Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Are You Struggling?

Faith, Trust

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40:8‬

Where do you find your security? Maybe it’s in your marriage, a career, good health, or even a comfortable lifestyle.

But what would happen if your “security blanket” disappeared overnight?  What if you lost your job?  What if your spouse walked out on you?  Or a health issue surfaced or you’re diagnosed with a terrible disease?  Let’s pray these never happen!

There will be times in our life when we’re jolted out of our false security. This is usually when panic sets in because we realize how vulnerable we really are. God has a way of showing us that we need Him and His Word instead of trusting in ourselves, others, or something else.

Our response to our troubles may sound like, “God, why have you forsaken me?”  “How am I going to make it?”  “How much longer, God?”  

Have you been there before?  Maybe your there right now.

Here is the truth: Everything on this earth is temporary, but the things of God stand forever.

We watch the grass turn green and the flowers bloom. These are the seasons when everything is going smooth and we start to believe that we don’t need God. But then the grass dries up and petals fall off leaving a gloomy landscape.

The promise that God gives us is that His Word stands forever. The things of God are permanent and they will last forever.

Do you have any areas of your life where you are struggling? Those are the areas where God wants to show you His love and grace He wants you to trust in Him

Pray

Lord, show me where I’m trying to be in control and not allowing You to guide me. Help me to not trust in false hope. God, I allow you to come into every area of my life.

Victory Over Sin

Salvation, Trust

‘Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.’
Psalms 32:1

God has the power to forgive and forget our sin. The Bible makes it clear that the first step in receiving forgiveness is repentance. Jesus’ first mandate in His earthly ministry was repentance. Repent and be baptized.

When we try to hide our sin or justify why we sin, we fall into a trap of the Devil. The enemy doesn’t want us in fellowship with God and free from sin. Instead he entangles us into being bound up by the consequences and shame of sin.

There is power in the life of the Believer who is forgiven and set free. As we see in today’s verse, “Blessed is he whose sin is forgiven.” This is true on the day of salvation when we repented of our sinful life and it is true every time we confess our faults to God.

Great blessings await those who confess and repent of their sin. Fellowship with God is restored and we experience the love of Jesus that was shown toward us when He died on the cross.

If you find yourself falling into sinful habits and not grieving over them or confessing them to God, this indicates that you are not abiding in Christ. Return to Him in repentance; restore your fellowship with Him, and you will experience the victory over your sin.

Pray

Lord, I confess and repent of my sins. Restore my relationship and fellowship with You. Renew the joy of thy salvation in my heart. Cleanse me and make me new.

To Die With Christ

Faith, Trust

“Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.”
Matthew 26:35

The triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The cleansing of the temple. The teaching and the miracles. All displayed Jesus’ power. The faith of the disciples soared to high levels. Everything was looking good and going as planned. The Passover was to be celebrated with great anticipation.

The Passover meal was prepared. It was just the twelve disciples and Jesus, all in the upper room. Over and over, He reiterated His love for them, even kneeling before them to wash their feet. Their hearts were humbled. Their minds were concentrated on their Master. It was a time of celebration and reflection.

They knew Jesus was the Messiah and nothing could stop Him from bringing power back to the Jews. Or so they thought. They were bold and confident. Peter boldly stated, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” (Luke 22:33) Jesus was proud to hear such boldness and courage.

This reminds us of the times when our faith is so strong we could face any opposition and suppression and boldly proclaim our trust in our Lord. We stand tall and proud knowing that nothing can stand between us and the mighty hand of God. It’s times such as these that our faith pushes us to do things we normally wouldn’t do. It’s faith in Jesus that allows us to stand with courage and speak boldly like Peter. “I am willing to die for Christ!”

But when darkness weighs heavily in our life and the tests and trials trouble our hearts, we often fail. By daybreak Peter swore he’d never heard of Jesus. What happened to the boldness and confidence? Where are the great promises of God? Where’s the great faith? We thought everything was going our way and according to our plan. And at that moment we realize that our pride and arrogance quenched the presence and power of God.

Lord, reveal to me if my pride is keeping me from experiencing Your presence and power. Forgive me of my arrogance and allow me to be filled with Your grace.