Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: salvation

June 27, 2023

Encouragement

Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬

In the second letter to the seven churches, Jesus encourages the Christians in Smyrna, who were was facing persecution for their faith. Let’s focus on the words of Jesus and be encouraged as well.

  1. Do Not Fear: Jesus begins by addressing the fears that the church in Smyrna would face. Fear can cause a person to fight, flight or freeze. Jesus reminds us not to fear the trials and tribulations that come our way. He is with us and He is greater than any challenge we face.
  2. Testing and Tribulation: Jesus acknowledges that the church in Smyrna would experience severe suffering. Just as they faced opposition from the devil, we too encounter trials and hardships in our daily walk with Christ. However, in our times of testing, God refines our faith, strengthens our character, and deepens our dependence upon Him. Our struggles serve a bigger purpose in God’s plan for our lives.
  3. Be Faithful until Death: The central message of this verse is a call to be faithful, even if it cost us our lives. Jesus encourages the believers to remain committed to Him, regardless of the cost. This is a challenge for us today as well. We are called to hold fast to our faith and to remain faithful even in the midst of adversity, opposition, or persecution.
  4. The Crown of Life: In the midst of their suffering, Jesus offers the church in Smyrna a glorious promise: the crown of life. This crown is the eternal reward and the abundant life that awaits those who remain faithful until the end. It is a reminder that our temporary struggles are incomparable to the joy and fulfillment that await us in heaven. As we remain faithful, we can look forward to receiving the crown of life promised to all who love Him.

Regardless of the challenges you face, do not waver in your faith. God is with you in every trial, testing, and tribulation. As you remain faithful until death, God, who is Faithful and True, will reward you with the crown of life.

Pray

Lord, give me strength and courage to not fear the things that I often fear. Fill my heart with love and give me a sound mind. Thank You for being with me in every step I make. In Jesus’ name, amen.

June 26, 2023

Encouragement

and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬

In Revelation 2-3, Jesus addresses the seven churches. Each message contains a valuable lesson for believers, guiding us in our journey of faith. Today, we meditate on the message to the church in Ephesus. (Revelation 2:1-7)

Jesus commends the believers in Ephesus for their perseverance and endurance. He recognizes their faithfulness as they endured hardships and trials. It is remarkable to consider that the struggles they faced were not in vain but were endured for the sake of Christ.

As Christians, we are not exempt from difficulties. The Scriptures assure us that we will in fact face various trials. Yet, in the midst of our trials, we are called to stand firm in our faith and persevere just as the believers in Ephesus did.

Perseverance involves following Christ faithfully and obediently. It means remaining steadfast in our commitment to God, His Word, and His ways. Jesus reminds us that endurance is essential in our walk with Him.

Jesus goes beyond commending the believers’ perseverance. He addresses their flaw—the loss of their first love. While they were diligent in their works, they had neglected their love for God. Jesus urges them to repent and return to their first love.

It is not enough to persevere in our faith and endure hardships; we must also maintain a fervent love for God. When our love for God grows cold, our works lose their true purpose.

Have you allowed weariness and complacency to creep into your relationship with God? If so, take Jesus’ words to heart and repent. Seek a renewed passion for God and a fervent love that fuels your faith.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness and love. I confess that at times I have allowed weariness and complacency to overshadow my relationship with You. Empower me to persevere in faith, even in the face of hardships. In Jesus’ name, amen.

June 19, 2023

Encouragement

Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, For my heart rejoiced in all my labor; And this was my reward from all my labor.
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬

King Solomon, the son of King David, denied himself nothing, pursuing all forms of pleasure. Through his pursuit, he discovered that all the pleasures he indulged in were ultimately empty and meaningless.

There is a longing within every human heart to pursue happiness, satisfaction and fulfillment. It’s easy to fall into the trap of accumulating wealth, seeking temporary thrills, and hoping that these pursuits will fill the void within us. But, like Solomon, we too are left feeling empty and disillusioned.

Solomon directs us toward a great truth. He realized that the true rewards of life are not found in worldly pleasures but in something far more profound. It points us toward the eternal, the spiritual, and the heavenly.

Our hearts are designed to find fulfillment in a relationship with our Creator. In Him alone, true joy can be found.

Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:33, to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all things will be added unto you. Our pursuit of pleasure and satisfaction is to be rooted in the pursuit of God and His righteousness. When we prioritize our relationship with Him above all else, we discover that all other things fall right into place.

Are you seeking a right relationship with God? If so, you will find fulfillment in His love, peace, and grace. True joy resides not in the accumulation of worldly treasures but in knowing and serving our Lord with a sincere heart.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the wisdom given to me through Your Word. Help me to seek first Your kingdom and righteousness, knowing that You will provide all of my needs. Fill my heart with lasting joy. In Jesus’ name, amen.