Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: grace

Your Time Is Precious

Encouragement

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:15-16

In what areas do you invest most of your time and energy to? What do you spend a lot of your time doing or thinking about? 

A fool makes unwise choices with his time and energy. With every new opportunity that comes along, the fool chases off in a different direction, not questioning whether that is the best choice.

Most of the time the loudest voice gains the most attention. But at the end of the day, the fool squanders the investment of time and energy on the things that don’t matter.

The devil knows that if he can get you to waste your time and energy on things that don’t matter then you will not be investing in the things of God. At this moment, the devil is trying to rob your time in the Word of God. The devil knows how to tempt you and make you veer away from God’s best.

Time is precious. Don’t waste your time on the things that you know are not of God. Instead take time to listen for the voice of God as He directs you to the most important and best things that bring everlasting joy.

Pray

Lord, help me to spend more time with You today. Speak to my heart and show me what I need to do to accomplish Your plans. Give me wisdom to discern the most important choices I can make today.

Faith Like A Mountain

Encouragement

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
Psalms 125:1

Those who fully trust in God are unmovable in their faith. Nothing can shake up the one who puts full trust into the Lord. Are you unmovable and unshakable?

Psalm 125 is written with the concept that the people surrounding Jerusalem were on their way to celebrate and take part of the annual feasts of Israel. They would be marching in as families and anticipating a wonderful time with the Lord. They were eagerly excited to travel into the city of David.

Some scholars believe that this could have been part of a chant that took place as they were walking and had Mount Zion and the temple in their view. They knew that very soon they would be worshipping God with thousands of others who trusted in the Lord as well. One can only imagine the intensity and joy.

We, who place our trust in the Lord, are promised security and life everlasting. His love never fails and He never gives up on the ones who belong to Him. Stand firm on the foundation of Jesus Christ. Be unmovable and unshakable all the days of your life.

Pray

Lord, I know You are with me and will never leave me. Give me joy in understanding how You alone deserve all of my trust and faith. Fill my heart with peace and love.

Christ In You

Encouragement

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3:26-27‬

When Jesus went to the cross, He wasn’t dying for himself, He was dying for sinners. He didn’t need to overcome Satan. Satan was never an issue. 

The victory He won on the cross was for our sake. What Jesus did on the cross, no one else could do. 

At the moment you place your faith in Jesus, you become a child of God. Nothing can ever change that miraculous transformation. When you become a Christian you are “in Christ” and Christ is in you. This transformation or what we also call, the moment of salvation, is very powerful and meaningful. 

Just consider…

  • Jesus became the Son of Man so that you might become a son of God. Jesus lowered Himself so that you could be lifted up. 
  • Jesus took on your sins so that you could be found righteous. 
  • Jesus was beaten and bruised so that you wouldn’t suffer. 
  • Jesus was found guilty so that you could be set free. 
  • Jesus was filled with despair so you could be filled with joy. 
  • Jesus took your shame so that you could take His glory. 
  • Jesus suffered death so that you could live. 

Sometimes we don’t consider what our life “in Christ” means. It means we have a God who loves us and only wants good for us. It means that God did what only He could do to redeem you. Have you thanked Jesus today?

Pray

Lord, thank you for all that you did for me. I don’t deserve it but I appreciate your gift. I will serve and honor you today with all that I do.