The Lord Will Fight For You

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

The Lord Will Fight For You

The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭14:14‬

Crossing Over Dry Land

Moses was leading the Israelites out from Egyptian bondage. They were approaching the Red Sea and thought they were all going to die. Either Pharoah and his army would pursue them or they would drown in the Red Sea. They were at a point of no return and nowhere to go. It was at that point God provided a way as He instructed Moses to take his staff and touch the waters. Then the waters parted and they walked across on dry ground. After crossing over the Red Sea they looked back and watched their enemies be consumed by the waters.

The greatest part of this victory was that the people remained silent. They didn’t have to do anything but walk forward. God provided a way and protected them through the flowing waters. God also defeated their enemies that would not leave them alone. The Red Sea experience gave them inspiration of the power of God.

There will be days in our life when we face a rock and a hard place. We will be wondering what to do and crying out to God for help. It is in those times that we remain silent and let the Lord fight our battles. We just need to be patient and trust God to show us a way. God will always lead and direct you in the way you should go. The key is to be quiet and listen to what the Lord has to say that us. Sometimes in the silence we hear the voice of God whisper to us.

Prayer

Lord, help me to be silent and trust entirely in your sovereignty and grace.

Advance The Gospel

December 13, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman 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

December 12, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman 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.