What Is This

October 27, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Faith, Trust

What Is This

Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭1:27

Man Of Wonders

When Jesus spoke people listened. They were amazed at what a great teacher He was. He spoke with authority and people respected Him. Jesus made people think and gave them a reason to act upon what they heard. He is the greatest teacher ever known.

We learn many things when we study the life and ministry of Christ. His teachings were full of grace and full of wisdom. He astonished even the religious leaders with great knowledge. But most of all, His teachings were associated with miracles that left everyone in awe. Mark 1:27 doesn’t emphasize so much what He taught as much as how He taught. John Mark wants the reader to know what a great teacher Jesus was. When Jesus showed up to the synagogue it was something special for those who were present. Jesus didn’t just preach and teach the Scriptures, He called people to a personal response.

Today we have many Bible teachers and preachers who proclaim the Gospel of Jesus with authority and wisdom. Many are great scholars of God’s Word and share great witness of the power of the Holy Spirit. But no one compares to Jesus. We still are able to listen to His authority and wisdom by reading and studying the gospels. It is important for a Christian to know Jesus and to understand how He taught. His teachings are still the same. We learn from Him everyday.

Prayer

Lord, teach me and make me to be the person you want me to be. Give me wisdom to understand your Words and help me to respond the way you want me to.

Sow Bountifully

October 17, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement, Faith, Trust

Sow Bountifully

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9:6‬ ‭

You Reap What You Sow

God loves a cheerful giver. (vs. 7) A generous heart that gives freely and willingly is rewarded in the same manner. God will bless you according to how you give. Christian giving is reflected by one’s relationship with God. The more we are aligned with the will of God the more we will experience the awesomeness of God.

Paul is teaching the Believers in Corinth an encouraging principle. He promised them that if they would give bountifully, God will reward bountifully. As Christians we should be willing to give what we have to those who are in need. The early church was able to meet the needs of everyone. Today we see a lot of people who are in need. There are a lot of church members who are in great need of assistance. Some do not speak out nor ask anything from their church. We should all be prayerfully sensitive to the needs of our fellow Believers. There is great joy in store for those who are able to give freely and willingly.

God wants us to give more than just our money. He desires that we share our faith and talents as well. We all are gifted in various ways that provide blessings to other people. If you can give big, give it and watch what God will do with it. If you can sing beautifully, sing so others can hear you. If you can teach, wisely teach the Word. If you can preach, what are you waiting for? There is so many different ways that you can bountifully give of yourself and what you have. Always remember that you have what you have because God has bountifully given.

Prayer

Lord, use what I have to help someone else in need. Give me a generous giving heart.

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.