Pastor Stephen Dedman

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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.

Listen For The Still Small Voice

Trust

‘Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord .” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord , but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.’
I Kings 19:11-12

Elijah had just witnessed the power of God when fire fell from heaven and the prophets of Baal defeated. Then he ran for his life after Queen Jezebel threatened to kill him. Elijah was in so much despair that he prayed for God to take his life. But God had something special for him.

God brought Elijah to a mountain where he experienced hurricane force winds, a great earthquake, and a fire. It would have sent chills down his spine as he witnessed these events. But God was not in any of them. It wasn’t until Elijah heard the still small voice that He knew God was right there with him.

It was in the still, small voice that Elijah found peace and comfort. In the midst of chaos of life God is right in the middle of it all. He is our source of strength and comfort. It is our mindset to focus on the huge struggles that are making a mess of our lives, but that is the time we need remind ourselves to look for God.

God doesn’t promise to take away our challenges of life, but He does give us the strength and ability to get through those times. Find a quiet place where you can hear the still small voice of God. The presence of God will give you peace and comfort.

Pray

Lord, allow me time to spend with You today, listening to Your voice. Fill me with peace and comfort that I know can only come from You. Help me to learn to listen for Your voice.

America Needs A Revival

Faith

‘Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. And I prayed to the Lord my God, and made confession, and said, “O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him, and with those who keep His commandments, we have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments. ‘
Daniel 9:3-5

We serve a merciful and forgiving God. God is love but He is holy as well. Because God is Holy, He must judge and separate those who do not keep His commandments.

God wants to forgive and God wants to show mercy, but are we praying for it?

In this context, God’s people were taken into Babylonian captivity. They were exiled and caused to serve another nation and their leaders. They were made to bow and worship false gods and serve the gods of the pagans.

But Daniel didn’t do it. Daniel was a man committed to Jehovah God. Daniel never compromised in his relationship with God.

We need to pray for our nation. As a nation we are facing extreme spiritual division and rebellion. Prayer will make a difference.

Daniel knew that the only thing that could make a difference was to pray to God. He humbled himself and set his face toward the Lord and began to beg God for mercy and forgiveness.

Can you be like Daniel today and pray for God to show mercy and forgiveness upon our nation? Can you have confidence that God will hear your prayers?

America needs a revival but it will not happen until the people of God turn to Him with humble hearts. America needs our churches and Christians to turn the world around. It will only take a few to pray with intensity and confidence. Can you be that person today?

Pray

Lord, our nation has turned away from You and fallen into the captivity of the evil one. We need You to show mercy and forgive us of our sins. Hear us Lord and hold back Your judgments upon us.