Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Enemies Of Darkness

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12

Satan knows our weaknesses better than we do.  He knows where we are most tempted. We need to know where we are most vulnerable and arm ourselves for the battle.  Satan will attack when we are at our weakest point.

Paul had many people trying to attack him.  He had many enemies and was hated to the point that some wanted to kill him.  Paul was persecuted for his faith in Jesus.  Paul was always on the lookout for his enemy and especially Satan.  

He viewed his enemies as vessels of spiritual darkness.  Paul knew Satan was using people to attack him. It’s easy to get angry at someone when they do harm to us.  But we always need to keep in mind that they are being tempted by Satan.  

Satan will tempt Believers to act in ways that they shouldn’t.  He will make them say things that they shouldn’t.  We must all be aware of this struggle.  Don’t be the one who Satan is using against another person.  

When you experience someone who intends to do evil to you make sure you understand why they are doing what they are doing.  Instead of reacting with anger we should react with grace and love.  Your opponent needs to witness the love of Christ and experience the joy that you have. Do not let the enemy steal your joy.

Pray

Lord, I thank you for defeating my enemies.  Show me how to be Christ-like in all my circumstances. Help me to be an encouragement to others.

What Are You Asking Jesus For Today?

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

And stopping, Jesus called them and said, “What do you want me to do for you?”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭20:32‬ ‭

What if Jesus asked you, “What do you want Me to do for you?” What would be your response?  

What is the most pressing thing on your mind today?  Is there something that you could quickly ask for?

Jesus was passing through Jericho on His way to Jerusalem and heard two blind men cry out, “Have mercy on us!”  Jesus walked over to them and asked them what they wanted Him to do for them and of course they asked for their eyes to be opened.  

This was a great miracle because there was no cure for blindness and there was no doctor that could restore someone’s vision.  The Scripture says Jesus compassionately touched them and they were able to see.  

As soon as their eyes were opened they saw Jesus!

We all have things that we want the Lord to do for us.  The problem is most of the time we ask selfishly for things that we really don’t need.  Most of the time it is considered a want and not a need.  

Jesus promises to give us what we need.  He always knows what we need.  He just wants us to have faith that He is going to meet our needs.

He wants us to go to Him first before we go to anyone else.  Just as these men cried out for mercy, we too should be crying out to Jesus for mercy and forgiveness. Only Jesus is able to do such wonders in our life.

What do you want to ask Jesus for today?

Pray

Lord, open my eyes that I may see You for who You really are.  You are my Lord and Master and I will serve you everyday. Give me mercy and forgiveness.

Armor Up

Encouragement, Trust

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.”
Ephesians 6:10

Sometimes life can be a real struggle. Reality can be obscured from a fantasy by what we watch in advertisements, in Hollywood, and see on social media.

While the battle itself is invisible, the battlefield is very much visible. Individuals fight, couples argue, families quarrel, and churches split. Add school shootings to the list as well. The struggles of our children are amongst the conflicts as well. Depression and anxiety added to the mix equates for a real messy situation. Life is a struggle.

The true reason of why we struggle in life is much deeper than we can imagine. What we commonly think is the source of our struggles is that we are in conflict against flesh and blood, against other people. However, Paul says our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but an invisible battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan.

The good news is that we are strengthened and can be set free through Jesus Christ. Through Him we obtain strength and courage to endure any situation. The Lord helps us overcome any obstacle we face.

Satan doesn’t have any power over God’s children. When Jesus defeated Satan on the cross and defeated death on the third day when He arose. We who believe are set free to live an abundant life.

However, when we don’t rely on the strength of the Lord we become weak. Paul tells us to put on the whole armor of God. The struggle is real but the Lord is ready to deal with our struggles.

Armor up with the strength of the Lord through the truth of His word. Face your daily struggles with confidence and assurance of who you are in Christ. Don’t try to do life without Him!

Pray

Lord, I am powerless and need You. Strengthen me in the knowledge of Your truth and wisdom. Help me to understand that without Jesus I am nothing. Thank You, Lord.