Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: God

Stop Running

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

“Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭31:5‬

There is a story of a lawyer who was trying to deliver an important document to a man. Thinking it was a subpoena, the man avoided the attorney at all cost. But this was a very persistent attorney, and he wouldn’t give up.

This went on for many years, until the man ended up in the hospital, dying of a serious illness. As he was lying on his death bed, the lawyer walked up next to him with the document in hand. The man said, “I can’t run from you anymore. I’m dying. Just give me the subpoena.”

“What subpoena?” the lawyer asked. “I have a document here to prove that you’ve inherited $20 million dollars!”

That is how it is when we run from God. We’re saying, “Get away from me, God, I don’t want your forgiveness, your love, and your mercy. I don’t want your blessings. I want to live the way I want to live.”

People run from God for all kinds of reasons. Maybe it’s because we think God has abandoned us. Or maybe we run from God because of pride and rebellion. Some run because they’ve been hurt. Others run because they’re scared. The reason we run is because we believe the lie that God’s presence is not best for us.

Instead of running away from God we need to run to Him. God loves you and wants to help you. God forgives you and extends mercy and grace when we don’t deserve it. Don’t be like the man in the story who ran for so long that he ended up missing out on a great blessing. Don’t miss out on the best things God has to offer.

Pray

Lord, I run to you and you only. Into your hand I commit my spirit. Forgive me for not trusting you more.

Seen By Angels, Part 4

Faith

‘And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.’
I Timothy 3:16

Angels have an attentive role in the ministry of Jesus. 1 Timothy 3:16 stresses the fact that the ministry of Jesus was seen by angels and here are some of the ways.

  • They predicted the birth of Jesus (Luke 1:30-33),
  • They were present at His birth (Luke 2:13-14),
  • They warned of king Herod’s plot to kill Jesus (Matthew 2:19-20),
  • They ministered to Jesus after the temptation of the Devil (Matthew 4:11),
  • They ministered to Him in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:43),
  • They rolled the stone away from His tomb (Matthew 28:2),
  • They announced His resurrection (Matthew 28:5-6),
  • They were present at His ascension (Acts 1:10),
  • They will be with Him at His Second Coming (Matthew 24:31),
  • They will separate the evil from righteous (Matthew 13:41,49).

The fact that angels have an important role in the ministry of Jesus is another testimony of His Deity. Just as they surround the throne of God and fill the presence of heaven, they also were around Jesus in His earthly ministry.

Today, angels surround us! They are ministering spirits sent to assist us in our life. Just as they were important to the ministry of Jesus so are they important to our life today. Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!” (NLT)

Pray

Lord, I praise You in the presence of angels and in the presence of others. I make known to others Your great salvation. Help me to always know that I am protected by You.

Stephen Dedman

A Personal Revival

Faith, Trust

“”Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭22:31-32‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Are you in need of a personal revival? In today’s verse we witness a downward spiral in the life of Peter. If you know much about Peter, he was a man who was one of the first to follow Jesus as a disciple. He was one that was in the inner circle of Jesus with James and John. He spoke boldly for Christ and was zealous for the things of God. But what we see in Luke 22:31-35 is that Jesus was preparing Peter for what was about to take place.

In verse 33, “Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.”” Then Jesus said, “Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”” ‭

As Jesus predicted, so it was. Through the night, before Jesus was to be crucified, Peter denied knowing Jesus thee times and just as the rooster crowed he realized he had failed. So what could have caused Peter’s faith to fail so fast?

Fear caused Peter to be sifted like wheat. Satan went full force against the one who boldly stated he would die for Jesus. But when Peter was faced with possibly going to prison or dying, he caved under the pressure. He was strong in self-confidence but weak in faith.

We must be strong in our faith. We can only be strong in faith when we are close to Jesus. When we put Jesus away or put him in the back seat we allow our faith to weaken. A personal revival increases our faith in Jesus. It sets our soul on fire for the things of Jesus. How long has it been since you’ve experienced a personal revival?

Lord, I need you to revive my soul and set me on fire. Help me to be a powerful witness for you.

Daily Devotional