Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Faith

Don’t Fall For It

Faith, Trust

“Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?””
Genesis‬ ‭3:1

The devil uses deceptions and doubt against us to cause us to sin. The deceptions that were used against Eve are still used against us today. It’s very noticeable when you read it but it’s not so noticeable when you live it.

The devil made Eve question the Word of God. The devil said, “did God really say…”. He deceived Eve into thinking that God’s instructions were not that important. He tried to convince Eve that she could eat of every tree in the Garden. She responded in verse 2 by saying they could eat of every tree except of the tree in the middle of the garden and if they even touched it, they would die. Then the devil went on to tempt Eve in a way that made her think that eating of the forbidden tree would make her be just like God and she would like it.

That’s exactly what the devil does to us today. He makes us question the authority of God’s Word and instructions and convinces us that it’s ok to go against what God says. It starts out as a thought and then it stems to a temptation and then to a sin. It’s quick and easy but it’s deadly.

Satan knows that when we sin we lose fellowship with God and with others. He sets traps for us to fall into until we finally fall. And when we do finally fall into sin he uses our sin against us. We feel the shame and regret and it takes a toll on us until we confess and repent.

We can stop deception in its tracks when we sincerely guard the Word of God as truth. Psalms 16:11 says, “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” God knows what is best for us. We need to keep His Word in our hearts and on our minds so when the devil tempts us to sin we can resist him. The only way to fight against the deception and lies of the devil is to proclaim the truth of God.

Pray

Lord, let Your Word be on my lips everyday. Help me to resist the temptation of the devil and make him flee. Protect me and guard me.

Firm In The Lord

Faith

‘Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. ‘
Philippians 4:1

Paul was concerned for the Believers at Philippi that they could possibly wander from their faith. So he eagerly challenged them to stand firm in the Lord.

The New Living Translation interprets this verse to say, “stay true to the Lord.” With that challenge in mind he gave some practical application as to how to stand firm or stay true to God.

The word therefore refers us back to chapter 3:20-21where Paul says, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior…” We must remember this world is not our eternal home.

While we walk this Earth we must keep our focus on Jesus. One day He is coming back and everything will be under His authority. If we are going to stand firm in our faith we must keep our focus on Heaven.

In chapter 4:6-7, Paul says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.” God wants us to confide in Him. Tell Him all about your troubles, but also thank Him for all your blessings.

Paul says in verse 8 to fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. If we fill our minds with the things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable, it will give us strength to stand firm and stay true to the Lord.

Standing firm and staying true to the Lord is not going to happen naturally or easily. This is why we need Jesus. This is also why Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit. We can’t possibly do it on our own. But we can stand firm and stay true to God through Christ who gives us strength.

Pray

Lord, strengthen me through Your word today. Give me power through the Holy Spirit and confidence to face whatever comes my way.

A View From God’s Perspective

Faith, Salvation

‘Moreover He said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God.’
Exodus 3:6

Could you imagine standing on the moon looking back at the Earth? When we think about the enormous size of the earth, it makes us feel really small doesn’t it? Just think how small we are compared to the rest of the universe.

God has a certain way of showing us things that are bigger than ourselves. He also has a way of showing us things from an eternal perspective. This is what happened the day Moses witnessed the burning bush.

Moses was just a humble shepherd minding his own business when all of a sudden he saw something that didn’t make sense. A bush was burning but was not being consumed in the fire. He needed a closer look to understand what was taking place.

As he approached the burning bush the voice of God spoke to Moses from the midst of the bush. At that moment he realized the God of all creation, God Almighty, Jehovah God, was audibly speaking words to him. Moses must have felt terrified as he hid his face.

God revealed Himself to Moses by declaring His relationship to the patriarchs. And now Moses would become essential to the covenant promise. God used Moses to accomplish a work that was larger than he could comprehend.

While we may be compared to a spectacle of dust compared to the universe, God uses us to accomplish His purposes. Each and everyone of us are essential in building the kingdom of God. Each of us play a vital role in winning the lost to Christ. What is your part?

Pray

Lord, use my life to show who You are. Give me words to speak that will speak life into others. Help me to see an eternal perspective of accomplishing Your will and way.