Pastor Stephen Dedman

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
I John 4:4

Have you ever said these words to yourself, “I don’t know if I can make it another day?” We all face some days with circumstances that we wish we didn’t have to face. But just know with full understanding that Jesus has already overcome them and you belong to God.

Sometimes we try to rely on our own strength when we should be relying on the strength of our Lord, Jesus Christ. He holds the victory over sin and Satan. And as Christians, we are in Him. Jesus is greater than the devil who is in the world.

The power that is living inside of us is greater than the power that is living outside of us. The power that we hold inside of us is the power of God Almighty. The power that is in the world is the power of Satan. Satan has no power against us!

Stand strong today. Stand in the power and strength of Jesus and not your own. Stand against the power of the devil and he will flee. Take captive the thoughts that you have that you are weak. For you are strong in the Lord. You have victory over your enemies. 

Pray

Lord, I stand in awe of You today. I know that I belong to You and You have given me eternal life and forgiveness of my sins. Help me today to be encouraged… In Jesus’ name, amen.

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭11‬

The apostle Paul instructs us not to engage in the deeds of darkness. As Christians, we are called to a higher standard of living, one that rejects sinful behaviors and worldly influences. Avoiding fellowship with darkness means making choices that honor God and reflect His righteousness.

Exposing the works of darkness does not mean condemning or judging what others do. Instead, it means shining the light of God’s truth on sin, injustice, and falsehood. We do this not to shame or condemn but to offer a path to redemption through Christ.

Let’s consider these practical steps for helping us expose darkness without condemning or judging others.

1. Be mindful of the company you keep and the influences in your life. Surround yourself with those who encourage you in your faith and hold you accountable to godly living. There are people who would love to see you stumble. These are evil influences. 
2. Let your actions and words align with the principles of God’s Word. Your life should be a testimony to the transforming power of Christ. If we talk more about the promises of God than the problems of others, it will make a difference in our own attitudes. 
3. When you encounter wrongdoing or deceit, approach the situation with love and humility. Speak the truth in a spirit of grace and gentleness, pointing others to the light of Christ. Sometimes it not “what” you say but “how” you say it. 
4. Seek God’s wisdom and guidance in discerning right from wrong. Regular prayer and studying the Bible will sharpen your discernment. Spend more time praying to God about your issue than complaining to others about the issue. 
5. Purposefully live as a light in the world, reflecting Christ’s love and truth. Your actions and character can draw others out of darkness and into the light of salvation. People are drawn to the light. Be the light!

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your Word that guides and instructs me. Help me avoid fellowship with darkness and to expose it with truth and grace. Let me be a reflection of Your light and draw others to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation.
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭9‬:‭11‬

Hebrews 9:11 paints a picture of Jesus as our High Priest. In the Old Testament, the high priest held the honor and responsibility of entering the Most Holy Place of the temple to make atonement for the sins of the people. However, Jesus is described as the High Priest of the “good things to come,” and His tabernacle is “greater and more perfect.”

This verse is a reminder of the extraordinary nature of Christ’s priesthood. He doesn’t enter an earthly sanctuary but the heavenly one, not made by human hands. His work is not confined to temporary rituals but secures eternal salvation for those who believe in Him. In Christ, we have a High Priest who mediates for us before God, ensuring that the “good things to come” are ours to inherit.

We should be grateful for the perfect High Priest we have in Jesus. He has accomplished what no other high priest could—eternal redemption. We can approach God with confidence, knowing that Christ’s work is complete, and we are welcomed into the presence of God. May this truth fill us with hope and assurance as we live out our faith in Him.

Pray

Lord, thank You for being the perfect High Priest and entering the heavenly tabernacle to secure my eternity. Help me to grasp the significance of this wonderful work. Give me confidence and assurance as I anticipate the “good things to come” that You have promised. In Jesus’ name, amen.