The Lord Will Fight For You

December 14, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement, Faith, Trust

The Lord Will Fight For You

The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭14:14‬

Crossing Over Dry Land

Moses was leading the Israelites out from Egyptian bondage. They were approaching the Red Sea and thought they were all going to die. Either Pharoah and his army would pursue them or they would drown in the Red Sea. They were at a point of no return and nowhere to go. It was at that point God provided a way as He instructed Moses to take his staff and touch the waters. Then the waters parted and they walked across on dry ground. After crossing over the Red Sea they looked back and watched their enemies be consumed by the waters.

The greatest part of this victory was that the people remained silent. They didn’t have to do anything but walk forward. God provided a way and protected them through the flowing waters. God also defeated their enemies that would not leave them alone. The Red Sea experience gave them inspiration of the power of God.

There will be days in our life when we face a rock and a hard place. We will be wondering what to do and crying out to God for help. It is in those times that we remain silent and let the Lord fight our battles. We just need to be patient and trust God to show us a way. God will always lead and direct you in the way you should go. The key is to be quiet and listen to what the Lord has to say that us. Sometimes in the silence we hear the voice of God whisper to us.

Prayer

Lord, help me to be silent and trust entirely in your sovereignty and grace.

David Numbered Israel

December 13, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Trust

David Numbered Israel

Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel.
‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭21:1‬

Trust God

David had to make a choice. He could choose to trust God or he could fall into the temptation of Satan. He called for a census of Israel to be made and trusted in numbers. We should never seek confidence in numbers and not trust God. Instead of boasting in the power of God, David was more flattered with making a name for himself. We can call this a pride issue. David wanted other nations to fear him. When the numbers came were totaled it was amazing and almost unbelievable. 800,000 men in Israel who were qualified to serve in the military is very impressive. And another 500,000 men were counted in Judah. David knew he had a great army and he used these numbers to send a message to others.

We must understand a couple of things. First, David did not count his own people. He counted God’s people. These people did not belong to him they were God’s people. Second, a census was taken not only to impress others with the number of men fit for military but also to show how rich the nation was. A census would establish how many people were paying taxes. It was another way for David to exercise power. Third, this census was a sin. It was against what God wanted. David sinned. He finally came to his senses and repented to the Lord. However, 70,000 men died because of his great sin.

Pride was the issue. David forgot the history of how God’s great power and presence was with His children and began seeking praise of man. We should never fall into the temptation of receiving praise from man instead of pleasing God.

Prayer

Lord, I pray for your power and presence to always bring me remembrance of who You are. You are all that I need.

Advance The Gospel

December 13, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement, Faith, Salvation

Advance The Gospel

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:12‬

Everything Happens For A Reason

Something very significant about the apostle Paul was that he was always concerned with how he could spread the gospel. When he was placed into prison he used that opportunity to share Jesus with those around him. After being attacked by a mob he preached the gospel. When he was brought before the king he shared his faith as a testimony. It didn’t seem to matter what circumstance he was in, he was continually sharing the gospel with others. He would use his situation as an opportunity to share Jesus with whoever he was with. Paul could take a negative situation and turn it into a great opportunity to win someone to Christ.

We too should look at every situation we encounter as an opportunity to share the love of Jesus or to speak the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. God may have us at an exact location or in a purposeful circumstance to share our testimony or speak a word of compassion to someone who needs it. We never need to miss an opportunity that God may be giving us to give the best gift someone can receive. God uses us in unique ways to further the building of His Kingdom. You may think you are in a crisis but know that God has you in it for a reason. Try not to become angry at God or even turn away from your faith just because you endure a time of suffering. We should be like Paul and turn the circumstance into an opportunity to advance the gospel.

Prayer

Lord, help me to be aware of where you have me and to be aware of the people around me so that I can tell them about the good news of Jesus.