Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: stephen dedman

May 26, 2023

Encouragement

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬

Light is a powerful symbol used throughout the Bible. It represents God’s presence and guidance. As believers, we are called to be light-bearers in a world full of darkness. Our lives should illuminate the path for others to find their way to God.

It’s deeply important to know that our light is not meant to draw attention to ourselves but to point others toward Jesus. When people witness our good works, kindness, and gentleness, they should be compelled to glorify God and experience His love for themselves.

Letting our light shine doesn’t require getting attention from others. It’s found in our willingness to lend a listening ear, offer a helping hand, or simply show compassion to those who are in need. It’s seen in our character in which we conduct ourselves in public.

Shining our light before others also means standing up for truth and righteousness. It means living counter-culturally, resisting the temptations that go against God’s Word. It means embracing forgiveness, extending grace, and seeking reconciliation in a world filled with evil.

We need to remember that it’s not our light that shines; it’s the light of Jesus Christ. We shine like Jesus because He is the source of light.

Commit today to live as a reflection of God’s love and goodness. Does your life bear witness to the power of Christ, drawing others closer to Him?

Pray

Lord, thank You for calling me to be a light in this world. Help me to shine brightly, reflecting Your love and goodness in all that I do. Fill me with Your love and grace so I can show compassion toward others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

May 25, 2023

Encouragement

Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭4‬

What does it mean to delight in the Lord? Delighting in the Lord means finding joy, satisfaction, and contentment in the Lord Himself, rather than in the pleasures of this world.

When we wholeheartedly delight in the Lord, something amazing happens. We begin to see the world through His perspective, and our desires are transformed to reflect His perfect plans for us.

It is essential to remember that delighting in the Lord does not guarantee the fulfillment of every wish or dream. Instead, it redirects our desires to align with His divine purpose and will. Our desires become more in tune with His desires for us, which ultimately leads to a life of greater fulfillment and purpose.

God knows what is truly best for us, even when we are unsure or misguided in our desires. The fulfillment of our desires is within God’s perfect timing and sovereign plan. We must be patient and trust in His providence.

Take a moment and reflect on the condition of your heart. Are you truly delighting in the Lord, finding our joy and contentment in Him alone? Are you seeking His presence daily, allowing His love and grace to transform you from within?

As we seek God, He will grant us the desires of our hearts. His faithfulness endures forever, and His promises never fail. So, let us trust in His goodness and walk in the assurance that He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).

Pray

Lord, I come before You today with a heart full of gratitude. Help me to delight in You above anything else. Teach me to trust in Your timing and surrender my hopes and dreams into Your hands

May 24, 2023

Encouragement

For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭86‬:‭5‬

Today’s verse offers a profound and comforting truth: the Lord is good, forgiving, and overflowing with mercy for all who call upon Him.

The psalmist acknowledges God’s inherent goodness and willingness to forgive. He is a compassionate and loving God, even when we stumble and fall. His goodness and forgiveness are not conditional because of His nature and character.

When we call upon the Lord, we acknowledge our need for His forgiveness and mercy. In our brokenness, we find that His love surpasses all of our failures. God longs for us to come to Him with contrite hearts, ready to receive His grace.

Regardless of the mistakes we’ve made, the Lord eagerly waits for us to turn to Him. He longs to extend His loving-kindness, lifting the weight of guilt from our shoulders and showering us with His mercy.

It is important that we confess our sins and ask God to forgive us. Only then will we experience the depth of His mercy and grace

Pray

Lord, your goodness and mercy keep me coming back to You. Your grace is sufficient for me. Help me to never find comfort outside of Your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.