Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Come To Me

Trust

Come To Me

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28

From Stressed To Blessed

According to the American Psychological Association, the top 3 things that Americans are stressed about are the future of our nation, money, and work. When asked what specific issues in our country cause them stress, Americans’ most common responses were health care and the economy.  On average women have reported higher stress levels than men.  Millennials have the highest reported stress levels.  It’s stressful just reading the statistics about stress.

The good news is Jesus doesn’t want you to be stressed about the future of our nation, money, or work.  There are so things in our lives that cause us to be weary and heavy burdened.  Everyones’ burdens differ in various ways.  The things that you are burdened about may not be a big deal to someone else.  Satan will try to attack you with anything and everything to distract you from serving the Lord with all your heart and with all of your mind.  Don’t allow your stress to keep you from being blessed by the Lord.  The Lord wants to give you rest and peace.  But first we must “come to Jesus” and lay our burdens at His feet.  Then we will be able to breath easier and rest.

What burdens are you carrying today that you need to let go of?  It doesn’t make sense to keep stressing over the things that you cannot change.  Trusting Jesus for rest and comfort sounds a whole lot better than suffering physical and emotional issues associated with stress.  It’s just not worth it.

Prayer

Lord, I trust that You know best.  I know You are active in my life and aware of what’s burdening me but I turn it over to You.  Help me to know you are in control.

Faithful God

Encouragement, Faith

Faithful God

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,
Deuteronomy 7:9

Every Word Matters

We live in a world of broken promises. From the workforce to marriages there are people suffering from broken promises and unfulfilled commitments.  A person’s word has no merit when it comes to contracts and legal documents.  Unkept promises make for a frustrating life.

When we learn about the truth of God we know that faithfulness is part of His character.  It’s what makes Him God. He keeps every promise because He is faithful.  If God were not faithful, we could not be saved nor would there be any reason to pray and absolutely no hope for the future.  We live in faith knowing that God is faithful and true.

To say that God is faithful we must realize that what He says is the truth.  He says what He means and means what He says.  His word never fails or falters.  His promises will always be kept.  2 Corinthians 1:20 says, “For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him. That is why it is through Him that we utter our Amen to God for His Glory.” If God says it we can count on it.

Sometimes when we face trials in our life we tend to think that God has either forgotten about us or He doesn’t care what happens to us.  That is far from the truth and we must change the way we view God’s character.  God loves His children and He is faithful in every aspect known to man.

Prayer

Show the Lord that you trust His faithfulness by praising Him in every circumstance you face whether it is good or bad.

Authority And Power

Encouragement, Trust

Authority And Power

…far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1:21‬

Victory In Jesus

Satan may have more power than you but he doesn’t have authority over you as a born again believer. We should never confuse power with authority. Satan knows he doesn’t have authority over you but he doesn’t want you to know it.  Satan will try hard to intimidate you with lies and pressure and to deceive you into believing he has authority over you.  He even tried deceiving Jesus.

The day that Jesus died on the cross, Satan lost his authority.  Even though he prowls like a lion trying to devour Christians, he is unsuccessful. You do not belong to Satan, you belong to Jesus. Jesus is the One who died in your place. He is the One who gives forgiveness of sins. As a Christian, you answer to Christ, not Satan.

You may think that you’ve lost but don’t you haven’t. There is a spiritual war raging right now and you can’t see it. Satan’s angels are trying to get you but God’s angels are more powerful. They are fighting for you. That should put a smile on your face and joy in your heart. In The Name of Jesus all demons have to flee. That is the kind one of authority we have over Satan and his angels. If you feel like you are being deceived, speak the name of Jesus and watch what happens. Make a difference today by knowing that you can speak authority of Satan. He powerful, but you have more authority because of Jesus.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for giving me eternal life through Jesus. Give me strength and power to overcome all temptations.