Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: jesus

Align To God’s Will

Encouragement

“I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.”
‭‭John‬ ‭17:4‬

There is nothing worse than being out of the will of God. We may think that a bigger house, a larger salary, or a great getaway is what’s best for us, but God knows what we is best for us.

There is nothing wrong with bettering ourselves and making life more enjoyable as long as we are pleasing God. We should consult with God about everything before we do anything. God knows best.

One of the main problems we face as Christians in a fallen world is self agenda. We do what we want to do, when we want to do it. If we desire to build a house, we try our best to make it happen. If we desire a job that makes more money, we seek after it. When we want to go on a vacation we look for the places that will make us happy. But do we consult with God before we do things that we want to do? Maybe God has better plans for our life.

As Jesus was praying to the Father, He was able to confidently say, “Everything I’ve done has brought You glory.” Can you confidently say that today? Are you glorifying God with your life today? Are there some changes that need to take place? I think we all can make some improvements to glorify God more.

Living for Jesus in today’s world is a difficult task. We are surrounded by worldly things. Commercials are designed to make you think you need their product. We see other people look so happy and we want to be happy as well.

Sometimes we tend to get a little earthy minded in the things we spend our money on. But God wants us to set our minds on the Heavenly things. He wants us living for Him. We were created to glorify Him. We will find joy when we glorify Him. We will be at peace when we glorify His name. Before you do anything, make sure you are doing what God wants you to do.

Pray

Lord, I want to serve You and not this world. Let me be the image of Jesus to those who need hope. Thank you for blessing me today.

The Help Of The Holy Spirit

Encouragement

The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him,
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might,
the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.
Isaiah 11:2

Throughout Jesus’ earthly ministry, the Holy Spirit guided and directed Him as He made important decisions. (Mark 1:11) As we see in today’s verse, Isaiah described what the Spirit’s presence would mean for the Lord.

The Spirit gave Jesus the knowledge of the will of God the Father. The Spirit enabled Jesus to take the word of God and apply it to the specific areas that He encountered.

Do you need guidance and wisdom for a decision that you are facing? Are you in a position of great responsibility and feel overwhelmed by the decisions that you must make? Are you seeking the help of the Lord?

As a Christian, you have the same Spirit who lives inside of you. The Holy Spirit comes in wisdom and brings the understanding of God’s ways. The Holy Spirit guides and directs us as we make the difficult decisions of life.

The same Spirit who enabled Jesus to see through the deceptions of Satan will also guide you through the temptations that you face. When the Holy Spirit controls your heart and mind, you can make it through the tough decisions you make and you can live your life effectively.

Pray

Lord, fill me with Your Spirit to give me wisdom to understand the things that I am facing today. Help me to know Your will and way so that I may please You in every decision I make.

God’s Will For Your

Encouragement

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭

Most Christians want to know what God wills for us to do but there is more to it than seeking answers to what job we should take, what car we should buy, or what person to marry. God’s will can be explained very easily.

Paul, writing to a group of Christians was encouraging and praying for them to know the will of God. He wanted everyone to be filled with the knowledge of His will. He was speaking specifically about pleasing God with our lives.

There are five aspects to God’s will that we should know and that Paul is explains to the church.

First, it is His will for everyone to be saved. If you are saved by the blood of Jesus you are in the right direction.

Second, we are to be spirit-filled. We should be led by the Spirit of God in all things. The Spirit of God guides and directs us.

Third, we are seek holiness because we are in the process of being sanctified or purified for righteousness.

Fourth, we should be submitted to the Lordship of Jesus. Make Jesus your Master and you will be His servant.

And fifth, we are to suffer for the cause of Christ.

These five aspects align our lives safely in the will of God. If we are doing these things we will know that we are in the will of God.

Pray

Lord, I pray for You to encourage me to seek your presence daily. I want to live inside the boundaries of Your will. Help me to glorify Your great name.