Pastor Stephen Dedman

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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.

You Are In Good Hands

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37:23-24‬

Have you ever had one of those days when you feel defeated and discouraged? Yes, we all have. Maybe you’re feeling that way right now. Just know that the enemy is the one who is trying to discourage you, not God. As today’s scripture promises, God upholds you with His hand. As the insurance commercial states, You’re in good hands.

David wrote Psalm 37 while he was in a desperate and discouraging time. He was reflecting back on when he was in a similar situation and leaning on the promises of God. David knew God would never forsake him. He had a close relationship with God which gave him confidence. He knew that if he stumbled, God would be there to pick him back up. God is a loving Father who wants the best for His children.

The devil wants to make you feel that you are disqualified and rejected once you make a mistake. Sadly even some Christians criticize one another in the like manner. We must encourage one another and lift each other up. You can find plenty of negative people around you but how many are positive and encouraging?

Don’t ever believe the lies of the devil that you are disqualified when you mess up. In fact, most of our mistakes give us profound wisdom and understanding. We must learn from our failures and get up and make a difference. Some of the best people to receive counsel from are those who have encountered similar failures and made a difference moving forward. You may be the perfect person to give spiritual advice to someone who is suffering today.

Good people fall everyday but God will uphold you. You’re not defeated. You may feel discouraged or battered, but today is a new day. The first step of getting back up is reaching out for help. Reach out to God for what you need and He will not let you down. Keep a positive attitude and wait for God.

Pray

Lord, help me be an encourager to those who are discouraged. You are my Rock and Shield. Give me strength to endure.

The Meaning Of Church

Encouragement, Faith

‘But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.’
Jude 1:20-21

For many, church is just a building or a religious organization. The church is not about religion. It is not just about preaching, teaching and singing. The church is much more than traditions, rituals, or observances. The church is the Gospel of Jesus Christ lived out through believers.

The church is active in serving and sharing the gospel through acts of kindness and love wherever Christ followers may go. As we each have our own testimony and message of Jesus Christ, the church becomes a deployment opportunity in every community. The church is more than just words, it’s action.

When we build each other up in the faith, we are living out the gospel in our world. Living in a fallen and broken world is not easy, and that is why we need each other. We thrive off of each others faith in Christ. Strong faith keeps people going in difficult situations.

One way we can build each other up in faith is through prayer. As we are told in today’s scripture, “pray in the power of the Holy Spirit.” As we pray, the Holy Spirit gives us boldness and courage to be messengers both in word and in action.

Pray for the people who surround you. Pray for the people who lead you. And pray for God to use your life as an example of Christ’s love.

Pray

Lord, help me to live out the gospel of Jesus in this evil world. Let the light of Jesus shine and give encouragement to others. I lift up my brothers and sisters in Christ to be bold and courageous.