Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

The Power To Overcome

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭13:14‬

Paul uses the threefold title, “Lord Jesus Christ,” to emphasize the Lordship of Christ. He did so to prove a point that making Him Lord over our lives helps us overcome the temptation to sin. When we “put on” Christ temptation loses much of its power. This doesn’t mean that we avoid temptation, but it does mean we have the power to overcome it.

Temptation is an issue for everyone who draws a breath. Even Jesus was tempted just like we are. Satan tries to use temptation to make us stumble in our walk with God. When we submit to temptation and commit sin a sinful act, we break fellowship with God. Hence the importance of forgiveness of sin. We need to be forgiven so we can have a good relationship with our Lord.

The only way to fight against fleshly desires is to seek Jesus daily. When we put Jesus first we can fight the battle of temptation much easier. Everyone’s temptation is different. But know that the devil knows what you’re tempted with and will do whatever it takes to make you slip and fall and give in to sin. So beware of the devil, because he prowls like a lion seeking to destroy you. But have confidence that as a Believer you have the power of God to fight against the flesh and say no to sin.

It’s a daily battle and that is why Paul says to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” and don’t allow your fleshly desires to have a part of making decisions. When we seek Jesus with all of our heart, mind and soul, we become a fierce battle for the devil. Put on the Lord Jesus Christ today and make Satan wish he never messed with one of God’s children.

Pray

Lord, I seek you today to be my first desire. Give me power to say no to temptations that I will face today. Thank you for giving me the power to overcome sin.

Suffering For Christ’s Sake

Encouragement

‘But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. ‘
Acts 28:3

Have you ever wondered why bad things happen to people who are doing God’s work? Sometimes we think just because we are on mission for God we should be immune to the sufferings and trials of this world.

On a mission trip Paul was shipwrecked and landed on the Island of Malta. Luke tells us that when they came ashore the islanders welcomed them with unusual kindness. Since they were cold and wet, they built a campfire.

Paul laid a bundle of sticks on the fire and a viper struck him on the hand. This is when we have to ask, why would God allow such a suffering? Wasn’t the shipwreck enough? Now a poisonous snake bite?

Some people might say that the devil is trying to interfere with God’s work. Or others might say that God is mad and causing havoc on His children. What’s interesting about this verse today is that it states why the viper bit him.

It says, because of the heat, the viper came out. The heat from the fire made the snake mad and aggressive. It wasn’t because of the devil, it was because of the natural causes of heat.

Let’s not forget that Paul shook off the snake and never swelled or got sick. Even though he was bitten by a viper, the islanders saw the power of God in Paul.

We may get sick or hurt from time to time. Viruses and germs may surround us. Natural disasters will occur. As Christians we are not immune to any of it. But we can trust the power of God to overcome our difficulties.

We pray for God to bless our endeavors. But because we encounter suffering, we shouldn’t be so quick to blame anyone or anything especially God. God only wants the best for us. Use the sufferIngs in your life to bring glory to God.

Pray

Lord, I pray that You bless my labor for Your kingdom. Help me to use and enjoy the gifts that You have given unto me. I will praise Your great name in the good times and the bad.

The Saints Must Change

Encouragement, Salvation

“And he (John the baptist) will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before Him (Jesus) in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”
Luke 1:16-17

What will it take to turn this world upside down for Jesus? That is a question that many spiritual leaders have been pondering for a while. We desperately need to see a change in our nation today but what will it take? Who or what can bring about such a change?

God will not do a mighty work in our land until the hearts of His people are changed. We must stop pointing the finger at other people and start pointing the finger at ourselves. Sad to say, but the mess that we are living in is due to the condition of the hearts of God’s people.

The reason why the world is in such chaos is because the hearts of God’s people are in chaos. God desires that we, believers and Christians, get our heart right with Him.

We should never expect a lost and dying world to all of a sudden wake up and realize that they are wrong. What must take place is the saved people of God get their lives turned around and start living righteously and holy for our Righteous and Holy God.

John was sent as the forerunner for Jesus to prepare the way of Jesus’ coming. God used him to bring people to repentance by preaching and proclaiming the word of God. John was a man of God who lived a holy life set apart for God’s work. He did his job as God desired him to do. We too must prepare the hearts of others to receive Jesus.

Our lives must represent the life of Jesus. We can not expect the world to change until the people of God change first. We must take our sin to heart and confess it and repent of it. Then God will hear His people and heal their land. But nothing will change if we continue to live like we are right now. Don’t point the finger at other people and criticize their actions and not judge yourself. That is a hypocrite!

We must seek holiness and righteousness in our daily lives. We must be seeking after Jesus with our whole heart. We need to love like Jesus loves and forgive like Jesus forgives. Who among us will stand like John and proclaim the name of Jesus with courage and boldness? Who will prepare the way of Jesus’ coming soon?

Pray

Lord, mend my heart. Break my heart for the thing that breaks Yours. Help me to live holy and righteous before You. Let my life prepare others for Jesus.