Pastor Stephen Dedman

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What Is Your Story?

Faith, Salvation

 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.
1 Peter 3:15

When was the last time you boldly asked someone if they have ever received God’s free gift of salvation?

There may be someone close to you that needs to hear your story of how you came to Jesus in faith.  Did you know that people are more likely to listen and relate to your story than they are to respond to a sermon?  That’s why it is so important for every Christian to be ready to give an account of their faith.

Every one has a testimony or a story of how and when they met Jesus Christ.  There is no testimony that is too boring or meaningless.  Your story might be the perfect words for someone to understand God’s grace and mercy.  

Don’t be fearful or bashful because the Holy Spirit will give you exactly what you need to say to those who need to hear exactly what you have to say.  You just need to be willing and ready to share your faith with everyone.

Truth is, most everyone who needs Jesus just needs the basics of knowing God’s love and compassion.  Simply telling someone that God sent His only Son to die on the cross for their sins could turn their life around.  

Just by speaking in the name of Jesus could make a world of difference.  A very easy way to start a conversation with someone is to simply say, “Have a blessed day!”

Pray

Lord, thank You for giving me Your salvation. Give me boldness to speak out and speak up for Jesus. Let my story be encouraging to others.

Celebrate God

Encouragement, Faith

‘And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord ; It shall rejoice in His salvation.’
Psalms 35:9

Do people believe that the most important thing to you is God? It’s one thing to say that God is the most important thing; it’s another to prove it.

We must celebrate God in front of everyone we know. We should never hide the fact that we belong to Jesus. People should hear you speak about the One who gives you life and life eternal.

Do you take your relationship with God serious? If you say yes, how much time do you spend with Him? More importantly though, would God say you take your relationship with Him serious?

David took his relationship with God very serious. He promised that his entire being would be given to honor God. He truly celebrated and rejoiced in knowing God.

It makes a difference when we can rejoice in His salvation. It’s not our salvation. Salvation belongs to God and is given to us through the blood of Jesus Christ. That is something to celebrate about!

When you know you are saved and redeemed you can’t help but let others know it. You can’t hide it under a bushel. Let the whole world know who you belong to.

Pray

Lord, I praise You and honor You as my Lord and Master. Give me courage to never be ashamed to tell others that I love You. May my life prove that love You more than anything in my life.

Three Blessings

Encouragement, Salvation, Trust

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭16:11‬

There are many mysteries concerning the things of God.  But there is one thing that is for certain.  He wants to reveal Himself to us and He desires for us to know Him in a close relationship.

David reveals three blessings for those who trust in the Lord.  First, David not only found the path of life, he also found the path that leads to eternal life.  David didn’t come up with his own path of life, God revealed it to him.  

David knew he was a sinner and that God was holy.  David knew God had a special purpose for him.  

The next blessing is the fullness of joy.  David knew God was the One who supplied his joy.  David had many ups and downs but he never lost the source of his joy. He searched the Lord to find true joy and contentment.  

The third blessing is within the pleasures of life.  David didn’t seek God for physical pleasures but for spiritual pleasures.  He trusted God for eternal pleasures that awaited him in Heaven.

As you meditate on this verse today, understand that the path of life is made known by God, the fullness of joy is found only in the presence of God, and eternal pleasures are for those who fully trust in Him.

Are you seeking God for the things of this world or for the things that are eternal?

Pray

Lord, I seek You to know You and to serve You.  You are all that I need and all that I desire.  Thank you for loving me and saving me.