Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Everyone Needs Jesus

Faith, Salvation

‘Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” ‘
Acts 3:6

Have you ever had someone ask you for money and you didn’t have any cash on-hand to give them? I don’t mean just another beggar asking for money, I’m talking about someone who you really wanted to help but you couldn’t. It’s a bad feeling to know that you can’t help someone who really needs it.

Peter and John faced a similar situation. While walking into the temple to pray, Peter was asked by a lame man if he had any money to give. Peter didn’t give him money, instead he gave him the best thing that he could ever receive and that was… a new life. Peter had faith that the beggar could be healed and he was.

Immediately the man got up and started praising God. The Bible says that all who saw him were amazed at what happened. Peter used this miracle as a preaching opportunity and Acts 4:4 tells us that about five thousand men were saved because of it.

Perhaps the best words that Peter said were, “What I do have I give you.” Peter knew that he possessed what the lame man needed. Not just a healing but salvation. Don’t ever miss an opportunity to share your faith with someone who is in need. God may be sending someone to you today so that you will give them what you have.

Pray

Lord, give me the spiritual power to give people what they need. Help me to notice when someone is in need. Thank You for giving me the best thing that has ever happened in my life.

Do You Have Unbelief?

Faith

‘And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.’
Matthew 13:58

Jesus spent a lot of time teaching and preaching in Nazareth. It was His hometown and many knew of Him. It was His custom to go to the synagogues and teach the Scriptures. Needless to say, His teachings were not welcomed openly.

The Jewish leaders rejected His authority. They discredited Him as being the Messiah. They even sought ways to kill Him.

Rather than opening their hearts and having faith, they were skeptics and resistant. They were closed-minded and hard-hearted. And because they rejected Jesus, they were not able to see and experience the mighty works of God through Him.

Many people could have been healed. Many miracles could have been performed. Even more importantly, many people could have received forgiveness of their sins and but could not because of their unbelief.

Does your unbelief keep you from seeing the mighty works and miracles of God? Sometimes we are just like the skeptics and resistant people. Sometimes we limit the power of God because of our unbelief.

We need not to humanize the things of God. Unbelief holds us back from witnessing the greatness of God. We want to see and witness His glory. We need to be like the father in Mark 9:24, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

Pray

Lord, I confess my unbelief and ask You to forgive me. Help me to faithfully live out what You teach me in the Scriptures. Help me to never hinder the Spirit of God.

You Have The Power

Encouragement

‘Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. ‘
Ephesians 6:10

We all have witnessed a police officer raise his hand up to stop oncoming traffic. In response the vehicles that are approaching the officer come to a stop. But here is a question… does the officer have the physical power to actually stop the vehicle with a hand? Of course not.

The police officer is given the authority by the government to protect and serve. They use that authority to direct traffic and keep people safe. Most people recognize that authority and they stop their vehicles at the command of the officer. Hopefully the officer didn’t have to use flashing lights to make you stop!

In the same way there is authority and power invested in us by the Lord Jesus Christ! The believer who thoroughly understands that the power of God is backing them can exercise his or her authority and face the enemy fearlessly. Jesus has given us the power to tread on the devil, demons, evil spirits, and all of his cohorts.

Paul told believers to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. That means you can step out in front of the devil, hold up your hand, and in the name of Jesus (authority), tell him not to come any closer. Use your authority and resist the devil!

Pray

Lord, give me wisdom and spiritual understanding of the authority and power that has been given unto me as a believer. Give me the understanding of the authority. Help me to use the authority to defeat my enemies… in Jesus Name.