Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: grace

June 15, 2023

Encouragement

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬-‭21

Living as citizens of heaven in a fallen world can sometimes be a challenge. We are constantly faced with temptations and distractions that attempt to sway us away from our true identity and purpose. However, our hope lies in the glorious promise of Christ’s return.

The anticipation of Christ’s return should impact the way we live. It should motivate us to live in a manner that reflects the character and nature of our heavenly citizenship. Our lives should testify to the transforming power of the Gospel and demonstrate a life that is surrendered to Jesus.

Our earthly bodies, which are subject to decay, will one day be transformed to be like Christ’s glorious, resurrected body. This truth gives us great comfort. The issues we face in our mortal bodies are just temporary. The day is coming when we will experience a perfect condition.

As you endure the ups and downs of life, continue to fix your eyes on Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith. Just know that we belong to something greater—a kingdom that will never fade away.

Seek to honor God in all that you do. And share the hope we have in Christ with those who need to experience the joy and peace we experience. Let your life be a reflection of the glory of God.

Pray

Lord, thank You for blessing me with the privilege of being a citizen of heaven. Help me to have an eternal perspective, watching for Your return. Strengthen my faith, as I strive to please You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

June 13, 2023

Encouragement

but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man’s voice restrained the madness of the prophet.
‭‭II Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭16‬

Peter recalls the story in Numbers 22, when Balaam was corrected by the Lord. Balaam was a prophet of God, but he allowed the temptation of selfish gain to cloud his judgment. He was enticed by King Balak to curse the children of Israel. Even though Balaam knew he shouldn’t do it, he continued to seek his own desires.

God intervened in a mysterious way and used a talking donkey to confront Balaam and redirect his path. The donkey spoke with human words to Balaam and prevented him from further disaster.

God will sometimes use unconventional means to confront our foolishness. Balaam’s story can teach us some valuable lessons:

  1. We can easily be enticed by the empty promises of this world, such as the pursuit of material possessions, power, or popularity. It is crucial to guard our hearts against worldly desires.
  2. When we compromise our faith, we put ourselves in a position of being susceptible to the schemes of the devil. It is essential to stay in the Word of God and resist the temptations that seek to lead us astray.
  3. God is always present in our life and will redirect us if we get off course. His discipline is an act of love and mercy, gently guiding us back into His will and way.
  4. True obedience requires us to surrender our own desires and commit to following God’s commands.

Stand firm in your faith and remain obedient to God’s calling. When you find yourself entangled in the snares of the devil, recognize your error and heed God’s correction.

Pray

Lord, help me to resist the temptations of this world. Give me discernment to recognize selfish desires and the strength to be obedient to Your Word. When I stray away from Your will, please redirect me back on course. In Jesus’ name, amen.

June 12, 2023

Encouragement

If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire.
Matthew 18:8

Jesus uses strong language and powerful illustrations to emphasize the seriousness of sin and the importance of having a devotion with God. In this verse, He encourages us to remove anything that hinders our relationship with Him.

Our hands and feet represent our actions. They symbolize the choices we make and the behaviors we engage in. Jesus challenges us to identify anything that keeps us from closely following Him.

This may include relationships, habits, or pursuits that distract us from God’s will and cause us to sin. It could be negativity, addictions, or activities that stunt our spiritual growth. Some of these things may seem harmless, but if they prevent us from following Christ wholeheartedly, they are hindrances to our spiritual well-being.

Cutting off a hand or foot is serious and drastic. It represents the willingness to let go of the things that have become idols or stumbling blocks. It requires courage, surrender, and trust in God’s plan for our lives.

Consider the areas in your life that may be hindering your spiritual growth. Are there any relationships or habits that lead you away from God? Are you willing to make the necessary changes to pursue holiness?

Jesus desires complete obedience. He desires your wholehearted commitment. Make a list of things that you are willing to surrender and ask God to give you strength to remove them from your life.

Pray

Lord, help me to examine and identify anything that hinders my relationship with You. Give me the courage and strength to let go of anything that leads me away from You. Help me to prioritize my relationship with You above all other things. In Jesus’ name, amen.