ultimate price for sin which is death!

On the third day (Sunday) Jesus defeated death and sin by bringing Himself back to life. Only God the Son could do such magnificent and miraculous work. That is why we worship and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Only Jesus could live and die and then live again. All power and majesty are given unto Him!

Because He lives, we have hope and assurance in salvation. One day we all will leave this Earth but glory to God we shall see Jesus face to face. Heaven awaits us for eternal life in perfect harmony and glory. There will be no more sin! No more death! No more tears! No more suffering! It’s all because of Jesus. It’s all because Jesus lived. It’s all because Jesus died. It’s all because He lives! Celebrate today with the joy and blessedness that we have received because God so loved the world that He gave us His only Son so that all who believe in Him will not perish. Jesus gives us everlasting life!

Prayer

Lord, thank you for dying in my place and forgiving me of my sins. Thank you for giving me eternal life in Heaven. I will live for your glory so that others may know you as I do.

Daily Devotional

Call Upon Me

Faith, Trust

Call Upon Me

And call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.
Psalm 50:15

A Right Way of Thinking

The theme of Psalm 50 specifically deals with our view of God and how a wrong view of God can lead to a wrong way of thinking.  It primary deals with our giving to God, financially.

The scene is portrayed in a courtroom where God is the judge and He gathers the faithful ones to the stand (vs. 5).  It’s as if God’s people are the defendants on trial.  The people were giving but foolishly thought God needed their sacrifices and it insulted Him (vs. 8).  God reminded them that He didn’t need anything because He owns everything (vs 9-13).

Three things are listed in verses 14-15 that will establish a right way of thinking.  First, every gift (tithe and offering) must be offered up to God with a heart of thanksgiving. Everything belongs to God and He gives to everyone liberally.  It shouldn’t be an issue to give back to God a portion of what He has given to us.  Second, vows are to be paid to the Most High as a way of keeping our promises made to Him. An example might be, “God if you will let me out of this speeding ticket, I will give $100 to someone in need.”  Paying a vow expresses knowledge that God fulfilled His obligation. Third, call upon the Lord in the day of trouble.  We need to acknowledge that He is in control of all things.  He will delivers us and we praise His great name.

Give with gratitude, keep your promises, and call out to God for help.  These things please the Lord and gives Him glory.

Prayer

Pray and glorify God for His amazing grace!