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.

David Numbered Israel

December 13, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Trust

David Numbered Israel

Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel.
‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭21:1‬

Trust God

David had to make a choice. He could choose to trust God or he could fall into the temptation of Satan. He called for a census of Israel to be made and trusted in numbers. We should never seek confidence in numbers and not trust God. Instead of boasting in the power of God, David was more flattered with making a name for himself. We can call this a pride issue. David wanted other nations to fear him. When the numbers came were totaled it was amazing and almost unbelievable. 800,000 men in Israel who were qualified to serve in the military is very impressive. And another 500,000 men were counted in Judah. David knew he had a great army and he used these numbers to send a message to others.

We must understand a couple of things. First, David did not count his own people. He counted God’s people. These people did not belong to him they were God’s people. Second, a census was taken not only to impress others with the number of men fit for military but also to show how rich the nation was. A census would establish how many people were paying taxes. It was another way for David to exercise power. Third, this census was a sin. It was against what God wanted. David sinned. He finally came to his senses and repented to the Lord. However, 70,000 men died because of his great sin.

Pride was the issue. David forgot the history of how God’s great power and presence was with His children and began seeking praise of man. We should never fall into the temptation of receiving praise from man instead of pleasing God.

Prayer

Lord, I pray for your power and presence to always bring me remembrance of who You are. You are all that I need.

The Words Of His Mouth

December 12, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement, Trust

The Words Of His Mouth

I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.
‭‭Job‬ ‭23:12‬ ‭

The Value Of God’s Word

Job’s friend, Eliphaz, advised him to agree with God and be at peace. He told Job to listen to God and make things right. (Job 22:21-27) Job knew in his heart that he was at peace with God. He knew God and had convictions concerning the things of God. Job’s response was that he cherished God’s words and they were more important than food.

God’s Word should be the most valued thing in our life. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness He told the devil, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4) The Bible holds such value for living. It is our hope and instruction that leads to victory. God’s Word is the foundation in which we understand who God is and how we can know Him. The Scripture is the truth.

There are many Christians who do not cherish and value the Word of God. For many say it is too hard to read and understand. The Holy Spirit helps us to comprehend the things of Scripture and how to apply the principles to our life. Preachers and teachers do a great job but we need more than sermons. We need the Word of God everyday. God told Joshua to never let the Book of the Law depart from his mouth and to meditate on it day and night. And by doing so his ways would be made prosperous and he would have good success. (Joshua 1:8) God’s Word is profitable for all things.

Prayer

Lord, give me understanding of Your Word and allow me to understand Your truth.