The Den Of Lions

October 14, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement, Faith, Trust

The Den Of Lions

Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king declared to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!”
‭‭Daniel‬ ‭6:16‬

God’s Grace

Daniel had some enemies who devised a plan to remove him from serving the king and worshipping God. They went before King Darius and agreed that no one should serve anyone or any other god besides the king. Unknowingly of the plan of deception, the king set forth the 30-day decree.

Daniel went about his normal routine and went up to his window and prayed toward Jerusalem to God. The evil men knew they would find him praying and quickly brought him before the king to have him thrown into the lion’s den. The king was distressed after knowing what took place but had to go through with the plan of action. The king went to Daniel and said, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!” Then the king fasted and prayed all night for Daniel. The next morning the king was there to witness that Daniel had been delivered. God sent Angels to close the lions’ mouths. After all of this, the king wrote a new decree that all people were to worship and serve God.

Daniel found himself in a tough situation but he never stopped trusting in God. He continued to pray and he put his trust in God when faced with hungry lions. He found favor with God. Interestingly, God did not remove Daniel from the pit. He sent Angels to protect him but God wanted Daniel to witness something very powerful. God allowed Daniel to remain in the pit but with sufficient grace. God may not immediately remove us from our pit but He will protect us and give us grace to endure all that comes our way.

Prayer

Lord, Your grace is all I need. Keep me safe and take care of my enemies.

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.