Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

How Praying Works

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15:7‬

Have you ever received a marketing piece of mail from a car dealership with a key attached to it?  The purpose is to get you to the dealership to try your key and if it starts the vehicle it’s yours for free.

But if the key doesn’t start the vehicle it’s useless and not worth the postage that it cost to send it. It makes some people frustrated that they didn’t win and for some they see it as a hoax and a way for a dealership to sell you a car.

For some people the example of the key is a lot like prayer. Sometimes it works and when it does great things happen. But when their prayer doesn’t work they feel that praying is useless. They feel that God is not listening and it’s just a waste of time and energy to pray.

I’ve even heard Christians say that praying is useless because God is going to do what He wants to do. What’s the point of praying?  Sadly, those people are missing out on the best benefit of being a Christian. Prayer is the most powerful and wonderful tool that we have to use. Prayer is powerful and miraculous when we are connected to Jesus. 

Jesus says that when we abide or remain in Him and if His words remain in us we can ask anything and it will happen. That is the secret to prayer. If we want our prayers to be heard and answered by God we need to know him and know Him closely.

The more we know God the more we know the things of God. We won’t be asking for a million dollars to be in our bank account tomorrow morning. We will be more mindful of what others need more than what we want.

We will be more aware of what God is already doing in our life and we will be in His will. We can expect our prayers to be answered because they are according to the Spirit of God. What are you praying for today?  

There’s nothing wrong about praying selfishly for the things that glorify God and praise His name. Prayer is effective and powerful when we abide in Him and His words abide in us.

Pray

Lord, I seek you will all of my heart. I want to know you and honor you. Please lay on my heart what I need to pray for.

Doing It For The Lord

Encouragement

‘And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. ‘
Colossians 3:23-24

Mediocrity and laziness have no place in the Christian life. We must always maintain integrity and reliability. Our work habits and labor reflect in our personal relationship with the Lord. God always wants us to do our best.

We will always have people in our lives that will disappoint us, neglect us, mistreat us, and even betray us. Some will demand that we give to them while offering nothing in return. And that is why Paul instructs us to do everything enthusiastically as to the Lord and not to people.

There is a big difference between doing something for people and doing something for the Lord. Working for the Lord changes our perspective as we view our endeavors in light of what He has done for us. Our efforts are never overlooked when we know we are doing it all for the Lord.

You may have a boss that doesn’t appreciate you, a friend who isn’t loyal, or a spouse who doesn’t respect you, but that does not give you the right to cut corners, gossip or cheat in return. God demands that we love others the same way He does. We are to treat others according to the way God treats us.

Pay close attention as to why you do what you do. Are you doing things to please others or to please the Lord? God is worthy of our best effort.

Pray

Lord, increase my abilities to always give my best in everything I do. Give me wisdom to understand that I am working for You and You will reward my efforts. Thank You for giving me strength, knowledge and wisdom to do what I do.

You Have The Power

Encouragement

‘Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. ‘
Ephesians 6:10

We all have witnessed a police officer raise his hand up to stop oncoming traffic. In response the vehicles that are approaching the officer come to a stop. But here is a question… does the officer have the physical power to actually stop the vehicle with a hand? Of course not.

The police officer is given the authority by the government to protect and serve. They use that authority to direct traffic and keep people safe. Most people recognize that authority and they stop their vehicles at the command of the officer. Hopefully the officer didn’t have to use flashing lights to make you stop!

In the same way there is authority and power invested in us by the Lord Jesus Christ! The believer who thoroughly understands that the power of God is backing them can exercise his or her authority and face the enemy fearlessly. Jesus has given us the power to tread on the devil, demons, evil spirits, and all of his cohorts.

Paul told believers to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. That means you can step out in front of the devil, hold up your hand, and in the name of Jesus (authority), tell him not to come any closer. Use your authority and resist the devil!

Pray

Lord, give me wisdom and spiritual understanding of the authority and power that has been given unto me as a believer. Give me the understanding of the authority. Help me to use the authority to defeat my enemies… in Jesus Name.