Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: stephen dedman

What Season Are You In?

Encouragement

To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:
Ecclesiastes 3:1

Sometimes we may find ourselves in a difficult or challenging season of life, and it can be easy to feel discouraged or hopeless. However, this verse reminds us that even the difficult seasons have a purpose and a time limit. We can take comfort in knowing that this season will not last forever, and that God has a plan for our lives.

Similarly, when we are in a season of abundance or blessing, it can be easy to become complacent or take things for granted. This verse reminds us that even in times of plenty, there will be other seasons where we may face hardships or challenges.

Ultimately, we are encouraged to trust in God’s timing and purpose for our lives. Whether we are in a season of joy or sorrow, we can take comfort in knowing that God is with us and has a plan for our lives.

Let us learn to embrace each season with gratitude and trust, knowing that God is in control. Take a moment today and think about where God has you. Thank Him for His favor and thank Him for His provision.

Pray

Lord, help me to recognize that You are in control no matter what season I am in. Thank you for blessing me. Thank you for the hardships I have faced that only increased my faith in You.

We All Will Face Judgment

Encouragement

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
II Corinthians 5:10

Today’s verse reminds us that we will all face judgment before Christ, and we will be held accountable for our actions.

As believers in Christ, it’s important to remember that our salvation is not based on our works, but rather on our faith in Him. However, this doesn’t mean that our actions and choices don’t matter. We are called to live a life that reflects our faith in Christ and to strive to do good works.

When we stand before Christ, we will be judged not only on what we did, but also on what we didn’t do. Did we use the gifts and talents God gave us to further His Kingdom? Did we love and serve others as Christ commanded us to do? These are the questions we must ask ourselves as we seek to live a life that honors God.

May we be reminded today to live with the knowledge that we will one day face Christ, and let us strive to do good and make a positive impact in the world around us.

Pray

Lord, I know I will be judged according to the things I have done. I know I will be forgiven but help me to acknowledge that I am the only one held accountable. Show me Your ways to perfect my life.

Spirit Led

Encouragement

One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.
Acts 13:2-3

Acts 13:1-3 describes a significant moment in the early Christian church when the Holy Spirit set apart Paul and Barnabas for a special work. As they were worshipping and fasting, the Holy Spirit spoke to the church leaders and called them to separate these two men for the task of spreading the gospel to the Gentiles.

This passage reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s direction and guidance in our lives. Just as the church leaders were sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, we too should be attentive to God’s voice and open to His leading.

God has a plan and a purpose for each of us, and it is only by seeking His guidance that we can fulfill that purpose. When we take time to worship, fast, and pray, we create space to hear from God and discern His will for our lives.

Let us follow the example of the early church and be intentional about seeking God’s direction in all that we do. As we do so, we can trust that He will lead us on the path of righteousness and use us to accomplish His purposes.

Pray

Lord, I want to be led by Your Spirit and be obedient to Your commands. Help me to discern Your voice. Help me to rid myself of any distractions that are keeping me from following You.