Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Faith

Steady Hands

Faith, Trust

Steady Hands

But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭17:12‬

Teamwork

The war at Rephidim was a proven evidence that each member gave a very important contribution to gain victory over the Amelikites. Teamwork brings victories, shapes history, and blesses members with a heavenly attitude and spirit. People who work together to accomplish God’s work will witness results that are powerful and unexplainable.

The people of Amalek came and fought with the people of Israel in Rephidim. This was the first war recorded after Israel left Egypt. Amalek was very deceitful and tried to attack Israel from behind rather than face to face. Amalek attacked Israel when they were weak and tired. Amalek represents the most deceitful enemy that we have: the devil.  He walks around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. He knows our weaknesses and waits for us to let down our guard. This is why we need each other working together for the same purpose and for the Lord.

As Christians we need each other. We need others when we are weak in faith and others need us when they are weak in their faith. Together we can continually build each other up and strengthen each other for the battles that we face everyday. Church unity and involvement produces greatness in the work of God. Everyone is unique and everyone is needed. We should be using our God-given talents and gifts to please God and give light in the dark world we live in.

Prayer

Father, give us eyes to see who needs our assistance and equip us for the next task.

Joy And Peace

Encouragement, Faith, Salvation

Joy And Peace

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15:13

The Source of Peace And Joy

God wants you to be filled with joy?  He also wants you to experience peace in all areas of your life.  He wants you to have peace with your family, peace with your friends, peace with your church family, and peace with the world.   He wants you to have peace within your work, your play and your worship.  The only way to experience peace and joy is through a right relationship with Jesus Christ.

The reason most people don’t have peace and joy in their life is because they are missing the free gift of salvation.  God gives us peace and joy through our faith in Jesus Christ.  Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Because we are born with a sin nature we are naturally at war with God.  Once we surrender and submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ we are at peace and all sin is forgiven.

Another reason why most people don’t have peace and joy in their life is because they are seeking to be filled with worldly pleasures instead of the hope of God.  Even as a Christian we can get caught up in the trap of worldly living.  If we are not careful we will find ourselves seeking pleasure in things that will only last temporarily and will soon fade away.  However if we keep our minds and hearts set on the things of God we will enjoy the peace and joy that only God can give.

Prayer

Ask the Lord to fill your heart with peace and joy and then seek the things of God.

Worthy Of The Gospel

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

Worthy Of The Gospel

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:27‬

Living For Jesus

Paul lived a Christian life that was radically different from his life before knowing Jesus.  Jesus made a difference in his life.  After the road to Damascus experience, Paul was on mission to make sure people knew Jesus as Lord and Savior.  It wasn’t just a job, it was his life.

As Christians we are to live worthy of the gospel of Christ.  Christ did something that no one else could do.  He paid the ultimate penalty for sin.  If we really consider the cost involved we would desire to live for Christ with all of our capabilities.  However, sometimes we tend to forget about the grace and compassion that was done on our behalf.  We never need to forget what Jesus did for us.  If we would always have Jesus on our mind we would always be productive in building the Kingdom of Heaven.

Paul sets the example of one of the greatest Christians who ever lived.  He had his faults of course, but he sets and example of how we are to live our lives.  We are to have the mind of Christ at all times.  To have the mind of Christ is to have the Gospel in our hearts.  Reading and hearing the Word of God should be the most important thing we do as Christians.  We should never be too busy to read and meditate on His Word.  Once we have the Word on our mind and in our hearts we can live a life that is worthy of the Gospel.

Prayer

Lord, I want to search you with all of my heart, mind and soul.  Help me to dig into your Word with eagerness and passion.