Pastor Stephen Dedman

Keep Moving Forward

‘Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.’
Philippians 3:13-14

Life is full of surprises and full of challenges. How we deal with the unexpected issues of our daily activities determines how view God. God allows us to encounter challenging circumstances for a reason.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year. He is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety.” 

The apostle Paul knew how to get through difficult situations by pressing on. He understood that everything he faced was for a reason. Many of our struggles help us strengthen our faith in God and deepen our relationship with Him.

Instead of giving up, we must step up. It’s easy to throw in the towel but it takes courage to keep pressing on. God expects us to rely on Him for wisdom and understanding. With God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).

Whatever your facing today just know that you are not facing it alone. As Christians we have everything we need through Jesus Christ. He gives us the strength to keep going and to overcome any new challenge or difficulty. Don’t ever think that you have to do it all on your own.

Jesus wants to be your Helper, Counselor and Savior. Trust Him for all things. Take on the attitude that Paul had and forget what has happened and reach forward to the things ahead. Press on!

Pray

Lord, give me strength and courage today to do the things I must do. Help me to maintain an attitude that is pleasing unto You. Help me to keep my head up and my eyes on the prize.

Are You A Leader?

“Then Moses turned to the Lord and said, “O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people, and you have not delivered your people at all.””
Exodus‬ ‭5:22-23‬

If you are in any type of leadership you know the weight and responsibilities that come with the position. People under your leadership need to know that you are mindful and cautious in every decision you make.

As a leader you are responsible no matter what happens. People rely on leaders, but people don’t always respect their decisions. Part of being in leadership is knowing that you must make the decision and live with what happens next.

Good leaders aren’t always the most popular people. They lead the best they know how and do what they think is right. But most importantly, every leader must lead with courage. 

Moses knew the burdensome of leadership when God appointed him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and out of slavery. Moses did as God instructed but Pharaoh resisted and punished the people even more severely. Moses was distraught. He didn’t understand why God was not following through with His part.

At first Moses was the bad guy in the eyes of the Israelites. However, Moses stood courageous and confident in the Lord’s power. Good leaders exercise courage.  

The definition of courage is: the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery. Moses didn’t think he could be a good leader but God wanted to use his weaknesses to display His power. Moses led according to God’s Word. And that my friend takes courage. 

It takes courage to stand for what is right, to face your enemy, to rise above evil, and to call out wickedness. God will never ask you to do something He will not equip you to do. He will use you to display His power and glory. God just wants you to be a courageous leader!

What are some of the decisions you have made or having to make that are not very popular with other people? Do your decisions point people to Jesus? Does your leadership reflect the character of God?

Be strong and courageous!

Pray

Lord, I know you will give me the power and wisdom to do what you’ve called me to do. I trust you to use me any way I can be used. Give me courage and boldness. 

The Lord Is With You

The Lord Is With You

And the angel of the Lord appeared to him (Gideon) and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.
‭‭Judges‬ ‭6:12

Mighty Man of What?

At first Gideon was not a man of valor (courage), he was weak and cowardly.  In fact, he was the smallest and youngest of his family and would be the least of many to be called a warrior.  What’s ironic about this passage of Scripture is the angel spoke these words to Gideon while he was underground hiding in fear of the Midianites robbing and killing him. But God had something special in store for Gideon.

God called upon Gideon to rise up when the Israelites finally cried out to the Lord for help after suffering seven years of punishment for worshipping Baal.  It wasn’t long after the Israelites were living comfortably in the Promise Land that they turned their back on God and broke the First Commandment.  Now it was time for Gideon to be the man God was going to use to save the Israelites from the Midianites.

Gideon led an army of 300 Israelites into victory by blowing trumpets, smashing clay pots, holding up torches and raising their voices (Judges 7:20).  The Midianites were defeated and Gideon never had to raise the first sword.

Gideon is a great example of God using the least of many to do great and wonderful things.  No matter your position or calling you are someone God wants to use.  He wants to use the ordinary to do extraordinary things to show His mightiness.  Never underestimate your usefulness because God wants to do amazing things through you.

Prayer

Pray for God to use your life to show others what a mighty God you serve.