Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: God

June 4, 2023

Encouragement

When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭7‬

In our journey of faith, it sometimes feels as if we have enemies on all sides. During such times, it is easy to become overwhelmed and discouraged. Thankfully, today’s verse offers us a powerful promise and a source of hope.

When the Lord takes pleasure in our ways, He can transform our situations. His divine intervention brings about reconciliation and peace, even in the face of conflict. This promise serves as a reminder that God is actively involved in our lives and is concerned about our well-being.

The way to experience the fulfillment of this promise is to please the Lord in all our ways. As we align our thoughts and actions with His will, we invite His favor into our lives. It is important to remember that pleasing God doesn’t mean following a set of rules or religious rituals but rather developing a personal relationship with Him through Christ our Lord.

When we genuinely seek to please God, we position ourselves under His divine favor. This favor has the power to influence even our most challenging circumstances. Our enemies may plot against us, but God’s favor can cause them to make peace with us.

Are you truly seeking to please the Lord in all your ways? Trust that He will work all things together for your good.

Pray

Lord, I desire to please You in all that I do. Help me to trust in Your perfect timing and to rely on Your favor to bring peace in my life. Strengthen my faith as I seek to align my ways with Yours. In Jesus’ name, amen.

June 3, 2023

Encouragement

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬

In our fast-paced lives, it is easy for prayer to become an afterthought. However, the apostle Paul encourages us to “continue steadfastly in prayer.” This reminds us of the importance of prayer in our daily walk with God.

To continue steadfastly in prayer means to be devoted and committed in conversation with our God. It involves setting aside a dedicated time each day to seek God’s will and listen to His voice.

Yet, Paul doesn’t stop there. He urges us to be watchful in prayer. Prayer requires attentiveness. We are to be watchful for God’s guidance, His answers, and His presence.

Moreover, Paul emphasizes the significance of gratitude in our prayer life. We are to approach God with thanksgiving. Gratitude opens our hearts to a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father and cultivates a spirit of joy.

Prayer should never a burden but a precious privilege. It is the means by which we commune with our loving Father. Set aside some time for prayer and approach God with a heart filled with gratitude. It will strengthen your faith, comfort your heart, and guide you through every season of life.

Pray

Lord, thank You for blessing me with Your grace and presence. Help me to always turn to You in prayer for all things and in all things. Strengthen my faith and give me joy unspeakable.

June 2, 2023

Encouragement

Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭2‬

As Christ followers, we are called to be a light in the world, reflecting the love and grace of God to everyone around us. Our lives should be characterized by a genuine concern for the well-being of others. Building others up requires us to set aside our own desires and preferences and focus on what is beneficial for others.

When we seek to please our neighbors, we are driven by a desire to demonstrate Christ’s love and bring glory to God. This is accomplished by showing kindness, speaking words of encouragement, offering support, and meeting the needs of those around us.

Building others up requires being intentional and having a willingness to invest in others lives. It means taking time to listen and offer a helping hand. It means using our gifts and talents to bless others. It means praying for them and pointing them to the hope found in Jesus.

As we build up our neighbors, we become instruments of God. Our actions and attitudes have the power to transform others lives and bring them to Christ.

Strive to please your neighbors for their good, always seeking opportunities to build them up in Christ.

Pray

Lord, help me to live in a way that pleases my neighbors and builds them up. Give me wisdom and discernment to know how to encourage and support others. Help me to be intentional in my relationships and to use my gifts to bless those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.