Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: salvation

June 9, 2023

Encouragement

“If it had not been the Lord who was on our side,” Let Israel now say—
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭124‬:‭1‬

Imagine for a moment what it would be like not having the presence and protection of the Lord. Without Him, we would be helpless against the storms of life. We would be left to our own devices, relying on our own strength and wisdom to navigate through the trials that come our way.

Praise be to God! He has promised to be our refuge, our ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).

The Lord’s presence in our lives is active and transformative. He is leading us, guiding us, and fighting on our behalf. When the enemy rises up against us, the Lord raises a standard of deliverance (Isaiah 59:19). When we stumble or fall, He extends His mighty hand to lift us back up (Psalm 37:24). When we are weak, He becomes our strength (2 Corinthians 12:9). Truly, if it had not been the Lord who was on our side, we would have perished.

Let your heart be filled with gratitude for the Lord’s presence in your life. Proclaim that your help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121:2). When you are faced with uncertainty or despair, remember that you are not alone. The Lord is with you, and in His strength we have the assurance of victory.

Pray

Lord, thank You for being my ever-present help in times of trouble. I know that without You, I am hopeless and helpless. Help me to remember that You are my refuge and deliverer, and in You, I find strength and victory. Guide me through the storms of life and lead me into the assurance of Your love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

June 7, 2023

Encouragement

Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭2‬

In a world that promotes praise and the applause of others, Jesus invites His followers to take a different approach. He instructs us to give in secret, where only God sees and knows our actions.

Why would Jesus call us to give in secret? It is because He understands the selfish desire within us to be seen and praised by others. He knows that when we do charitable deeds for human applause it can ruin the best of intentions. However, when we give out of the genuineness of our hearts, our deeds become an act of worship to God.

True giving is about meeting the needs of others with sincerity and humility, without seeking anything in return. When we give in secret, our hearts are aligned with God’s heart, and our actions reflect His character.

Jesus teaches that when we give with the right motives, our acts of kindness are seen and awarded by our Heavenly Father who blesses us with eternal riches. Our eternal blessings outweigh any earthly reward.

Today, let us examine our hearts when it comes to giving. Are we seeking the praise of others, or are we motivated by a sincere desire to bless those in need? Let our giving be in the quietness of our hearts, knowing that God approves and appreciates our acts of generosity.

Pray

Lord, help me to embrace the secret forms of giving. Give me a genuine heart of compassion and selflessness, and help me to give without seeking the approval or recognition of others. May my acts of kindness be an offering of love and worship to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

June 6, 2023

Encouragement

For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.
‭‭Titus‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬

There are times when we need to be reminded of our former life and the transformative grace of God that has given us new life in Christ.

As we reflect on this verse, we are confronted with the reality of our sin nature. We were once foolish, making unwise choices. We were disobedient, rebellious, and willingly followed our own desires. We were seeking fulfillment and satisfaction in worldly pursuits that left us empty and unsatisfied.

But through God’s wonderful grace…, our life was transformed. This verse reminds us of the amazing work of redemption and transformation that God has accomplished in us through Jesus Christ.

Through faith in Jesus, we have been made new. Our past sins have been washed away by the blood of Jesus. We are no longer defined by our past, but rather by the righteousness and holiness of Jesus Christ.

This verse also serves as a challenge for ongoing transformation. We need to recognize the parts of our old nature that still exist. We must consistently yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to shape us into the image of Christ.

Are you thankful for the great love and mercy God has bestowed upon your life? Are you walking in obedience and love towards Him and one another?

Pray

Lord, Your love and grace never fails to amaze me. I am so thankful for what You have done in my life. Help me to continue striving to please You in all that I do.