Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: faith

Encouraged In The Lord

Encouragement

When he (Barnabas) came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.
Acts 11:23-24

So many people are carrying around too many burdens these days. Some wear it on their sleeves while others hide it in their hearts. That’s why encouragers are so attractive and desired to be around. Encouragers seem to make a difference.

Barnabas, which means Son of Encouragement, must have had a great dad. He learned from an early age how to deal with discouragement and how to make a difference in people’s life. 

Look what the Scripture says about him. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And the result of that many people were added to the Lord. That’s how an encourager can make a difference.

There is so much that we can learn from Barnabas. First we need to be full of the Holy Spirit. When we are close to the Lord we are encouraged by the Lord. The Lord encourages us first and foremost. The Lord takes our burdens away and fights our battles for us. 

Second, when our faith is solely in the Lord we are encouraged because we know that God in near us and for us. When our faith is strong all doubt is gone. When our doubt is gone all fear is gone. When all fear is gone there is no discouragement. We can’t help but be encouraged.

Third, when we are encouraged in the Lord people see a difference in us and they are lead to the Lord. This makes a difference in the kingdom of God. This is how we are used by God. People are watching us daily and seeing if we truly believe what we say is true. Be a Barnabas today and watch what happens around you.

Pray

Lord, help me be a Barnabas and make a difference in this world. Let it all begin in me. Thank you for loving me and giving me the free gift of salvation

God Wants You

Encouragement

‘For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.’ 
II Chronicles 16:9a

Did you know that God will judge any nation that neglects and rejects His ways? As we focus in on the condition of America today we see that our neglect of God has been an issue for more than 50 years. We can see through Scripture that the redemption of America awaits the repentance of the people of God.

It may sound surprising to you but if we sincerely think about it, the salvation of our great nation has little to do with Washington or Hollywood; it has everything to do with the people of God! If the chosen ones of God, the church, don’t sense that the problem is with us, then we may never see a revival in our land.

God responds to repentant hearts. Jesus said in John 14:13, “and whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” With this promise, God’s people can change the course of our nation being judged.

The condition of our nation is a reflection of the choices that have been made by the people of God. So we have an urgent need for the people of God to get on our knees and pray. It doesn’t require a large amount of people to turn the course of a nation. 

What could God do through your life? Do you sense that America needs the mighty help of the Holy Spirit? Most importantly, do you believe God can use you as He has done with others in the Bible?

Pray

Lord, we need You. We need the help of Your Holy Spirit to touch us and convict us and to bring us to repentance. Use me to reflect Your grace and mercy to everyone I come into contact with today.

Justifying Evil

Encouragement

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Isaiah 5:20

Have you ever been tempted with the idea that telling a lie would actually accomplish more good? I think we all have! 

Do you ever mention someone in a prayer request but end up gossiping instead of praying? Or have you ever pushed your agenda ahead of others for personal gain? 

We all face the temptation to justify something good that God has declared wicked. We’ve also been tempted to call evil that which God has declared good. God says it is good to love our enemies, yet we often make it our job to hold them responsible for their actions. It happens so quickly.

Satan tries to convince people that what God has called good is actually evil and what God declares evil, is in fact, good. In the beginning Satan persuaded Adam and Eve that disobedience towards God would guarantee a better life. The believed him and immediately began to suffer the consequences of sin.

We need good discernment when Satan tries to deceive us into doubting what God has clearly stated as truth. Allow God’s word to hold you accountable. Stop searching for exceptions to His commands and start obeying whole heartily. 

Pray

Lord, help me to overcome the temptations of the devil. Give me courage and wisdom to notice when I am convinced that doing wrong is better than doing good. Let Your truth outweigh the lies of Satan.