Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: God

You Are The Church

Encouragement

Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.
‭‭Acts‬ ‭9:31‬

Churches today don’t need new programs or events to lure people in. They need the power of God intervening through the work of the Holy Spirit. We need to get back to the basics of what the Scriptures set forth as an example of how a church can prosper. 

We have insight through Scripture of what the early church experienced as they spiritually grew and prospered. Many times we try to create ways for our churches to prosper but the model for ministry is laid forth through the New Testament, especially in the book of Acts. 

Acts 9:31 gives us 4 specific ingredients that are proven to make the power of God come alive. First, we notice that the church experienced peace. We should promote peace with one another in fellowship. People gravitate to places where there is peace.

Second, we see that the early church was edified. The word means to build up. Specifically the church was a place of encouragement. People were encouraged when they met together. They were full of joy and peace and it caused them to be encouraging to one another.

Thirdly, we read that the church was walking in fear of the Lord. The new Christians reverenced God and were convicted of their sins. God can only bless what is right. If His people are not confessing sin and striving for holiness and righteousness we are hindered from growing and prospering. 

Last, we see the church was comforted by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was promised by Jesus to come as our Comforter. The Holy Spirit guides and directs us to the things of God so we can be purposeful. We all have a purpose and God calls us to do His will. 

These 4 ingredients stand as a model for what it takes for us to grow and prosper as a church and individuals. We all play an important part in the work of God. 

Have you discovered what your purpose is as a follower of Christ? Are you part of a church that is purposely growing and building the kingdom of Heaven?

Pray

Lord, give us peace and let us be built upon the foundation of Jesus. We serve and honor you as our Lord. Let Your Spirit strengthen us to do a work that is greater than us. 

Controlling Your Emotions

Encouragement

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
Mark 12:30

Expressing feelings is a part of life that must be controlled. People let their emotions control their actions. We must keep ourselves holy and righteous.

Your soul manifests your emotions, feelings, attitudes and actions. How you process your emotions is vital.

God says that we are to love Him with all our soul. Our primary reason for existence is to glorify God with who we are and what we have. That means we should express our emotions toward God so that others may know Him and believe in Him.

Sadly, we see people, Christians as well, expressing personal emotions toward political and social issues and but not so much spiritual. God wants us to express our emotions and feelings about the things that matter in our relationship with Christ. 

In the Scriptures we see political and social groups that rose up against Christ. The Pharisees and the Sadducees hated Jesus. They even tried to stone Him and kill Him before He went to the cross. 

They viewed Jesus as a threat in their political agenda. Jesus confronted the issues many times with them and called them out on their unrighteous behavior. 

As Christians, we must be the light in the darkness. Our love for God must be put on display for the whole world to see. How will unsaved people come to know Christ if they never witness the love of God?

We are called to be witnesses of Christ. Let’s express our love to God through a passionate relationship with Christ. Let’s glorify God with our soul today. He deserves it!

Pray

Lord, I praise Your holy name and give You honor and glory. Give me a heart and soul for the things that matter to You. Help me to express my love in a way that glorifies You.

You Are Family

Encouragement

Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
Ephesians 2:19

Have you ever felt like you were a stranger living in a foreign land? Have you ever had to relocate to a different community, new job or a new school and felt like you were out of place? It takes a little time before you actually feel like it’s home. 

In today’s verse, Paul wants us to consider what it feels like to become a member of God’s household; to be part of the family of God, to be a child of God, and to have a place where you are welcomed.

Maybe you have sung the hymn, “I’m so glad… I’m a part… of the family of God.” Sing it right now! “I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood.” Now it’s stuck in your head!

In reality, faith is not just believing but belonging. As a believer in Jesus, you belong to God’s family and His household. The moment you put your trust in Jesus you are no longer a stranger to God but a friend or a child. Even though you are living on earth, your real citizenship is in heaven!

The moment you say, “Lord Jesus, I believe in you, forgive me of my sins and save me,” instantaneously and miraculously, you belong to God. Have you experienced that blessing of belonging to God? 

Our home is in heaven and one day we will be in the presence of our Lord and Savior. Can you imagine what it will be like? Heaven awaits us and we long to see Jesus face to face. Let the hope of eternal glory fill your heart with everlasting joy.

Pray

Lord, thank You for saving my soul and accepting me into the family of God. Fill my heart with joy and give me a song in my mouth. Until I’m in Your presence, let Your light shine bright in me so others will know You as well.