Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Trust

God Supplies Our Needs

Faith, Trust

“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:12-13‬

Sometimes we are faced with unexpected circumstances. Either what we thought would happen didn’t or something happened that we didn’t plan for. Sometimes these life events can seem pretty intense.

What do we do when we don’t know what the future holds? The Book of Philippians helps us learn about real life situations.

Paul was faced with incredible life threatening circumstances. He was chained in prison for preaching Jesus. He was physically chained to a Roman guard. There was no way out.

Can you imagine what was going through his mind? Would he actually be put to death for preaching in the name of Jesus? Would God somehow work a miracle and release him from prison? Or would he be forgotten about and spend the rest of his life in prison?

His future was uncertain but he was sure of one thing as he stated in Philippians 4:19, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” He knew God was in control and had a perfect plan.

When we face unexpected circumstances of our own we need to have the faith to respond and react the way that Paul did. He didn’t miss out on what God gifted him with. He didn’t have a multitude to preach to, but he did share the gospel with the Roman guards.

He didn’t have fellowship with other Christians but he did write to them and encourage them. Even though his circumstances were not what he expected, he knew that God would reveal Himself to be powerful.

When we face unexpected circumstances (and we will), we need to look at them with the perspective that God is up to something big and wants to use us in a specific way for His glory. As our verse for today states, Paul’s imprisonment was for Christ’s sake and for the Gospel to be advanced.

Pray

Lord, help me to use every opportunity to share Your grace with others. Let me notice that my unexpected circumstances are for Your glory. Make my faith stronger.


The Power To Overcome

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭13:14‬

Paul uses the threefold title, “Lord Jesus Christ,” to emphasize the Lordship of Christ. He did so to prove a point that making Him Lord over our lives helps us overcome the temptation to sin. When we “put on” Christ temptation loses much of its power. This doesn’t mean that we avoid temptation, but it does mean we have the power to overcome it.

Temptation is an issue for everyone who draws a breath. Even Jesus was tempted just like we are. Satan tries to use temptation to make us stumble in our walk with God. When we submit to temptation and commit sin a sinful act, we break fellowship with God. Hence the importance of forgiveness of sin. We need to be forgiven so we can have a good relationship with our Lord.

The only way to fight against fleshly desires is to seek Jesus daily. When we put Jesus first we can fight the battle of temptation much easier. Everyone’s temptation is different. But know that the devil knows what you’re tempted with and will do whatever it takes to make you slip and fall and give in to sin. So beware of the devil, because he prowls like a lion seeking to destroy you. But have confidence that as a Believer you have the power of God to fight against the flesh and say no to sin.

It’s a daily battle and that is why Paul says to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” and don’t allow your fleshly desires to have a part of making decisions. When we seek Jesus with all of our heart, mind and soul, we become a fierce battle for the devil. Put on the Lord Jesus Christ today and make Satan wish he never messed with one of God’s children.

Pray

Lord, I seek you today to be my first desire. Give me power to say no to temptations that I will face today. Thank you for giving me the power to overcome sin.

God-Fearing, Faithful Mothers

Trust

“When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.”
‭‭II Timothy‬ ‭1:5‬

Today we celebrate the women who are called by the name “mom.” What a great day to honor and cherish the mothers and women who mean so much to us.

Mothers are very important and influential.  Their worth and value can never be measured monetarily.  They never get a day off nor do they take a vacation from being a mother.

Paul mentioned that Timothy had a godly grandmother and mother.  Paul honors Lois and Eunice for being the faith influencers in Timothy’s life.  Because Timothy had a godly mother and grandmother, he became a godly man.  

Timothy’s mother instilled godly convictions and doctrinal truth into him as a young man.  She didn’t wait till he was grown, she began teaching him godly character at an early age.  It’s very clear that Lois and Eunice trained their son and grandson in the ways of the Lord.

Passing on sincere faith to our children is a necessity.  Sincere faith is genuine. Sincere faith takes time and effort to pass on to others.  Many hours of prayer and teaching the Scriptures go into raising a child to be strong in their faith.  

Godly mothers take the necessary time to teach what it means to be faithful in all things.  They teach their children the purpose of having sincere faith.

There is no such thing as a perfect mom but there are many who are close to it. Our moms need to be recognized for their love and commitment to passing on their faith to us. Make time today to say something special to your mom.

Pray

Lord, thank You for our godly mothers.  We give you praise and honor for giving us such wonderful teachers of Your Word. Give us more godly women who can continue the great work.