Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: God

Stay Focussed And Encouraged

Encouragement

‘And he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.”’
I Kings 19:14

Discouragement comes when you are exhausted? There is no exception in the kingdom work of God. Doing the Lord’s work is exhausting. That’s why you need to stay refreshed and encouraged.

Elijah was discouraged from doing the work of God. He had just called down fire from heaven and experienced one of the most powerful victories on Mount Carmel. The prophets of Baal were defeated and people were turning to God. It was a powerful revival.

But because of this great awakening, Elijah was facing death threats causing him to run for his life. He felt defeated and discouraged. Oh how quickly it can happen in our life as well.

When we focus more on our troubles and problems than on the power of God we get overwhelmed. And certainly so when the devil attacks when we least expect it. Often times we get to this point right after we have done great things in the name of the Lord.

The good news is that God commanded Elijah to rest and it refreshed his mind, body, and soul. God also sent him a helper, friend, and companion. Elisha was a blessing to Elijah.

Sometimes we just need to take a moment to get refocussed and rejuvenated. If you are overwhelmed and exhausted you need to rest. Trust the Spirit of God to get refreshed and encouraged.

Pray

Lord, You alone are God! You are my Lord and Salvation! I focus on You and Your kingdom today. Encourage me and strengthen me through Your Spirit.

Children Of Light

Encouragement

For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
Ephesians 5:8

Have you ever noticed that sin happens in the dark? Darkness is the absence of light. Where there is no light sin abounds.

Light is referred to as knowledge, truth and holiness.  When light shines in the darkness it overcomes it and there is no more darkness.  This is what Paul is meaning as he says, “Walk as children of light.”  

Before you made a decision to believe and follow Jesus you were living in darkness.  But now, you have overcome the darkness with the light of Christ.

This verse begins in the past tense, “you were darkness.”  In the first few verses of Ephesians chapter 2 Paul says, “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.”  

But now that Christ lives in you, you are light and there is no darkness is in you.  The light that is now inside of you has overcome the darkness that once controlled you.  To live as a child of light means to walk according to what is acceptable to the Lord which is goodness, righteousness, and truth (vs. 9-10).

Pray

Lord, let me be the light in this dark world. Help me to shine bright so that it brings others to the light. Thank You for being my Light.

Do You Follow Jesus?

Faith, Salvation, Trust

Whoever is not with Me is against Me, and whoever does not gather with Me scatters.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭12:30‬

There are those who follow Jesus and those who follow Satan.  There is no other choice.  Everyone must decide who they will follow.  

To be against Jesus is to side with Satan.  If you are not serving Christ you are serving Satan.  If you are against Jesus you are against God.  There is no peace for those who are against God.

Joshua said, “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15) 

The world has a lot to offer but it cannot give you anything permanent like what Jesus can.  The world will offer you happiness but Jesus gives you everlasting joy. Only Jesus can satisfy the longing of your soul.

Satan will deceive you and make you think that life is better without Jesus. Don’t fall in that trap. He comes to steal, kill and destroy. Jesus comes to give life and life more abundantly.

Which will you choose? To whom do you belong? Who gives you hope?

Pray

Lord, I will serve You and You only.  Guide me and direct my paths to do the work You call me to do. Thank You for giving me grace and forgiveness.