Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: God

Peace And Holiness

Encouragement

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:
Hebrews 12:14

Have you ever considered the importance of peace and holiness? The command in today’s verse is to pursue peace and holiness. This means that we are to walk right with both men and God.

A lack of holiness is a critical obstacle to a close relationship with the Lord. Charles Spurgeon once said, “Unholy Christians are the plague of the church. They are spots in our feasts of charity. Like hidden rocks, they are the terror of navigators. It is hard to steer clear of them; and there is no telling what wrecks they may cause.”

You may be active in church attendance, engaged in spiritual activities, and believe you are a spiritual person, but if you do not have holiness you are missing a vital part of being a follower of Christ. Holiness is godliness and Christlikeness. 

Jesus lived a holy and perfect life that was in complete obedience to God the Father. Everything He did pointed people to God. His peace and holiness showed the glory of God.

You cannot pursue peace and holiness outside a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Good works alone will not get you into Heaven. The closer you are to the Lord the more peace and holiness you will pursue.

Pray

Lord, will You give me the strength and courage to avoid evil and pursue peace and holiness? Forgive me and cleanse me of all sin. Fill me with Your love and joy.

Keep Growing

Encouragement

“We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other,” 
II Thessalonians 1:3

It is important that we grow in faith. God is constantly presenting us with new opportunities where we can mature in our faith and trust Him. Nothing pleases God more than when we fully trust in Him. 

Growing in our faith is a Christian process. We are continually faced with life situations that put our faith to the test. These tests let us know where we can improve but they also show us where God is leading us. 

God is equipping us to successfully conquer our next faith challenge. He is preparing you today for what is coming. God knows what we need.

You may be in the middle of a test right now. God may be waiting to see how you respond to what is happening in your life. Do you see God working in your life?

When we fully trust Him is when we can see what He is doing. We must keep advancing in our wisdom and faith. When we stop advancing we start slipping.

Be encouraged today. You have what you need through Jesus Christ. He will assist you and guide you through everything you face. You just need to recognize where you stand. 

Are you standing strong in your faith? Are you grounded in the truth of God’s Word?  Strengthen yourself in the Lord and keep growing in faith.

Pray

Lord, You are my strength. You are the One who establishes my ways. Keep me on track and in Your will. 

Give People Jesus

Encouragement

‘Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” ‘ 
Acts 3:6

Have you ever had someone ask you for money and you didn’t have any cash on-hand to give them? I don’t mean just another beggar asking for money, I’m talking about someone who you really wanted to help but you couldn’t. It’s a bad feeling to know that you can’t help someone who really needs it.

Peter and John faced a similar situation. While walking into the temple to pray, Peter was asked by a lame man if he had any money to give. Peter didn’t give him money, instead he gave him the best thing that he could ever receive and that was… a new life. Peter had faith that the beggar could be healed and he was.

Immediately the man got up and started praising God. The Bible says that all who saw him were amazed at what happened. Peter used this miracle as a preaching opportunity and Acts 4:4 tells us that about five thousand men were saved because of it.

Perhaps the best words that Peter said were, “What I do have I give you.” Peter knew that he possessed what the lame man needed. Not just a healing but salvation. Don’t ever miss an opportunity to share your faith with someone who is in need. God may be sending someone to you today so that you will give them what you have. 

Pray

Lord, give me the spiritual power to give people what they need. Help me to notice when someone is in need. Thank You for giving me the best thing that has ever happened in my life.