Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Firm In The Lord

Faith

‘Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. ‘
Philippians 4:1

Paul was concerned for the Believers at Philippi that they could possibly wander from their faith. So he eagerly challenged them to stand firm in the Lord.

The New Living Translation interprets this verse to say, “stay true to the Lord.” With that challenge in mind he gave some practical application as to how to stand firm or stay true to God.

The word therefore refers us back to chapter 3:20-21where Paul says, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior…” We must remember this world is not our eternal home.

While we walk this Earth we must keep our focus on Jesus. One day He is coming back and everything will be under His authority. If we are going to stand firm in our faith we must keep our focus on Heaven.

In chapter 4:6-7, Paul says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.” God wants us to confide in Him. Tell Him all about your troubles, but also thank Him for all your blessings.

Paul says in verse 8 to fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. If we fill our minds with the things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable, it will give us strength to stand firm and stay true to the Lord.

Standing firm and staying true to the Lord is not going to happen naturally or easily. This is why we need Jesus. This is also why Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit. We can’t possibly do it on our own. But we can stand firm and stay true to God through Christ who gives us strength.

Pray

Lord, strengthen me through Your word today. Give me power through the Holy Spirit and confidence to face whatever comes my way.

A View From God’s Perspective

Faith, Salvation

‘Moreover He said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God.’
Exodus 3:6

Could you imagine standing on the moon looking back at the Earth? When we think about the enormous size of the earth, it makes us feel really small doesn’t it? Just think how small we are compared to the rest of the universe.

God has a certain way of showing us things that are bigger than ourselves. He also has a way of showing us things from an eternal perspective. This is what happened the day Moses witnessed the burning bush.

Moses was just a humble shepherd minding his own business when all of a sudden he saw something that didn’t make sense. A bush was burning but was not being consumed in the fire. He needed a closer look to understand what was taking place.

As he approached the burning bush the voice of God spoke to Moses from the midst of the bush. At that moment he realized the God of all creation, God Almighty, Jehovah God, was audibly speaking words to him. Moses must have felt terrified as he hid his face.

God revealed Himself to Moses by declaring His relationship to the patriarchs. And now Moses would become essential to the covenant promise. God used Moses to accomplish a work that was larger than he could comprehend.

While we may be compared to a spectacle of dust compared to the universe, God uses us to accomplish His purposes. Each and everyone of us are essential in building the kingdom of God. Each of us play a vital role in winning the lost to Christ. What is your part?

Pray

Lord, use my life to show who You are. Give me words to speak that will speak life into others. Help me to see an eternal perspective of accomplishing Your will and way.

God Can Turn It Around

Faith

‘But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. ‘
Genesis 50:20

Sometimes we don’t understand why bad things are happening to us. Especially when we are in the will of God and doing exactly what He has called us to do. It’s in these times that we must know that God is up to something great.

Our character and faith are tested during times of difficulties. We are not promised a life of ease just because we are Christians. In fact Jesus said we will be hated by the world because the world hated Him first (John 15:18).

After Jacob’s death, his elder sons feared that Joseph would seek revenge for mistreating him. Indeed, payback would be expected. But Joseph’s attitude was outstanding. Joseph told them, “God intended it for good so that many would be saved.”

When we live by faith, we see that God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Joseph understood that God can take the worst of circumstances and turn them into a blessing.

Have you experienced God’s grace? Are you witnessing God working in your life? Give Him praise!

Pray

Lord, Your ways are higher than mine and Your thoughts are better than mine. Help me to see what You are doing in my life so that I become a hero of faith. Change my heart.