I Shall Not Want

October 13, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement, Faith

I Shall Not Want

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 23:1

Keeping Sheep

David knew what it meant to be a shepherd. He knew what it took to protect sheep and keep them from harm. It was more than just leading sheep to water and feeding them. When he was about to fight Goliath he said to King Saul, “…And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has struck down both lions and bears.” (1 Samuel 17:34-36) David was more than a mighty man, he was a great shepherd.

David said the Lord is “my” shepherd. In a very personal way, the Lord was the provider and protector for David. When David was all alone in the wilderness with his sheep, the Lord was there with him. And when he faced lions and bears, the Lord was there with him. God gave him strength and might to be able to fight wild animals. No wonder the Philistine giant was no problem for David. It was just another day in the field. David knew the power that God would give to him when he faced difficulties. Going against Goliath was a walk in the park compared to fighting with lions and bears.

Interestingly, David also said because the Lord is my shepherd, “I shall to want.” What an amazing statement. Because the Lord is our shepherd we will never be in want for anything. Don’t confuse this with fleshly desires though. David was implying here that the Lord will never allow His sheep to be in need. Every need will be met and be given with pleasure.

Prayer

Lord, I know that You alone are my shepherd and I turn to you for everything. Thank You, Jesus, my Shepherd.

The Things That Are Unseen

October 2, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement, Trust

The Things That Are Unseen

As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:18‬

Looking Up

It is exciting to come to the realization that we were created for more than just this world we live in now. This Earth is not our eternal home. If you ever feel such that you don’t belong to this world, you’re right. We were made to live with God and experience His beauty and majesty.

The Bible tells us that we have a future home to look forward to. We cannot fathom the great and wonderful things God has in store for those who believe in Jesus. There will be mansions, streets of gold, rivers of water that is crystal clear, and most of all the throne of God will be shining eternally. There will be no need for light because we will be living in the presence of God’s glory. What a sight to behold! Why would anyone ever think that the world we live in now is even comparable to what Heaven will be like. There is no paradise such as the one we will witness after we leave this earth. There are some beautiful places to see here on Earth but they don’t come close to the things we will see in Heaven.

The Lord wants us to keep our focus on the things above. He desires that we love the things that glorify Him. We are to enjoy what God has created for us here and now but we need not to get comfortable. This earth will pass away and all things will be made new. To God be the glory.

Prayer

Lord, allow me to understand that this world is not my final home. Help me to see things as temporal and to know that the things of Heaven are eternal.

Anger Lodges In The Heart

September 18, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement, Trust

Anger Lodges In The Heart

Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools.
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭7:9‬

Slow To Anger

Frustration can lead to bitterness. Bitterness leads to anger. If anger resides long enough it can get the best of you. The key to overcoming anger is not just a forgiveness issue, it’s a heart issue. If you are bitter and angry for too long you will suffer physical and spiritual problems.

It is sad that people like to watch and listen to disagreements. Reality TV shows are a booming business because of this. Some people feed off of drama. They are thrilled when someone gets what they deserve and anticipation grows when they don’t. In the real world it’s the same. It’s very sad but it’s true to say that some people like to watch others suffer.

As Christians we are to be different from the rest of the world. However, if we fill our minds with the filth and garbage of reality TV, gossip, and drama, we tend to engage upon it. There comes a point in time when the Holy Spirit urges us to stop feeding on the negativity and start feeding on positive thoughts and actions. It can be difficult sometimes but it is best to abstain from the filthy lust of the flesh. Evil surrounds us and is easily enticed when we allow it. But on the opposite spectrum, when we fill our hearts and minds with encouraging and uplifting spiritual things we produce righteousness. Feeding our bodies with the correct nutrients is comparable to feeding our souls with the necessary nutrients. If you want to produce good fruit you will need to feed your soul biblical truth. The more you mature in the Word of God the more distance can come between you and sin. Thrive on the blessings that only come from God and reap the joy of doing so.

Prayer

Lord, take my focus off the negative things of this world and allow me to see the great things You are doing in my life.