Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: grace

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.

Faith That Leads To Action

Encouragement

“And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭2:4‬

Alexander Graham Bell once said, “When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.” 

There is much truth to what Bell said. So often we are faced with “closed-doors” and we give up or wait for another opportunity to go a different direction. However, as we see in today’s Bible verse, our faith can take us to a higher ground where we see new opportunities. 

Mark 2:1-12 tells us of an event when 4 men brought a paralyzed man to Jesus to be healed. As soon as they arrived to the house the crowd was so pressed that they could not enter through the door. Instead of giving up they carried the man up upon the roof and made an opening to lower the man down to Jesus. 

It was an amazing event for the multitude of people to witness. They were all astonished when this man got up and walked away. Jesus not only healed him physically but He healed him spiritually by forgiving his sins. 

These four men had such strong and courageous faith that they would not and could not give up. They were determined to get the crippled man to Jesus. They knew Jesus would do something to heal him. And He did. 

But watch what happened. When they could not get through the door, they didn’t wait for another door to open. They went up to the rooftop and made a door. Their faith moved them to make a way. They got creative and got to work. Their faith moved them into action. 

Is your faith strong enough to move you into action? Does your faith cause you to do courageous and extraordinary things? God does not give us faith just to sit and wait. He gives us faith that can move mountains. 

Pray

Lord, give me courage to use my faith to show people Your glory. Let my faith shine today. Let my faith be noticed by You. 

What Are You Facing?

Encouragement

Behold, I am the Lord , the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?
Jeremiah 32:27

Have you ever faced an obstacle that you didn’t think you could get through or get over? Maybe you’re facing one right now. Obstacles come in all different sizes and shapes. If there is ever an obstacle that you think is too overwhelming to overcome let God remind you that there is nothing too hard for Him to handle.

God in in control of your health issues. He can handle your financial matters. He has your marriage and family situations under control. He is doing something with your relationships, companionships, and workmanships. He is working in your ministry opportunities. He knows the mistakes you’ve made and reassures you it’s all going to be ok. There is nothing too hard for Him!

When the waters were too deep, just remember that Moses crossed over the Red Sea on dry ground. If the wall is too tall, remember that Joshua marched around Jericho until it finally collapsed. Is your enemy too big to handle? Little David defeated Goliath with a slingshot. And when you think the fire is too hot, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the furnace without getting burned. When the lion is seeking to devour you, remember Daniel. There is nothing too hard for Him!

If the bill collector is calling, don’t forget Jesus told the disciples to catch the fish with the coin in its mouth. If you seem to be lacking, 5 loaves and 2 fish served 5,000 men. When you are in the middle of the storm, that’s right… the wind and waves must obey the voice of Jesus. There is nothing too hard for Him!

There is nothing that you are facing today that can’t be conquered by the Lord. God can and God will, but will you let God do it? Sit back and watch what happens when you turn it all over to the Lord. There is nothing too hard for Him!

Pray

Lord, deliver me from my problems. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse my heart. Give me courage to know that You will supply my needs for today.