Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

Will You Stand In The Gap?

Encouragement, Faith

“I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one.”
Ezekiel 22:30

God seeks to find people who will display godly character and spiritual wisdom. He delights in people who will have a true meaningful relationship with Him. Those who live in closeness to the Lord reflect His nature and goodness.

When it comes to leadership, we need people who will stand in the gap between God and His people. A quick survey of the Old Testament will make you realize that God chooses those who can represent Him.

Noah found favor with God as the only blameless person living on the earth at the time (Genesis 6:8-9). But what is said about Noah in verse 9 is remarkable, “he walked in close fellowship with God.” He wasn’t perfect but he close to God.

Abraham was used by God because of his faith, “And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.’ (Genesis 15:6) Abraham’s faith in God directed his steps when he didn’t know where he was going.

Moses stood before God and His people as a humble servant. Moses pleaded with God not to destroy them because of their sin. (Hebrews 11:25)

David, Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Jeremiah and the list goes on. These where people who knew God in a meaningful, right relationship. They all made mistakes but their character and spiritual wisdom reflected the nature of God. The more quality time we spend with God the more we reflect His nature.

In today’s passage of Scripture we discover that God looked for someone to stand in the gap and found no one. God hoped for one who would lead and pray to avert His judgment; but there was none. Ultimately God sent His Son, Jesus, who stands as the wall of strength, stability, and security for His people. And today we stand in the name and in the power of Jesus Christ to reflect the nature of God.

Pray

Lord, help me to reflect the Light of Jesus to those around me. Draw me close to You so I can reflect godly character and spiritual wisdom in this dark and gloomy, sinful world. Let my fellowship with you be meaningful.

Are You Involved?

Encouragement

Then I said to them, “You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach.” So they said, “Let us rise up and build.” Then they set their hands to this good work.
Nehemiah 2:17-18

Nehemiah was burdened with rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. He knew he couldn’t do it alone so he enlisted the help of others. Teamwork makes dreamwork!

Nehemiah says that all kinds of people got involved. From priests to politicians and tradesmen to women who made clothes, there was a role for everyone who wanted to get involved. Everyone had a specific task and purpose.

Even though there were many who supported the efforts of rebuilding the wall, there were some who chose not to get involved. Nehemiah 3:5 tells us about the people of Tekoa who opposed the efforts. It is forever written in the Word of God that these individuals chose not to serve the Lord.

When it comes to building the Kingdom of God there is always a need for willing servants. Never let it be said of you that when there was something great to be done for God you didn’t get involved. God has given you a unique purpose to serve Him.

As a servant of Jesus Christ, you have been equipped to serve. Your talents and abilities are God-given and are given to glorify Him. Everything you do for the Lord makes a difference.

Your task is important and even though you may not see immediate results of your labor, it’s making a difference. If it’s in your community, church, or anywhere in the world, God will use you to do His great work.

Are you participating in building God’s Kingdom? There is a place and purpose for every person to serve the Lord. Just ask God what He wants you to do.

Pray

Lord, I want to serve You today. What can I do to get involved with the work of Your Kingdom. Show me how I can join others in serving You.

In The Likeness Of Jesus

Encouragement

“The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26

One of the greatest blessings of being a Christian is knowing that God sees the righteousness of Jesus when He looks upon those who believe in Him. He doesn’t see our faults and failures; He sees the righteousness of Jesus that has been gifted to us.

Some people mistakenly believe that God is only pleased with them when they do good deeds. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. God is pleased with you and only wants good things for you.

God is never ashamed of your imperfections. He desires to bless you and give you peace. He wants you to be made perfect only through Jesus Christ.

If you want to understand who you are through Jesus Christ you need to recognize that God is perfecting you through His Son. Pauls said it this way, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.” (Philippians 3:12)

We are far from perfect. But everyday we should strive to be more like Jesus. Jesus makes all things new!

Pray

Lord, thank You for giving me Jesus. I look forward to being more like You everyday. Help me to understand that I am being perfected through the works of Jesus.