Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: grace

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.

June 1, 2023

Encouragement

For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭29‬

This verse holds a profound truth that may seem paradoxical at first glance. It tells us that as followers of Christ, we are not only given the privilege of believing in Him, but also the privilege of suffering for Him.

Suffering is something no one desires to encounter much less to consider it a privilege. This verse reminds us that our suffering takes on a deeper meaning when it is for the sake of Christ. It is not meaningless; it’s part of our maturing.

When we face trials and tribulations, we can find peace in knowing that we are sharing in the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings. It is through our trials that we draw closer to Him, deepen our faith, and experience His strength and grace in ways we may not have otherwise.

Remember that our suffering is not in vain. It has been granted to us by God for a purpose. It builds our character, strengthens our faith, and ultimately brings glory to His name.

Know that God is with you in your sufferings, and be encouraged that your time of suffering is a testimony to your faith in Christ. The privilege of suffering for His sake is acknowledging that in doing so, you are becoming more like Him.

Pray

Lord, thank You for allowing the sufferings that You allow in my life. Help me to endure and embrace what You have brought upon me to build me up and make me a better Christian. I praise You for my sufferings that glorify You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

May 30, 2023

Encouragement

For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, There is no beauty that we should desire Him.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭53‬:‭2‬

Isaiah 53 is a prophetic chapter that describes the Messiah’s sacrificial, earthly life. In verse 2 lies a profound revelation that invites us to survey the humble beauty of our Savior.

With human eyes, we are captivated by physical appearances. But when it comes to our Savior, Isaiah illustrates a different picture. He reveals that Jesus did not have the kind of attractiveness that some think He would have.

Jesus’ physical appearance during His earthly ministry did not draw the attention of others. He did not possess a public figure that would be fitting for royalty. He chose to come in the most unexpected way. He did not attract attention through outward beauty but touched hearts through His words and actions of the beauty of His inner character.

The beauty of Jesus was in His humility, compassion, and selflessness. It was in His inner nature and character that His true beauty shone brightly.

As followers of Christ, we are called to display the same spirit of humility and selflessness. Our lives should reflect the inner beauty that comes from a heart devoted to God and a willingness to serve others selflessly.

Today, try fixing your gaze on the beauty of our Savior. Seek to reflect His character in your life and embrace humility and compassion for others.

Pray

Lord, thank You for revealing to me the humble beauty of Jesus through the words of Isaiah. Help me to see beyond external beauty and teach me the value of humility and selfless love that reflects Your nature and character. In Jesus’ name, amen.