Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: jesus

Are You Dead To Sin?

Encouragement, Trust

‘What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? ‘
Romans 6:1-2

As a Christian, you died to sin. Temptations will be present but sin does not have control over you. You can still sin, but you are no longer under sin’s power. The victory over sin’s dominion was won on the cross at Calvary. The victory is won!

God’s grace is our motivation to resist sin. It was grace that led God to forgive our sin despite our rebellion against Him. Knowing this grace, we cannot continue to practice sin. You’re dead to sin.

God does not have to win a victory over your sin. He already has by sending Jesus to die in your place. You only need to apply His victory in each area of your life. If there is a sinful habit or an unrighteous relationship that needs to be dissolved, you just need to claim the victory of Christ’s saving power.

Do you have an ungodly attitude or a sinful habit? Do you have an unrighteous relationship that needs to end? What is keeping you from experiencing God’s the abundant life that God intends for you to live?

So many times we find ourselves disappointed because of our sin. While we should be convicted, we should never think that sin has that kind of power over us. Experience the victory of Jesus today that gives you the power over all things and live the abundant life that God intends for you.

Pray

Lord, I want to experience the great victory of my sin and shame. I want to know You and live out what You intend to be good for me. Help me to keep my mind on You.

Do Your Problems Control Your Life?

Encouragement, Trust

‘I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.’
Psalms 16:8

What you focus on the most will dominate your life. If you continually focus on your problems guess what? Your problems will determine the direction of your life. But if you choose to focus on Christ and put Him first, He will be your guide.

The Holman Christian Standard Version says, “I keep the Lord in mind always.” This gives us a better understanding. It means that you choose to relate everything you encounter to your trust in the Lord. No matter what we face we can trust that God already has the outcome or the solution at hand.

The person who is at the “right hand” is considered the most powerful position of influence. Because the Lord is at “my right hand”, the Psalmist says, I will not be moved or shaken. This speaks in terms of security because the Lord is at our right hand and there is no need to worry.

Have you positioned Christ to stand beside you, to guide you, and to protect you? It takes a personal relationship with Jesus to put Him in the most important position in your life. If the Lord be for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?

What is controlling your life? Is it your problems or your faith in God?

Pray

Lord, I choose to put You first in my life. I position You at my right hand. You are my Strength and my Defender.

The Blessing Of Comfort

Encouragement, Trust

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Matthew 5:4

Life is tough.  Life on this side of eternity has it’s disappointments, discouragements, and defeats.  At some point in time we all suffer emotional discomfort.  

The people we love the most are the ones who hurt us the most.  It’s important that we learn how to endure our greatest disappointments and defeats so that we can be the person God has called us to be.

We can react to our hurt and pain by either mourning or moaning.  Mourning will lead us to comfort but moaning will lead us to complaining. The devil wants us to moan and complain because he wants us to be miserable.  

Jesus desires that we appropriately mourn so that He can comfort us and restore us.  We must learn to properly mourn when we hurt.

Jesus gives nine Beatitudes or Blessings that help us live according to His plan and purpose.  Verse 4 is the blessing of mourning that leads to comfort.  Jesus promises to comfort those who hurt.  

If there is anyone who can understand your hurt and pain,  it is Jesus.  The people who were singing, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord”  were the same people who were shouting, “Crucify Him, Crucify Him!” a few days later.  Jesus suffered more emotional hurt and pain than anyone else.

If you have lost a loved one or suffering the loss of a job, have you mourned? Maybe you have been hurt by a spouse, a friend, or even a church member.  If you are hurting, turn and talk to Jesus about it.  Jesus says, “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Pray

Lord, I’m hurting and need Your love and compassion. Help me to forgive. Give me the power to overcome all things that try to pull me down.