Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: jesus

June 15, 2023

Encouragement

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬-‭21

Living as citizens of heaven in a fallen world can sometimes be a challenge. We are constantly faced with temptations and distractions that attempt to sway us away from our true identity and purpose. However, our hope lies in the glorious promise of Christ’s return.

The anticipation of Christ’s return should impact the way we live. It should motivate us to live in a manner that reflects the character and nature of our heavenly citizenship. Our lives should testify to the transforming power of the Gospel and demonstrate a life that is surrendered to Jesus.

Our earthly bodies, which are subject to decay, will one day be transformed to be like Christ’s glorious, resurrected body. This truth gives us great comfort. The issues we face in our mortal bodies are just temporary. The day is coming when we will experience a perfect condition.

As you endure the ups and downs of life, continue to fix your eyes on Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith. Just know that we belong to something greater—a kingdom that will never fade away.

Seek to honor God in all that you do. And share the hope we have in Christ with those who need to experience the joy and peace we experience. Let your life be a reflection of the glory of God.

Pray

Lord, thank You for blessing me with the privilege of being a citizen of heaven. Help me to have an eternal perspective, watching for Your return. Strengthen my faith, as I strive to please You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

June 14, 2023

Encouragement

But man dies and is laid away; Indeed he breathes his last And where is he?
‭‭Job‬ ‭14‬:‭10‬

We are born into this world with a limited time on earth, and eventually, each one of us will face the reality of death. Job’s observation reminds us that our days are numbered and that life is both precious and fragile.

Job’s testimony is one of hope and restoration. Through his suffering, he learned valuable lessons about trusting God and the unwavering faithfulness of God. Job clung to the belief that his Redeemer lived and that he would one day see God face to face (Job 19:25-27).

We have an even greater hope. In the New Testament, we find hope in the glorious truth that Jesus Christ conquered death through His resurrection. He gives us eternal life and the assurance that death is not the end but a transition into an everlasting existence in His presence.

Job’s words serve as a call to reflect upon the brevity of our time on earth and to live with a sense of urgency and purpose. Rather than being fearful of our mortality, we can embrace it as a reminder to live fully for God’s glory and to invest in the things that truly matter.

Let’s remember the words of Job and deepen our relationship with God. We find comfort in knowing that our Redeemer lives and that in Him, we are given hope and assurance of everlasting life in heaven. Face today with gratitude and certainty, knowing you were created for more than this mortal life on earth.

Pray

Lord, thank You for reminding me that life is short and fragile. Help me to embrace each day with urgency and purpose. Give me strength today to face my trials and suffering with joy. Thank You for the victory that I have through Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.

June 13, 2023

Encouragement

but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man’s voice restrained the madness of the prophet.
‭‭II Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭16‬

Peter recalls the story in Numbers 22, when Balaam was corrected by the Lord. Balaam was a prophet of God, but he allowed the temptation of selfish gain to cloud his judgment. He was enticed by King Balak to curse the children of Israel. Even though Balaam knew he shouldn’t do it, he continued to seek his own desires.

God intervened in a mysterious way and used a talking donkey to confront Balaam and redirect his path. The donkey spoke with human words to Balaam and prevented him from further disaster.

God will sometimes use unconventional means to confront our foolishness. Balaam’s story can teach us some valuable lessons:

  1. We can easily be enticed by the empty promises of this world, such as the pursuit of material possessions, power, or popularity. It is crucial to guard our hearts against worldly desires.
  2. When we compromise our faith, we put ourselves in a position of being susceptible to the schemes of the devil. It is essential to stay in the Word of God and resist the temptations that seek to lead us astray.
  3. God is always present in our life and will redirect us if we get off course. His discipline is an act of love and mercy, gently guiding us back into His will and way.
  4. True obedience requires us to surrender our own desires and commit to following God’s commands.

Stand firm in your faith and remain obedient to God’s calling. When you find yourself entangled in the snares of the devil, recognize your error and heed God’s correction.

Pray

Lord, help me to resist the temptations of this world. Give me discernment to recognize selfish desires and the strength to be obedient to Your Word. When I stray away from Your will, please redirect me back on course. In Jesus’ name, amen.