Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

Satan Knows The Power of Prayer

Encouragement

But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭59‬:‭2‬

One of the most powerful tools that we possess as Christians is the power of prayer. Jesus has given us the authority to use His name to pray and to have our prayers answered by God. Praying makes a difference.

The prayers of Christians are so powerful that even Satan knows how much an impact prayers make. It’s no wonder that the devil wants our prayers to be hindered. When our prayers are hindered the things of God are not as powerful.

We should be concerned with our prayer life. It’s important that we stay in good fellowship with God. When we are in harmony with God our prayers avail much. That is why we should be confessing and repenting of our sins daily.

Our sins separate us from God. Thank the Lord we have a Mediator of stands in our place. We are washed in the righteousness of Jesus. But we still need to live holy and righteously for our prayers to be powerful.

Your prayers can change your life or even the life of another person. When Jesus died on the cross the veil in the temple was torn in half thus giving us full access to God himself. Our prayers are our access of communicating with God the Father.

How do you view your prayer life? Do you value your time speaking to God in prayer? He desires to hear our hearts cry out to Him.

Pray

Lord, I lift my voice to You in prayer. Forgive me and cleanse my heart so that my prayers are heard and that my prayers align with Your Holy Spirit.

The Chosen Life

Encouragement

So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭20‬:‭16‬

The context and background to this verse is very important to understand. Jesus shared a story (a parable) with His disciples so that they would understand more about the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus told them a story about a good landowner who agreed to pay his laborers a denarius which was far and above what the job entailed. When it came time to pay their wages the first ones who were hired complained because they saw the gracious landowner pay the others equally who didn’t work as long and hard.

Jesus was having this teaching moment because he knew the hearts of the disciples. They were thinking they needed more rewards because of their committed service to the Lord. Jesus needed them to understand that the gift of eternal life in heaven was more than what they deserved.

Then Jesus concluded by saying, “For many are called but few chosen.” Jesus extends an invitation to all but only a few will accept His salvation. Others will not believe in Jesus because they think He is not good, gracious or generous. So they walk away like the Rich Young Ruler, thinking they have everything they need.

You have been called but have you said “yes” to giving up everything to follow Jesus? His payment of heaven is more than fair. Do you desire eternal life more than anything this world has to offer? Your service to the Lord will be proof.

Pray

Lord, Your grace is enough. Your mercy and forgiveness is what I need. I surrender my life to receiving Your gift of eternal life.

Has God’s Word Changed You?

Encouragement

Then he added, “Son of man, let all my words sink deep into your own heart first. Listen to them carefully for yourself.
Ezekiel 3:10

The Bible was written not just to inform us but to change us. Real transformation comes from spending time with God. No one can truly meet with God and not be changed. When we read the Scriptures we need to let the truth sink deep into our heart as Ezekiel 3:10 states.

How do you hear God’s voice? How do you know He is speaking to you and it’s not just your own thoughts or worse, the devil? The best way to know you are hearing the voice of God is to engage in the Scriptures on a daily basis. 

The best way to allow the Word of God to sink into our hearts is to meditate on the Scriptures. Allow the words to marinate in your mind and hear them as you read them. Most of the time there will be a word or phrase that leaps off the pages of the Bible and makes a difference in your life.

Take that word or phrase and allow it to change your life. Watch how it changes your mind, attitude, or heart. Try to remember that word or phrase from the Scripture and reflect on it all day. 

For example take today’s verse and ponder the words, “Listen, carefully.” Those two words can change your life. They can speak truth through the day. Every time you think of the words you will be reflecting on what you need to listen carefully to, or who you need to listen to. Try it and see for yourself.

Pray

Lord, speak to me through Your Word today. Let Your words make a real change in my life. Help me to meditate on Your Word.