Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: grace

June 18, 2023

Encouragement

The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭103‬:‭13‬

Fathers hold a position in which they are providers and protectors. But just as important they hold the position as a teacher. Fathers teach us important life lessons. Consider some of the qualities that make a godly father’s role remarkable.

  1. Just as our Heavenly Father loves us unconditionally, fathers demonstrate a love for their children that is not based on performance or accomplishments. A father’s love provides security and acceptance.
  2. Fathers will sacrifice their time, energy, and resources for the sake of their children. They work hard to make sure needs are met. A father’s sacrificial giving teaches the importance of being selfless and reminds us of the sacrificial love of our Heavenly Father.
  3. Fathers guide and shape their children’s lives. They offer wisdom and discipline to help others grow and mature. Just as our Heavenly Father provides guidance through His Word, godly fathers impart valuable life lessons that shape character and decision-making.
  4. A father’s presence is most important. Whether it’s attending school events, sports activities, or simply being there for support, fathers demonstrate love through their availability. Their presence helps their children as they go through life’s challenges.

Whether you are a father or you have been impacted by a father, you know the importance of the position. Thank God we have fathers who desire to pour their wisdom and discipline into the lives of others. Honor and appreciate your father today.

Pray

Lord, thank You for giving me a father who demonstrates Your great love and compassion. Help me to give godly wisdom and discipline to the people You have put in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen

June 17, 2023

Encouragement

Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?
‭‭James‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬

James asks a thought-provoking question that invites us to consider the root cause of the conflicts that arise in our lives. He declares the source is the internal battle within ourselves—the war of self-pleasure.

James says that our external conflicts are merely reflections of the battles that are raging within our hearts. At this point we need to stop and ask ourselves two questions.

  1. Are our desires rooted in self-seeking motives, seeking to gratify our own desires without considering the well-being of others?
  2. Are our desires rooted in love, seeking to honor God and serve others?

We must allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts. When we choose to seek God’s will and align our desires with His, our conflicts will diminish.

Today’s verse is challenging us to examine our hearts and surrender our passions to God. As we yield to His guidance, we will experience His peace that surpasses all understanding and witness the transformation of our relationships for His glory.

Pray

Lord, help me to recognize the passions I have in my heart that are not surrendered to Your will. Give me strength to overcome the battles that I’m facing and wisdom to pursue unity with others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

June 16, 2023

Encouragement

But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.
‭‭I John‬ ‭2‬:‭20‬

What an of incredible blessing we have received as followers of Christ: an anointing from the Holy One. This anointing is the presence of the Holy Spirit within us, empowering and guiding us.

God’s anointing serves as a seal of divine approval, a mark of identification that sets us apart as His chosen ones. It is the Holy Spirit who teaches us and reveals the deep mysteries of God’s Word.

The anointing of the Holy Spirit gives us spiritual discernment. It empowers us to navigate the complexities of life with divine guidance.

Have you considered the anointing of the Holy Spirit to be a blessing in your Christian walk?

Listen to His voice today and yield to His leadership. By doing so, you will experience the abundant life that Christ has promised.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the precious gift of the Holy Spirit and the anointing I have received. Help me to fully embrace Your presence. Guide me and empower me to be the person You have called me to be. In Jesus’ name, amen.