Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: jesus

June 19, 2023

Encouragement

Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, For my heart rejoiced in all my labor; And this was my reward from all my labor.
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬

King Solomon, the son of King David, denied himself nothing, pursuing all forms of pleasure. Through his pursuit, he discovered that all the pleasures he indulged in were ultimately empty and meaningless.

There is a longing within every human heart to pursue happiness, satisfaction and fulfillment. It’s easy to fall into the trap of accumulating wealth, seeking temporary thrills, and hoping that these pursuits will fill the void within us. But, like Solomon, we too are left feeling empty and disillusioned.

Solomon directs us toward a great truth. He realized that the true rewards of life are not found in worldly pleasures but in something far more profound. It points us toward the eternal, the spiritual, and the heavenly.

Our hearts are designed to find fulfillment in a relationship with our Creator. In Him alone, true joy can be found.

Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:33, to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all things will be added unto you. Our pursuit of pleasure and satisfaction is to be rooted in the pursuit of God and His righteousness. When we prioritize our relationship with Him above all else, we discover that all other things fall right into place.

Are you seeking a right relationship with God? If so, you will find fulfillment in His love, peace, and grace. True joy resides not in the accumulation of worldly treasures but in knowing and serving our Lord with a sincere heart.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the wisdom given to me through Your Word. Help me to seek first Your kingdom and righteousness, knowing that You will provide all of my needs. Fill my heart with lasting joy. In Jesus’ name, amen.

June 18, 2023

Encouragement

The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭103‬:‭13‬

Fathers hold a position in which they are providers and protectors. But just as important they hold the position as a teacher. Fathers teach us important life lessons. Consider some of the qualities that make a godly father’s role remarkable.

  1. Just as our Heavenly Father loves us unconditionally, fathers demonstrate a love for their children that is not based on performance or accomplishments. A father’s love provides security and acceptance.
  2. Fathers will sacrifice their time, energy, and resources for the sake of their children. They work hard to make sure needs are met. A father’s sacrificial giving teaches the importance of being selfless and reminds us of the sacrificial love of our Heavenly Father.
  3. Fathers guide and shape their children’s lives. They offer wisdom and discipline to help others grow and mature. Just as our Heavenly Father provides guidance through His Word, godly fathers impart valuable life lessons that shape character and decision-making.
  4. A father’s presence is most important. Whether it’s attending school events, sports activities, or simply being there for support, fathers demonstrate love through their availability. Their presence helps their children as they go through life’s challenges.

Whether you are a father or you have been impacted by a father, you know the importance of the position. Thank God we have fathers who desire to pour their wisdom and discipline into the lives of others. Honor and appreciate your father today.

Pray

Lord, thank You for giving me a father who demonstrates Your great love and compassion. Help me to give godly wisdom and discipline to the people You have put in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen

June 17, 2023

Encouragement

Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?
‭‭James‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬

James asks a thought-provoking question that invites us to consider the root cause of the conflicts that arise in our lives. He declares the source is the internal battle within ourselves—the war of self-pleasure.

James says that our external conflicts are merely reflections of the battles that are raging within our hearts. At this point we need to stop and ask ourselves two questions.

  1. Are our desires rooted in self-seeking motives, seeking to gratify our own desires without considering the well-being of others?
  2. Are our desires rooted in love, seeking to honor God and serve others?

We must allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts. When we choose to seek God’s will and align our desires with His, our conflicts will diminish.

Today’s verse is challenging us to examine our hearts and surrender our passions to God. As we yield to His guidance, we will experience His peace that surpasses all understanding and witness the transformation of our relationships for His glory.

Pray

Lord, help me to recognize the passions I have in my heart that are not surrendered to Your will. Give me strength to overcome the battles that I’m facing and wisdom to pursue unity with others. In Jesus’ name, amen.