Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: testimony

Salt And Light

Faith

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Matthew 5:13-14

Are you the salt and light Jesus has called you to be? Do people see Jesus in you?

It is time that Christians make a difference in our world. We need to step out in faith and show the world we love them enough to be uncomfortable. If we don’t love them then who will?

Tragically, we are tempted with the notion that we may offend someone by sharing our faith in Jesus. But more importantly we should be aware that it offends Jesus when we miss an opportunity to speak outwardly about our faith.

Not everyone can just walk up to someone and boldly begin speaking and asking questions. But everyone has a unique way that they can witness.

Some may share their faith in a way of serving people. Some may write a letter or a note. Others use their testimony of how God brought them out from a life of sin and rebellion. Still others have an encouraging charm about them that attracts people to listen.

We all have the responsibility to share the message of Jesus however the Holy Spirit sees fit to do so. We must be the salt and light in the world for others to notice. Today there may be a person you come in contact with that needs eternal life. Will you share your faith with them?

Pray

Lord, I want to be a witness of your love and grace. I want people to see You in me. Give me an opportunity to share my faith with someone who is lost.

Tell Them What God Has Done

Encouragement, Faith

‘However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” ‘
Mark 5:19

Have you every hesitated telling others about how you met the Lord? We should be quick to tell others about the great and wonderful things that God has done in our life.

The story of Mark 5:1-20 details a dramatic miracle of Jesus delivering a man of demons and casting them into a heard of swine. On that day two thousand demon possessed pigs squealed down the mountain and drowned into the sea.

The miracle angered the local pig farmers and Jesus was forced to leave. As Jesus got into the boat the man who was once possessed begged to go with Him but Jesus wouldn’t allow it. Instead Jesus instructed him to go home and tell his family and friends about his miraculous deliverance.

Later in chapter 6 Jesus returned and was gladly welcomed back. Because the man told everyone about the great things the Lord had done Jesus was able to perform other great miracles. There is power in sharing with others what the Lord has done for each of us. Never be ashamed to share what the Lord has done. You never know what kind of impact it could make.

Pray

Lord, put someone in my path today that I can share my story with them. Thank You for doing so many good things in my life. Help me to never be ashamed to speak of Your goodness.

Representing Christ

Encouragement, Faith

‘Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. ‘
II Corinthians 5:20

There is so much to the idea of being an ambassador for Christ. An ambassador does not speak on his own authority; his own opinions mean nothing. He represents the King who sent him. He is more than a messenger; he is a representative.

God has entrusted to us His message of reconciliation. God is making His appeal through us. This is why it is important for us to know His desires, values and priorities.

One might say that eliminating pain, poverty, and suffering would bring people true contentment. However, addressing the external needs won’t satisfy our spiritual needs. Even without pain, poverty, and suffering, you can still feel empty deep inside.

If we don’t address the deepest need of the human soul which is to know God, we’ve just given people a version of empty consumerism. Jesus always addressed the external and the internal needs of mankind. Meeting the external needs first gives us the opportunity to address the most important spiritual needs of people’s lives.

As an ambassador of Christ we should be the representative that shows others the love of God. Simply telling others that God loves them is not enough. We must prove it.

Pray

Lord, there are people all around me that need to know Your love and grace. Help me to represent You in such a way that people cannot resist the need of knowing You personally through Jesus Christ.