Pastor Stephen Dedman

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You Are The Church

Encouragement

But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.
Jude 1:20-21

For many church is a building and a religious organization. But the church is not about religion. It is not just about preaching, teaching and singing. The church is much more than traditions, rituals, or observances. The church is the Gospel of Jesus Christ lived out through believers. 

Church is about serving and sharing the gospel through acts of kindness and love wherever Christ followers may go. As we each have our own testimony and message of Jesus Christ, the church becomes a deployment opportunity in every community. The church is more than just words, its action.

When we build each other up in the faith, we are living out the gospel in our world. Living in a fallen and broken world is not easy so that is why we need each other. We thrive off of each others faith in Christ. Strong faith keeps people going in difficult situations.

One way we can build each other up in faith is through prayer. As we are told in today’s scripture, “pray in the power of the Holy Spirit.” As we pray, the Holy Spirit gives us boldness and courage to be messengers both in word and in action. 

Pray for the people who surround you. Pray for the people who lead you. And pray for God to use your life as an example of Christ’s love.

Pray

Lord, help me to live out the gospel of Jesus in this evil world. Let the light of Jesus shine and give encouragement to others. I lift up my brothers and sisters in Christ to be bold and courageous. 

Bold And Courageous

Encouragement

Peter said unto him, “Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.” 
Matthew 26:35

The Passover meal was prepared. It was the twelve disciples and Jesus in the upper room. Over and over, He reiterated His love for them, even kneeling before them to wash their feet. Their hearts were humbled. It was a time of celebration and reflection.

They knew Jesus was the Messiah and nothing could stop Him from bringing power back to the Jews. Or so they thought. They were bold and confident. Peter boldly stated, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” (Luke 22:33)

This reminds us of the times when our faith is so strong we could face any opposition and suppression and boldly proclaim our faith in our Lord. We stand tall and proud knowing that nothing can stand between us and the mighty hand of God.

It’s times such as these that our faith pushes us to do things we normally wouldn’t do. It’s faith in Jesus that allows us to stand with courage and speak boldly like Peter. “I am willing to die for Christ!”

But when darkness weighs heavily in our life and the tests and trials trouble our hearts, we often fail. By daybreak Peter swore he’d never been with Jesus.

What happened to the boldness and confidence? This is how quickly our testimony can be destroyed. If we aren’t careful, we too, can be just like Peter and fail the task laid before us.

Pray that you don’t enter into the temptation of the devil. Stand strong and be courageous in the Lord.

Pray

Lord, reveal to me if my pride is keeping me from experiencing Your presence and power. Forgive me of my arrogance and allow me to be filled with Your grace. 

Anger Makes You Foolish

Encouragement

Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, For anger rests in the bosom of fools.
Ecclesiastes 7:9

People are entertained by conflicts. Especially when it’s reality drama. They are thrilled when someone gets what they deserve. It’s very sad but it’s true to say that some people like to watch others suffer. That’s why TV drama series are so popular.

It’s easy to get angry and lash out toward others. We see people act like fools because of their anger and bitterness. We must be careful that we never let our anger get the best of us.

As Christians we are called to be set apart from the rest of the world. However, if we fill our minds with the filth and garbage of reality TV, gossip, and drama, we tend to engage upon it.  There comes a point in time when the Holy Spirit urges us to stop feeding on the negativity and start feeding on positive thoughts and actions. 

Evil surrounds us in every direction and it will eventually entice us if we allow it. Evil thoughts and actions result from a heart full of anger and an unforgiving attitude.

But on the opposite spectrum, when we fill our hearts and minds with encouraging and uplifting spiritual things we produce holiness and righteousness. 

If you want to have less anger in your life you need to feed your heart and mind with grace and truth. The more you mature in the Word of God the more you will control your emotions of anger.

Instead of dwelling on the things that make you angry try focusing on the good things God has done for you. When you count your blessings one by one the things that make us angry will fade away.

Prayer

Lord, take my focus off the negative things of this world and allow me to see the great things You are doing in my life.  Help me to resist the temptation to sin in my anger.