Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: salvation

Dealing With Distractions

Encouragement

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
Hebrews 12:1

Do you have any distractions in your life? Who doesn’t, right? The devil desires to keep us distracted so that we aren’t aligned with the will of God. 

When we allow distractions to overcome us we allow our minds and hearts to stray from God’s plan and purpose. To stay on course means we must guard ourselves from becoming distracted. Most of the time we aren’t even aware that it is happening. 

The New Living Translation says, “let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1b) This terminology helps us to see that anything that weighs us down, especially sin, will keep us from achieving the perfect will of God. 

We need to “strip off” whatever is distracting us. What distraction is keeping you from being one with God?

Our relationship with God through Jesus Christ should be the most important relationship in our life. Jesus said the most important commandment is to love God with all of our hearts, soul, and mind and then we are to love others. 

When our hearts are focussed on God and the things of God we will do what God expects. Is Your heart in the right place?

It’s easy to get distracted when we are weighted down with sin. When we focus on holiness, we stray from sin and other distractions.

Pray

Lord, forgive me and keep me from sin. I confess my sin to You. Give me strength to stay the course and keep myself holy and pure.

Be On Your Guard

Encouragement

And he (Jesus) said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭12:15‬ 

Many people foolishly believe that what matters most in life is how much they own. It may be money or things that can be acquired. The misunderstanding comes from thinking that having more of what we desire will make us content. But according to the Bible, only God can satisfy our every need. 

It’s so easy for us to direct our attention toward earthly pursuits and lose our eternal perspective. Worldly ways produce greedy and covetous attitudes. But Jesus taught the things of this world will all pass away while the things of Heaven are eternal and more meaningful. 

Jesus made it very clear that His Kingdom is not based upon fleshly desires or the pursuit of pleasures. If we were to be honest, we all desire a life of luxury and ease. Even the people that Jesus ministered to had the same desires. 

We are encouraged to be on guard against covetousness and greed.  Jesus said, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark‬ ‭8:36‬)

If we spend our life focused on the things of this world and coveting the things we don’t have, we are wasting our life. The life that we lose here will be rewarded with much gain in Heaven. Jesus said to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew‬ ‭6:20‬) 

Our life does not consist in the abundance of our possessions but of the treasures that we have stored up in Heaven. 

Pray

Lord, keep me from selfish desires and envying what others may have. Help me to live for Christ today and produce fruit that proves I belong to You. 

God Will Fight For You

Encouragement

You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.
‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭20:17‬

The godly king of Judah and his nation were under attack by three kings and their armies. It was three against one. It wasn’t a fair fight by any means, but God revealed to the king of Judah that a miracle was on the way. 

God said to the king of Judah, “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your position… Don’t be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.”

The next verse states the king’s response. “Then Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping the Lord.”(‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭20:18‬) 

The next day the armies started closing in and the LORD destroyed them and great fear came upon every nation surrounding Judah because the LORD was on their side. What a great victory!

This Old Testament event proves that the Lord wants to fight your battles for you. He just wants you to get into position to receive a miracle. We face a powerful enemy that desires to destroy us, but God is more powerful and has already gained the victory. Raise your head up and allow God to show you what He can do for you.

Do you let the Lord fight your battles? When you get discouraged, do you set your mind on Heaven? When you get disappointed do you turn your eyes to Jesus? 

When life gets you down, let God fight your battles for you. He’s waiting for you to surrender. It takes you getting to the point that you can’t do anything on your own.

Pray

Lord, I surrender to Your almighty power and wisdom. Fight my battles today and give me rest. Forgive me for not trusting You.