Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: stephen dedman

Your Time Is Precious

Encouragement

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:15-16

In what areas do you invest your time and energy to? What do you spend a lot of your time doing or thinking about? 

A fool makes unwise choices with his time and energy. With every new opportunity that comes along, the fool chases off in a different direction, not questioning whether that is the best choice. Most of the time the loudest voice gains the most attention. But at the end of the day, the fool squanders the investment of time and energy on the things that don’t matter.

The devil knows that if he can get you to waste your time and energy on things that don’t matter then you will not be investing in the things of God. At this moment, the devil is trying to rob your time in the Word of God. The devil knows how to tempt you and make you veer away from God’s best.

Time is precious. Don’t waste your time on the things that you know are not of God. Instead take time to listen for the voice of God as He directs you to the most important and best things that bring everlasting joy.

Pray

Lord, help me to spend more time with You today. Speak to my heart and show me what I need to do to accomplish Your plans. Give me wisdom to discern the most important choices I can make today.

Enjoy His Presence

Encouragement

But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:41-42

It’s easy to lose sight of the things that are most important in life especially when there are distractions. We all struggle from time to time with keeping our focus on what matters the most. 

Jesus said there was only one thing that is necessary, one thing important, but very few of us operate our lives like that’s true. Sometimes urgency of life robs us of the one thing that is most important.

Mary shows us in this story of her encounter with Jesus in Luke 10:38-42 what that most important thing is. Two sisters, Mary and Martha, along with their brother, Lazarus, offer hospitality to Jesus as they host Him in their home. Luke tells us that Mary is sitting at Jesus’ feet, soaking in His presence and His words.

On the contrary, Martha is preoccupied with the busyness of cooking, cleaning, and hosting. She is running around making sure everything is prepared and ready for a big meal. She got so busy that she ended up missing out on the most important thing.

Listen to what Jesus told Martha, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things! Calm down! There is only one thing necessary.” 

Today, do the one thing that is necessary. Put everything on pause or mute for a few minutes and be still. Sit and listen to the words of Jesus and enjoy His presence. Be like Mary, you won’t regret it.

Pray

Lord, I want to be in Your presence today. Fill my heart and soul with joy and give me peace. Allow me time to spend with You today.

Time To Worship

Trust

I will sing to the LORD, Because He has dealt bountifully with me.
‭Psalms‬ ‭13:6‬

David expressed his joy by singing to the Lord. He was overwhelmed with joy from meditating on the fact that God had given him salvation. He knew he was saved and rejoiced in it. Singing to God increased his joy even more. 

David used singing to overcome negative thoughts and emotions. When he felt depressed he would sing. If he felt burdened he sang to the Lord. Singing and praising the Lord was his way of coping with the difficulties he faced.

As David reflected on his life he couldn’t help but notice how good God was to him. God was always there for him no matter what he was facing. Do you have a reason to rejoice unto the Lord? 

If you have received the free gift of salvation, you have a reason to sing. If you know your sins (past, present, and future) are forgiven, you have a reason to sing. If you know your eternal home is in Heaven, you have a reason to shout! 

God gave us Jesus so we could rejoice and be glad. Jesus gives us hope for a bright future. When we think about how good God is and how good He has been to us it should put a song in our heart. 

David began Psalm 13 with thinking that God had forgotten about him. He was feeling abandoned and all alone but by the last verse he was rejoicing and was glad. 

When you are feeling down just meditate on the goodness of God. If you feel depressed or overwhelmed with despair think about what good things God has done for you. It won’t take long before your sorrow turns to joy. 

Rejoice in the Lord and be glad today. Put a smile on your face and a song on your lips. Let others around you know how good God is. Let them join you in singing to the Lord. 

Pray

Lord, thank you for giving me Jesus. Thank you for forgiving me of my sins. Thank you for giving me eternal life in Heaven.