Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: stephen dedman

Be Fruitful

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

‘Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.’
I John 5:21

Just as it’s important to maintain a healthy heart physically, it is equally vital that we guard our hearts from spiritual implications as well. As Christians, God takes 1st place in our hearts so we must be aware of what is competing for taking His rightful place.

Solomon knew the importance of this issue as he wrote, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” (Proverbs 4:23) There are dangerous consequences when we allow other things, besides the things of God, to take precedence in our hearts.

What’s competing for your affection today? The best way to find out is to consider what Solomon stated. What is the course of your life today or right now? Is your relationship with Christ as close as it’s ever been?

If not, something may be causing you to drift away from the things of God. Whatever you give your heart to will determine the course of your life. The enemy wants to distract you from serving God with your whole heart. Jesus said the most important commandment is to love God with all of our heart, soul, and mind. (Matthew 22:37)

Is your heart open to Christ? Does He have first place in your heart? If not, ask Him to give you a heart after His own heart. Let the Lord have full reign of your heart and it will set you on course. Put God first and your life will be fruitful and productive for His glory.

Pray

Lord, I invite You to have full access to my heart. I desire Your fellowship and need Your grace. Lead me today to a fruitful and productive life.

At The Name Of Jesus

Encouragement, Salvation, Trust

But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭3:6‬

Peter and John were walking into the temple to pray and they were greeted by a lame man begging for money.  Peter looked at him and said, “I don’t have any money but I’ll give you something better.  In the name of Jesus get up and walk!”  

Instantly the man was healed and he jumped up and began praising God.

Let’s unpack this wonderful miracle.  Notice the place where this miracle occurred.  It was at the temple gate entrance where many people, including the Pharisees, would pass through to get inside.  The lame man knew the place would be an ideal location because the Pharisees exercised their giving in front of other people to be noticed.  It was guaranteed to be profitable place.

Now notice the problem that was solved.  Poverty and paralyzation left the lame man with no hope or purpose.  But after being healed he was filled with joy.  This miracle gave him new life and purpose.  There’s no problem that Jesus can’t solve.

Notice the people who witnessed this great miracle.  Verse 9 says the people who saw him walking and worshipping were filled with amazement.  This miracle wasn’t just for the lame man.  It was for all the people to witness before Peter proclaimed the Gospel.  This miracle opened an opportunity for their hearts and minds to receive the Gospel and be saved.

Are you trusting money to solve your problem? Or are you trusting in someone else to take care of your needs? Trust Jesus and allow His Word to bring you joy and amazement as He works all things out for the glory of God

Pray

Lord, instead of focusing on my negative circumstances today, I will praise You for the miracle of grace You have shown upon me. Help me to be a witness for Your glory so others can experience Your grace.

It Wouldn’t Have Mattered

Faith

Likewise the chief priests also, mocking among themselves with the scribes, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save.”
Mark 15:31

What comes to mind when you think about the crucifixion of Jesus? If we close our eyes and picture the horrific event we can envision several things. The cross obviously, the three nails driven into His hands and feet, a crown of thorns, and the blood-stained body of Jesus.

These are definitely the gruesome pictures that we have of Christ dying on the cross. But if we notice closely this is not what Mark’s account depicts of the crucifixion.

Mark 15:21-32 doesn’t put a lot of emphasis on the physical description of the crucifixion. Nor does Mark describe the agony that Jesus encountered on the cross.

Instead, Mark depicts the humiliating and emotional abuse that came from the people who watched Jesus suffer and die on the cross. They made fun of Him and joked about Him with words of mockery and insult.

The central idea of the people’s attitude claims that if Jesus was truly the Messiah then He should save Himself and come down off the cross. Even the religious leaders claimed that He saved others so He should be able to save Himself.

So what would Jesus have needed to do to make the unbelievers believe? Would saving Himself and climbing down off the cross be enough for them to believe? Or would an empty tomb be the best evidence?

Even after Jesus arose from the dead the mockers still didn’t believe!

Sometimes we fall into the trap of needing God to do something really amazing for us to know that He is present in our life. Let the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus be enough evidence to show that God loves you unconditionally and wants only the best for you.

Pray

Lord, when I struggle to believe that You are in control, help me to remember the cross. When I start to think You don’t care, let me remember the empty tomb. Help me to know I don’t need anymore proof.