Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Don’t Fall For It

Faith, Trust

“Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?””
Genesis‬ ‭3:1

The devil uses deceptions and doubt against us to cause us to sin. The deceptions that were used against Eve are still used against us today. It’s very noticeable when you read it but it’s not so noticeable when you live it.

The devil made Eve question the Word of God. The devil said, “did God really say…”. He deceived Eve into thinking that God’s instructions were not that important. He tried to convince Eve that she could eat of every tree in the Garden. She responded in verse 2 by saying they could eat of every tree except of the tree in the middle of the garden and if they even touched it, they would die. Then the devil went on to tempt Eve in a way that made her think that eating of the forbidden tree would make her be just like God and she would like it.

That’s exactly what the devil does to us today. He makes us question the authority of God’s Word and instructions and convinces us that it’s ok to go against what God says. It starts out as a thought and then it stems to a temptation and then to a sin. It’s quick and easy but it’s deadly.

Satan knows that when we sin we lose fellowship with God and with others. He sets traps for us to fall into until we finally fall. And when we do finally fall into sin he uses our sin against us. We feel the shame and regret and it takes a toll on us until we confess and repent.

We can stop deception in its tracks when we sincerely guard the Word of God as truth. Psalms 16:11 says, “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” God knows what is best for us. We need to keep His Word in our hearts and on our minds so when the devil tempts us to sin we can resist him. The only way to fight against the deception and lies of the devil is to proclaim the truth of God.

Pray

Lord, let Your Word be on my lips everyday. Help me to resist the temptation of the devil and make him flee. Protect me and guard me.

We Can Make A Difference

Encouragement, Trust

‘When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. ‘
Acts 2:1-4

There are defining moments in our lives when our life changes and we are never the same. Some of those moments are anticipated and are welcomed into our life but other times they come unexpected and sometimes with pain.

Often times we struggle with change and wonder how God can bring about any good with the pain and suffering. But God always has a way of working all things for our good, even when the enemy intends to do harm.

On the day of Pentecost the disciples lives changed. Something happened that defined who they were. They were ordinary men who were able to be used by God like never before.

But they had to wait for the very specific time and date. They had to wait for the exact moment for it to happen. They had to wait for the promise to be fulfilled.

As we live in a world full of chaos and turmoil we need to know that God wants to do something great. God wants to use us in this fallen world.

It is up to you and me to make a difference. It is up to us to stand up and be like Jesus in this world and to make a statement of love and mercy. It takes courage and the strength of the Holy Spirit to do it.

Pray

Lord, fill me with courage and grace to speak words of love and encouragement. This world needs You. We need Your grace and love.

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.