Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Has God’s Word Changed You?

Encouragement

Then he added, “Son of man, let all my words sink deep into your own heart first. Listen to them carefully for yourself.
Ezekiel 3:10

The Bible was written not just to inform us but to change us. Real transformation comes from spending time with God. No one can truly meet with God and not be changed. When we read the Scriptures we need to let the truth sink deep into our heart as Ezekiel 3:10 states.

How do you hear God’s voice? How do you know He is speaking to you and it’s not just your own thoughts or worse, the devil? The best way to know you are hearing the voice of God is to engage in the Scriptures on a daily basis. 

The best way to allow the Word of God to sink into our hearts is to meditate on the Scriptures. Allow the words to marinate in your mind and hear them as you read them. Most of the time there will be a word or phrase that leaps off the pages of the Bible and makes a difference in your life.

Take that word or phrase and allow it to change your life. Watch how it changes your mind, attitude, or heart. Try to remember that word or phrase from the Scripture and reflect on it all day. 

For example take today’s verse and ponder the words, “Listen, carefully.” Those two words can change your life. They can speak truth through the day. Every time you think of the words you will be reflecting on what you need to listen carefully to, or who you need to listen to. Try it and see for yourself.

Pray

Lord, speak to me through Your Word today. Let Your words make a real change in my life. Help me to meditate on Your Word.

No More Excuses

Encouragement

But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭8:22‬

Jesus encountered a disciple who wanted to follow Him but needed to go home and take care of some business first.  Regardless of the situation, Jesus commanded an immediate response and obedience.  Jesus knew the heart of this man and what was happening in his personal life.  

The man had good intentions but wanted to collect his inheritance. Jesus was basically saying you can’t have one foot in the mission field and one foot in the world. Jesus wants His followers to be all in.

Jesus is not saying that we are to neglect our families and friends but instead He is prompting immediate action.  Either this man was being greedy and waiting for his part of the inheritance or this man valued his family more than Christ.  Regardless, Jesus instructed the disciple to follow Him right then.

Many of us have excuses of why we can’t serve the Lord to the fullest right now.  We may only get one opportunity for certain tasks and if we don’t immediately obey we will miss out on a great blessing.  The Lord wants us to be available to be used by Him on His timing.  Don’t get caught up in the luxury and power of this world only to miss an opportunity to serve the Lord.

What excuses are you using to keep from whole-heartily serving Christ? What would Jesus say about your excuses?

Pray

Lord, You have my heart and soul.  Show me where I need to be in complete obedience to your plans for my life. Help me to not use any excuses for not serving You.

God Loves You

Encouragement

The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭31:3‬

This is a beautiful passage of Scripture. It is primarily directed towards the people of Israel and how God has loved them with an everlasting love. It states that the Lord will certainly fulfill His promise to regather His chosen people back together as a chosen people.

It is a reminder that His love for them is everlasting. The Lord chose the people of Israel to be His special people. 

He redeemed them from Egyptian bondage and provided for them while wandering in the wilderness. Even in times of rebellion and unbelief, God never rejected them. Although there were times of discipline, He always restored them to a position of honor because He loved them so much. 

This is the love story told all through the Bible. It’s His story of how He loves His special people unconditionally. No one can ever fathom how much love He has for us. 

There may be times when you may feel that you are not loved, but be certain that God loves you. His love for you is everlasting just like the Israelites. We may go through times of rebellion and unbelief, but God never turns His back on us. No one will ever love you like God loves you. He doesn’t just say it, He proves it everyday. 

Pray

Lord, I love you. I am thankful for your unending love for me. As I show love toward others, let them sense your love.