Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Choosing To Live Right

Encouragement

Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.
Romans 6:6

There are a lot of Christians that have the mindset they are destined to fail. They think they will never experience victory, joy, and peace on this side of heaven. And in response they give in to temptation and sin.

We don’t have to be plagued by defeat. In fact we can experience power and victory over temptation and sin. The choose is ours to be made.

In Christ, we have been redeemed and saved from the power of sin. Sin no longer dominates our life. We are released from being slaves to sin.

As Christians, we have victory! We have the power of the Holy Spirit of God living inside of us because Jesus conquered the cross and the grave. We have new life in Christ.

We have the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome temptation and sin. But the choice is up to each individual to live in newness of life. God desires we live the best life on this side of heaven.

Living in righteousness is somewhat compared to dieting. When you resist unhealthy food and drinks and consume what is healthy we can lose weight. It takes much discipline and will power to lose weight.

Living in the will of God requires death. We must die to self and be resurrected to new life in Christ. We must choose to live in righteousness. As Christians we have the power to overcome.

What choices are you going to make today to live more like Christ?

Pray

Lord, I choose to serve You today. I desire to do Your will and not my own. Give me courage and wisdom to overcome evil and live in the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

Pursuing Godliness

Encouragement, Trust

“For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.”
‭‭I Timothy‬ ‭4:8‬

In ancient Greek and Roman cultures physical exercise was very popular. Most adult men participated in competitive sports and would devote themselves to staying fit. Paul writes to the young pastor, Timothy, and says that the same work and commitment that people put towards physical exercise should be put toward pursuing godliness.

The word godliness means to have the character and attitude of God. It is a task to be godly but it is attainable. It is a worthy goal, much more worthy than the potential attainments of physical exercise. It takes effort, strength, and determination to achieve godliness which is comparable of how an athlete trains to be the best.

Spiritual development and physical development share some similarities. Both require exertion and proper nutrition. Feeding our mind, heart and soul is just as important, if not more, than feeding our body. Jesus was tempted by the devil to turn stones into bread but replied, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”‭‭ (Matthew‬ ‭4:4)

Do you exercise towards godliness? Do you put forth an excellent effort to keep yourself pure and holy? It takes a great deal of strength and will power but it’s worth the effort. God is very pleased when we reflect the image of His character and attitude.

Pray

Lord, I pray Your Word feeds me and satisfies me more than anything else. Help me to know You more so I can be who You want me to be.

An Everlasting Love

Encouragement, Trust

“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 into their promised land.

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.