The Lord Will Fight For You

December 14, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman 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

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.

Advance The Gospel

December 13, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman 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.

Christ Who Lives In Me

December 11, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement, Faith, Salvation

Christ Who Lives In Me

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20

It’s No Longer Me

Being saved through Jesus Christ is not just a way to Heaven, it’s a new life in Christ here on this earth. Jesus not only gives us eternal life, He gives us new life here and now. Jesus changes our desires from the inside out. It begins with our heart and mind and works it’s way through our words and actions.

Jesus set forth the perfect example of how to live a holy life acceptable unto God. As Christians we strive to live like Christ and to strive for holiness and righteousness. We cannot do it alone for the flesh is weak. We must depend on the Holy Spirit to work in and through us. We must be conforming to His ways and seeking to please Him.

The power in this verse is the fact that being found in Christ we no longer are captive to sin. Yes, we do and will continue to sin but we are found not guilty when we place our faith in Christ. We are justified through the blood of Jesus. Jesus forgives us of our sins. Paul says we are crucified with Christ. We no longer satisfy our flesh desires, we aim to please our Lord and Master. No longer do we live for ourselves. Everyday should begin with the thought and ambition to please the Lord through everything we do. What are you going to do today for Jesus?

Prayer

Lord, today I die to myself and live for you. Use me and make me useful for Your kingdom sake.