Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Steady Hands

Faith, Trust

Steady Hands

But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭17:12‬

Teamwork

The war at Rephidim was a proven evidence that each member gave a very important contribution to gain victory over the Amelikites. Teamwork brings victories, shapes history, and blesses members with a heavenly attitude and spirit. People who work together to accomplish God’s work will witness results that are powerful and unexplainable.

The people of Amalek came and fought with the people of Israel in Rephidim. This was the first war recorded after Israel left Egypt. Amalek was very deceitful and tried to attack Israel from behind rather than face to face. Amalek attacked Israel when they were weak and tired. Amalek represents the most deceitful enemy that we have: the devil.  He walks around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. He knows our weaknesses and waits for us to let down our guard. This is why we need each other working together for the same purpose and for the Lord.

As Christians we need each other. We need others when we are weak in faith and others need us when they are weak in their faith. Together we can continually build each other up and strengthen each other for the battles that we face everyday. Church unity and involvement produces greatness in the work of God. Everyone is unique and everyone is needed. We should be using our God-given talents and gifts to please God and give light in the dark world we live in.

Prayer

Father, give us eyes to see who needs our assistance and equip us for the next task.

Founded On The Rock

Trust

Founded On The Rock

“And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:25‬

The Foundation Of Obedience

There is a great advantage of building upon a firm foundation. A structure’s foundation is its most important element. And it’s the storms that test the durability and strength of what lies beneath the surface.  Jesus gives great advice to build on the rock.

Jesus was wrapping up His Sermon on the Mount and was giving the final take away. The large crowd that surrounded Him listened attentively to every word that was spoken.  The message that Jesus wanted them all to understand was that some listen and obey but some listen and do as they please.

He compared two men building a house. The wise man worked hard and dug deep into the soil to make sure that his house would stand the test of time.  But the foolish man was in a hurry and took short cuts so when the storm came his house didn’t stand. It’s obvious that the foolish man didn’t understand the importance of quality and endurance.

The rock of the foundation is obedience.  For a Christian it is important to obey the Word of God and keep it close to our heart.  Sometimes it is difficult to obey and remain righteous as Jesus instructs.  But it’s easy to disobey and fall into sin and live hypocritically.

It takes a foolish person to build a house on sandy soil as it’s also foolish for a person to know God’s Word and not obey it. It’s one thing to listen to instructions, it’s another to obey them. James 1:22 says, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”  We must live obediently upon the biblical truth of Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Pray for the truth of God’s Word to embrace your life as you are tempted to take foolish shortcuts of disobedience.

Abide In My Love

Trust

Abide In My Love

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.
‭‭John‬ ‭15:9‬ 

His Love Is Everlasting

There is no greater love than the love of Jesus.  God’s love for the world is witnessed through the person of Jesus for the sole purpose that all people should be saved.  His love is unconditional and unchanging.  The promise of the Scripture tells us that there is nothing that can separate us from His love. (Romans 8:35)

As we read and study the Word of God, the message of His love is embedded through every book and every chapter.  God wants us to know who much He loves and cares for each of us.  During times of uncertainty and difficulty His love never fails.  His great love is all we need to face everyday with hope and joy.  Allow the Word of God to penetrate your heart and mind so that you discover His perfect will.  Jesus says to “abide” or “remain” in His love.

Jesus desires that we never drift away from the truth of His love.  It is easy to get distracted  with all the things of the world and forget how much He loves us.  No matter how busy we get or how famous we become we never need to forget His loving promises.  Sometimes we stray away from His Word and we allow the things of this world to control our minds and hearts.  But the only way to abide or remain in His love is to be in constant and consistent meditation of the Scriptures.  His Word is living and powerful and we should never find a substitute for it.  Your life depends on your devotion and allegiance to the Bible.  Stay in His love and stay in His Word.

Prayer

Ask God to remove whatever is keeping you from reading and studying the Bible.