Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Why Worry

Trust

Why Worry

And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
‭‭Luke‬ ‭12:25‬

Anxious For Nothing

Did you know most of the things that you fear will happen never happens?  Most of our fears come from a misunderstanding of God’s love and sovereignty.  You must understand that you were created for God’s glory and for His purpose.  If God takes care of His children then why do we worry?

Jesus provides a solution to not just treat anxiety but to eliminate it.  In Luke 12:22 Jesus instructs his disciples not to worry about the physical side of life.  Jesus says your life is more than about food or clothing.  Because you exist to glorify Him, He will supply your every need.  We are not to worry if we have enough now or if we will have enough in the future.  Worry is a lack of trusting that God will provide.  Worry is a sin!  Remember that God provided in times of hunger.  There are many examples including, Joseph saving his family, God providing daily Manna, Jesus feeding the 5,000 men and the list can go on and on.  When you worry, Jesus asks, “Where is your faith?”

Jesus says in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”  The solution to a worry-free life is to live a life of worship and praise to God.  Seek Him first, then all other things will be added.  Paul says in Colossians 3:1, “seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”  Set your mind on Heavenly things.

What are you worried about today?  Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7)

Prayer

Pray, “Lord, set me free from worry, stress and fear because I completely trust You.”

Then The Devil Left Him

Trust

Then The Devil Left Him

Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to Him.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭4:11‬

Dealing With Temptations

Temptation has always been a struggle for mankind ever since Adam was tempted in the Garden.  Scripture is filled with examples of people who have struggled with Satan’s attack of temptation.  But there is good news. God has provided a wonderful plan for victory.

Matthew presented the temptations of Jesus to show that the conflict with Satan was real and to prove that temptations can be overcome by the power and authority of the Holy Spirit.  If Satan could get Jesus to sin then the entire redemptive plan of God would be destroyed.

Three times Jesus was tempted by Satan. The first temptation was a temptation of the flesh.  Satan wanted Jesus to satisfy the flesh and distrust the Father’s ability to provide.  Satan’s plan of attack is always with “if” to create doubt in people’s mind.

The second temptation took trust to the next level. Satan says, “Ok, if you really trust God then jump off this cliff and see if He will save you.” Satans temptation was to make Jesus distrust and test God.

The third and final temptation was the big one. Satan tried to get Jesus to bypass all the suffering and just enjoy what was already His.  Satan was trying to keep Jesus from dying on the cross.

Jesus was tempted three times and each time Jesus used the Word of God to defeat the devil’s power. The temptation was real but the power of God gave way to victory. We have the same source and power to overcome any temptation we face.

Notice verse 11.  “Then the devil left Him.”  These are some great words. Aren’t you glad when the devil leaves you alone?

Prayer

Pray Matthew 6:13, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

He Who Humbles Himself

Encouragement, Faith

He Who Humbles Himself

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
‭‭Luke‬ ‭14:11‬

A Lesson of Humility

In Luke 14:1-6 Jesus was invited to a prestigious dinner with the religious leaders. He was the honored guest but only for evil intentions. There was also another man invited that day who had dropsy (known as edema). The lawyers and Pharisees were trying to trap Jesus into breaking a law on the Sabbath but their plan backfired. Jesus asked them if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath but they remained silent. Jesus then healed the man and sent him away. The lawyers and Pharisees were speechless.

The miracle of healing should have been enough to demonstrate that Jesus was God but Jesus wanted to teach them a valuable lesson concerning the Kingdom of God. He used His position of honor to honor God.  The Pharisees used their position of honor to elevate themselves.  Every person who was honored would then honor someone else, as this was their custom.  It was all about being recognized.

Jesus used this opportunity to share another parable. He said, “Instead of placing yourself at the end of the table where the most distinguished guest should sit, move further down the table.  In doing so you will save yourself from shame when the host comes to you and asks you to move because that seat was reserved.  Sit further away and let the host move you to the position of honor.  Then you will be honored by all.”

God does not look lightly upon prideful people. James 4:6 says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Every Christian needs to learn the important principle of humility.  Let’s learn from the Master and use our God given positions to praise Him and not ourselves.

Prayer

Ask the Lord to make you more aware of your sin and position yourself at the foot of the cross of Jesus Christ.