The Den Of Lions

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

The Den Of Lions

Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king declared to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!”
‭‭Daniel‬ ‭6:16‬

God’s Grace

Daniel had some enemies who devised a plan to remove him from serving the king and worshipping God. They went before King Darius and agreed that no one should serve anyone or any other god besides the king. Unknowingly of the plan of deception, the king set forth the 30-day decree.

Daniel went about his normal routine and went up to his window and prayed toward Jerusalem to God. The evil men knew they would find him praying and quickly brought him before the king to have him thrown into the lion’s den. The king was distressed after knowing what took place but had to go through with the plan of action. The king went to Daniel and said, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!” Then the king fasted and prayed all night for Daniel. The next morning the king was there to witness that Daniel had been delivered. God sent Angels to close the lions’ mouths. After all of this, the king wrote a new decree that all people were to worship and serve God.

Daniel found himself in a tough situation but he never stopped trusting in God. He continued to pray and he put his trust in God when faced with hungry lions. He found favor with God. Interestingly, God did not remove Daniel from the pit. He sent Angels to protect him but God wanted Daniel to witness something very powerful. God allowed Daniel to remain in the pit but with sufficient grace. God may not immediately remove us from our pit but He will protect us and give us grace to endure all that comes our way.

Prayer

Lord, Your grace is all I need. Keep me safe and take care of my enemies.

I Shall Not Want

October 13, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement, Faith

I Shall Not Want

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 23:1

Keeping Sheep

David knew what it meant to be a shepherd. He knew what it took to protect sheep and keep them from harm. It was more than just leading sheep to water and feeding them. When he was about to fight Goliath he said to King Saul, “…And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has struck down both lions and bears.” (1 Samuel 17:34-36) David was more than a mighty man, he was a great shepherd.

David said the Lord is “my” shepherd. In a very personal way, the Lord was the provider and protector for David. When David was all alone in the wilderness with his sheep, the Lord was there with him. And when he faced lions and bears, the Lord was there with him. God gave him strength and might to be able to fight wild animals. No wonder the Philistine giant was no problem for David. It was just another day in the field. David knew the power that God would give to him when he faced difficulties. Going against Goliath was a walk in the park compared to fighting with lions and bears.

Interestingly, David also said because the Lord is my shepherd, “I shall to want.” What an amazing statement. Because the Lord is our shepherd we will never be in want for anything. Don’t confuse this with fleshly desires though. David was implying here that the Lord will never allow His sheep to be in need. Every need will be met and be given with pleasure.

Prayer

Lord, I know that You alone are my shepherd and I turn to you for everything. Thank You, Jesus, my Shepherd.

Endurance And Encouragement

October 8, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Faith, Trust

Endurance And Encouragement

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭15:4‬ ‭

For Our Instruction

Reading and studying the Scriptures is not just to gain knowledge and wisdom. We engage ourselves with Scripture so that we may be encouraged as well. It must become a routine of our life in order to make a difference in how we live. As this verse says, it takes endurance.

The Word of God brings us hope. It is what connects us to the will of our Heavenly Father. It’s one thing to say that you are a Christian, it’s another to live as a Christian. God has given us His Word so that we may know what is expected of us as we live out our faith here and now. We are in the process of sanctification. Until we meet our Lord we are preparing for Heaven. How well are you preparing?

There are many things competing with the things of God. That is the reason why many today feel hopeless. The things of this world are not eternal and therefore will not sustain. The things which bring us hope are the things that are eternal. God’s love for example is eternal. God’s love brings us hope and sustains us even right now. God’s mercy and grace brings us hope. God’s patience brings us hope. The list can go on and on. But the fact of the matter is this; if we never dive into the Word of God for what it really is, then we may never really know lasting hope and contentment. Make God’s Word be part of your daily routine.

Prayer

Lord, I love Your Word. May it be my guide and way for living during these evil days. Speak to me today through it.