Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: jesus

Choose Your Words Wisely

Encouragement

‘Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. ‘
Ephesians 4:29

In Matthew 12:34 Jesus says, “You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” The words that you speak come straight from the thoughts of your heart. You can’t hide it!

How would you describe your speech? Do your words build up others or tear them down? Encouraging and uplifting words always go further than the negative ones. People are drawn to encouraging people.

The Bible also says in Proverbs 18:21, “life and death are in the power of the tongue.” Destructive words can really hurt. Just think about all the hurtful words that have been said to you. You probably don’t remember exactly what was said but you remember how it made you feel.

Paul tells us in today’s Scripture verse to speak in such a way that we build others up and not to tear them down. Our words need to be graceful and helpful, especially while we point others to Jesus.

If our words reveal what is in our heart, we may need to have a change of heart before we speak. We will never always agree with others so we need to embrace the diversity and learn how to be graceful in our disagreements. Look for ways to build others up around you. Give words of encouragement so others will see the love of Jesus.

Pray

Lord, know my heart and teach me to do good. Change my heart so I can only speak encouraging words. Forgive me of saying words that have torn people down.

We Can Make A Difference

Encouragement, Trust

‘When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. ‘
Acts 2:1-4

There are defining moments in our lives when our life changes and we are never the same. Some of those moments are anticipated and are welcomed into our life but other times they come unexpected and sometimes with pain.

Often times we struggle with change and wonder how God can bring about any good with the pain and suffering. But God always has a way of working all things for our good, even when the enemy intends to do harm.

On the day of Pentecost the disciples lives changed. Something happened that defined who they were. They were ordinary men who were able to be used by God like never before.

But they had to wait for the very specific time and date. They had to wait for the exact moment for it to happen. They had to wait for the promise to be fulfilled.

As we live in a world full of chaos and turmoil we need to know that God wants to do something great. God wants to use us in this fallen world.

It is up to you and me to make a difference. It is up to us to stand up and be like Jesus in this world and to make a statement of love and mercy. It takes courage and the strength of the Holy Spirit to do it.

Pray

Lord, fill me with courage and grace to speak words of love and encouragement. This world needs You. We need Your grace and love.

Firm In The Lord

Faith

‘Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. ‘
Philippians 4:1

Paul was concerned for the Believers at Philippi that they could possibly wander from their faith. So he eagerly challenged them to stand firm in the Lord.

The New Living Translation interprets this verse to say, “stay true to the Lord.” With that challenge in mind he gave some practical application as to how to stand firm or stay true to God.

The word therefore refers us back to chapter 3:20-21where Paul says, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior…” We must remember this world is not our eternal home.

While we walk this Earth we must keep our focus on Jesus. One day He is coming back and everything will be under His authority. If we are going to stand firm in our faith we must keep our focus on Heaven.

In chapter 4:6-7, Paul says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.” God wants us to confide in Him. Tell Him all about your troubles, but also thank Him for all your blessings.

Paul says in verse 8 to fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. If we fill our minds with the things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable, it will give us strength to stand firm and stay true to the Lord.

Standing firm and staying true to the Lord is not going to happen naturally or easily. This is why we need Jesus. This is also why Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit. We can’t possibly do it on our own. But we can stand firm and stay true to God through Christ who gives us strength.

Pray

Lord, strengthen me through Your word today. Give me power through the Holy Spirit and confidence to face whatever comes my way.