Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: bible

Listen And Obey

Encouragement

But when they arrived at the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out his hand and steadied the Ark of God. Then the Lord ’s anger was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him dead because of this. So Uzzah died right there beside the Ark of God.
2 Samuel 6:6-7

We all seem to struggle with authority. It’s not unusual for us to think we are smarter than those who are in charge. 

It’s not so much about following instructions; we just have better ideas. Sometimes we think we know better than those who are in charge. Sound familiar?

David was returning the ark of the covenant back to Jerusalem to provide a central place of worship for all of Israel. God had specific rules for how it was to be carried. The Levites were appointed to carry it on poles that were slipped through rings on the sides to avoid touching it. So David’s first mistake was placing the ark on a cart that disregarded its holy nature. 

Then God struck Uzzah because he erred in thinking the ground was less holy than his own hand. He thought he had a good idea to keep it from tipping over. His intentions were good, but by touching it he was insensitive to its sacredness and acted irreverently.

Sometimes we act the same way towards God. He has designed magnificent plans that we need to follow. We err in thinking that we have a better idea. We must remember that God’s ways are better than ours. He desires that we listen and obey immediately and completely for His glory and for our good. Any other way is simply disregarding His authority in our life. 

Pray

Lord, help me to know Your will and way for my life. When I struggle with living my life Your way, help me to remember that You are in control and I must submit to Your authority.

Faith Like A Mountain

Encouragement

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
Psalms 125:1

Those who fully trust in God are unmovable in their faith. Nothing can shake up the one who puts full trust into the Lord. Are you unmovable and unshakable?

Psalm 125 is written with the concept that the people surrounding Jerusalem were on their way to celebrate and take part of the annual feasts of Israel. They would be marching in as families and anticipating a wonderful time with the Lord. They were eagerly excited to travel into the city of David.

Some scholars believe that this could have been part of a chant that took place as they were walking and had Mount Zion and the temple in their view. They knew that very soon they would be worshipping God with thousands of others who trusted in the Lord as well. One can only imagine the intensity and joy.

We, who place our trust in the Lord, are promised security and life everlasting. His love never fails and He never gives up on the ones who belong to Him. Stand firm on the foundation of Jesus Christ. Be unmovable and unshakable all the days of your life.

Pray

Lord, I know You are with me and will never leave me. Give me joy in understanding how You alone deserve all of my trust and faith. Fill my heart with peace and love.

Christ In You

Encouragement

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3:26-27‬

When Jesus went to the cross, He wasn’t dying for himself, He was dying for sinners. He didn’t need to overcome Satan. Satan was never an issue. 

The victory He won on the cross was for our sake. What Jesus did on the cross, no one else could do. 

At the moment you place your faith in Jesus, you become a child of God. Nothing can ever change that miraculous transformation. When you become a Christian you are “in Christ” and Christ is in you. This transformation or what we also call, the moment of salvation, is very powerful and meaningful. 

Just consider…

  • Jesus became the Son of Man so that you might become a son of God. Jesus lowered Himself so that you could be lifted up. 
  • Jesus took on your sins so that you could be found righteous. 
  • Jesus was beaten and bruised so that you wouldn’t suffer. 
  • Jesus was found guilty so that you could be set free. 
  • Jesus was filled with despair so you could be filled with joy. 
  • Jesus took your shame so that you could take His glory. 
  • Jesus suffered death so that you could live. 

Sometimes we don’t consider what our life “in Christ” means. It means we have a God who loves us and only wants good for us. It means that God did what only He could do to redeem you. Have you thanked Jesus today?

Pray

Lord, thank you for all that you did for me. I don’t deserve it but I appreciate your gift. I will serve and honor you today with all that I do.