Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

Authority And Power

Encouragement, Trust

Authority And Power

…far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1:21‬

Victory In Jesus

Satan may have more power than you but he doesn’t have authority over you as a born again believer. We should never confuse power with authority. Satan knows he doesn’t have authority over you but he doesn’t want you to know it.  Satan will try hard to intimidate you with lies and pressure and to deceive you into believing he has authority over you.  He even tried deceiving Jesus.

The day that Jesus died on the cross, Satan lost his authority.  Even though he prowls like a lion trying to devour Christians, he is unsuccessful. You do not belong to Satan, you belong to Jesus. Jesus is the One who died in your place. He is the One who gives forgiveness of sins. As a Christian, you answer to Christ, not Satan.

You may think that you’ve lost but don’t you haven’t. There is a spiritual war raging right now and you can’t see it. Satan’s angels are trying to get you but God’s angels are more powerful. They are fighting for you. That should put a smile on your face and joy in your heart. In The Name of Jesus all demons have to flee. That is the kind one of authority we have over Satan and his angels. If you feel like you are being deceived, speak the name of Jesus and watch what happens. Make a difference today by knowing that you can speak authority of Satan. He powerful, but you have more authority because of Jesus.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for giving me eternal life through Jesus. Give me strength and power to overcome all temptations.

Daily Devotional

The Lord Will Fight For You

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

The Lord Will Fight For You

The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭14:14‬

Daily Devotional

Crossing Over Dry Land

Moses was leading the Israelites out from Egyptian bondage. They were approaching the Red Sea and thought they were all going to die. Either Pharoah and his army would pursue them or they would drown in the Red Sea. They were at a point of no return and nowhere to go. It was at that point God provided a way as He instructed Moses to take his staff and touch the waters. Then the waters parted and they walked across on dry ground. After crossing over the Red Sea they looked back and watched their enemies be consumed by the waters.

The greatest part of this victory was that the people remained silent. They didn’t have to do anything but walk forward.  God provided a way and protected them through the flowing waters. God also defeated their enemies that would not leave them alone. The Red Sea experience gave them inspiration of the power of God.

There will be days in our life when we face a rock and a hard place. We will be wondering what to do and crying out to God for help. It is in those times that we remain silent and let the Lord fight our battles. We just need to be patient and trust God to show us a way. God will always lead and direct you in the way you should go. The key is to be quiet and listen to what the Lord has to say that us. Sometimes in the silence we hear the voice of God whisper to us.

Prayer

Lord, help me to be silent and trust entirely in your sovereignty and grace.

Daily Devotional

Advance The Gospel

Encouragement, Faith, Salvation

Advance The Gospel

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:12‬

Everything Happens For A Reason

Something very significant about the apostle Paul was that he was always concerned with how he could spread the gospel.  When he was placed into prison he used that opportunity to share Jesus with those around him.  After being attacked by a mob he preached the gospel.  When he was brought before the king he shared his faith as a testimony.  It didn’t seem to matter what circumstance he was in, he was continually sharing the gospel with others.  He would use his situation as an opportunity to share Jesus with whoever he was with.  Paul could take a negative situation and turn it into a great opportunity to win someone to Christ.

We too should look at every situation we encounter as an opportunity to share the love of Jesus or to speak the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.  God may have us at an exact location or in a purposeful circumstance to share our testimony or speak a word of compassion to someone who needs it.  We never need to miss an opportunity that God may be giving us to give the best gift someone can receive.  God uses us in unique ways to further the building of His Kingdom.  You may think you are in a crisis but know that God has you in it for a reason.  Try not to become angry at God or even turn away from your faith just because you endure a time of suffering.  We should be like Paul and turn the circumstance into an opportunity to advance the gospel.

Prayer

Lord, help me to be aware of where you have me and to be aware of the people around me so that I can tell them about the good news of Jesus.