Pastor Stephen Dedman

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David Numbered Israel

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

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.

The Words Of His Mouth

Encouragement, Trust

The Words Of His Mouth

I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.
‭‭Job‬ ‭23:12‬ ‭

The Value Of God’s Word

Job’s friend, Eliphaz, advised him to agree with God and be at peace.  He told Job to listen to God and make things right. (Job 22:21-27)  Job knew in his heart that he was at peace with God.  He knew God and had convictions concerning the things of God.  Job’s response was that he cherished God’s words and they were more important than food.

God’s Word should be the most valued thing in our life.  When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness He told the devil, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)  The Bible holds such value for living.  It is our hope and instruction that leads to victory.  God’s Word is the foundation in which we understand who God is and how we can know Him.  The Scripture is the truth.

There are many Christians who do not cherish and value the Word of God.  For many say it is too hard to read and understand.  The Holy Spirit helps us to comprehend the things of Scripture and how to apply the principles to our life. Preachers and teachers do a great job but we need more than sermons.  We need the Word of God everyday.  God told Joshua to never let the Book of the Law depart from his mouth and to meditate on it day and night.  And by doing so his ways would be made prosperous and he would have good success. (Joshua 1:8)  God’s Word is profitable for all things.

Prayer

Lord, give me understanding of Your Word and allow me to understand Your truth.