Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: joy

Joy vs. Sin

Encouragement

‘You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. ‘
1 Peter 1:8

Are you living a holy and righteous life? If you can say “yes” then most likely you are experiencing a fullness of joy.

As our verse for today says, “we rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy!” That’s a joy that’s so incredible you can’t even express it. And it’s all because of Jesus Christ.

At conversion, Jesus changes our life and gives us a new reason to live. The old self is dead and our new life is established in the purposes and plans of God. What a glorious way of living for Jesus!

Holiness is not about being religious. Rather, pure holiness is a beautiful expression and demonstration of the character of God. God desires that we live positively joyful while being disciplined and dedicated to the things that makes God happy.

The reason why people are not rejoicing is because they are harboring sin and shame. If you are not a joyful person you need to search your heart and repent of your sin. Then God will renew a right spirit within you and you will become joyful.

There is no joy in living in sin. Some people may enjoy their sin but there is no joy in their life. Instead they are miserable and disappointed.

But those who seek Him and His righteousness are full of inexpressible joy.

The only way we can remain pure and holy is to stay focussed on what is good, true, and right.

Pray

Lord, make my heart and mind reflect upon You and Your promises. Your ways and thoughts are much higher than mine. Give me a joy that reflects Your character.

At The Name Of Jesus

Encouragement, Salvation, Trust

But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭3:6‬

Peter and John were walking into the temple to pray and they were greeted by a lame man begging for money.  Peter looked at him and said, “I don’t have any money but I’ll give you something better.  In the name of Jesus get up and walk!”  

Instantly the man was healed and he jumped up and began praising God.

Let’s unpack this wonderful miracle.  Notice the place where this miracle occurred.  It was at the temple gate entrance where many people, including the Pharisees, would pass through to get inside.  The lame man knew the place would be an ideal location because the Pharisees exercised their giving in front of other people to be noticed.  It was guaranteed to be profitable place.

Now notice the problem that was solved.  Poverty and paralyzation left the lame man with no hope or purpose.  But after being healed he was filled with joy.  This miracle gave him new life and purpose.  There’s no problem that Jesus can’t solve.

Notice the people who witnessed this great miracle.  Verse 9 says the people who saw him walking and worshipping were filled with amazement.  This miracle wasn’t just for the lame man.  It was for all the people to witness before Peter proclaimed the Gospel.  This miracle opened an opportunity for their hearts and minds to receive the Gospel and be saved.

Are you trusting money to solve your problem? Or are you trusting in someone else to take care of your needs? Trust Jesus and allow His Word to bring you joy and amazement as He works all things out for the glory of God

Pray

Lord, instead of focusing on my negative circumstances today, I will praise You for the miracle of grace You have shown upon me. Help me to be a witness for Your glory so others can experience Your grace.

A Change Of Heart

Encouragement, Faith

‘Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.’
Psalms 51:12

Sometimes we fall into the trap of thinking that a change would be good. We might think that a new job making more money could be the solution. Or maybe a new president could change our situation. Or thinking that a change of appearance could make things better. This way of thinking is dangerous.

It may not be the circumstances that need to change. Is it possible that your heart needs to change? Jeremiah 17:9 says, “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” The heart according to the Bible is deceitful.

Sometimes we just need a change of heart. Not so much as turning over a new leaf or trying to live a better life, but a radical renewing of your heart. Let’s be honest, sometimes we get into a slump and allow our lives to be controlled by the world’s way of thinking.

What we need is a spiritual transformation. That is exactly what David needed after he sinned against God and his whole world crumbled. He finally discovered that the problem was in his heart. The change that he needed was internal, not external.

Do you need a change of heart? Do you need God to transform your heart and give you a new heart? All you have to do is ask, and you will receive.

Pray

Lord, cleanse me and make me new. Wash me and forgive me of my sins. Make me hear joy and gladness. Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation.