Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: jesus

In The Line Of Fire

Faith, Trust

Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
I Peter 4:16

There are times when we are caught in the crossfire of severe trials such as death, disease, pain… and even persecution for our faith. Because we live in a cursed and evil world, we are not immune to the sufferings of this world.

God never promised to keep us out of the crossfire, but He did promise that when we are in the crossfire, He would be there with us!

You might remember Daniel’s three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They refused to compromise their faith and bow down and pray to the statue of king Nebuchadnezzar. These guys faced a fiery furnace. However, in the midst of the furnace they were not alone. God was right there with them.

Whenever you are caught in the crossfire of a trial or persecution for your faith, remember that the Lord Jesus is there with you. It may not always feel like He is with you, but He is. And He is working out His perfect plan for your life.

No matter what you are facing today or in the days to come, you have a Comforter that knows you and knows what you are facing. No matter how big or small the situation may be He is always there with you. Trust the promises of God. Place your faith in the One who knows all things. Live confidently in the hope of Jesus Christ.

Pray

Lord, I trust you are working everything out according to Your plan and purpose. I will trust You and honor You as my Lord. My full faith is in You.

Salt And Light

Faith

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Matthew 5:13-14

Are you the salt and light Jesus has called you to be? Do people see Jesus in you?

It is time that Christians make a difference in our world. We need to step out in faith and show the world we love them enough to be uncomfortable. If we don’t love them then who will?

Tragically, we are tempted with the notion that we may offend someone by sharing our faith in Jesus. But more importantly we should be aware that it offends Jesus when we miss an opportunity to speak outwardly about our faith.

Not everyone can just walk up to someone and boldly begin speaking and asking questions. But everyone has a unique way that they can witness.

Some may share their faith in a way of serving people. Some may write a letter or a note. Others use their testimony of how God brought them out from a life of sin and rebellion. Still others have an encouraging charm about them that attracts people to listen.

We all have the responsibility to share the message of Jesus however the Holy Spirit sees fit to do so. We must be the salt and light in the world for others to notice. Today there may be a person you come in contact with that needs eternal life. Will you share your faith with them?

Pray

Lord, I want to be a witness of your love and grace. I want people to see You in me. Give me an opportunity to share my faith with someone who is lost.

His Name Is Praised

Encouragement

My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord , And all flesh shall bless His holy name Forever and ever.
Psalms 145:21

Did you know that God will take what Satan intended for evil and make it good? That is how good our God is!

Sometimes it seems like when we get closer to God is when the spiritual battles occur in our life. But that is when Satan tries his best to make you stumble.

If you are not facing Satan’s opposition it may be because you are not doing anything for the Lord. When you boldly praise the Lord and live righteously for Him, Satan will attack like never before. Be on guard!

Satan’s strategy is to defeat you but God is there to empower you and lift you up. He will give you strength in times of weakness and grace to overcome any opposition.

God will be praised by those who truly seek Him and follow Him. His name will be blessed and honored by people who trust in Him for all things. His name is on the tip of our tongue all the day long.

If you were to have a recording of everything you said yesterday, what percentage of your speech was praise to the Lord? Was the majority of your words used to glorify God?

We need to be more attentive in speaking praise of the Lord. We are to bless His holy name all the day long. If we were to speak more praise we would be full of His joy. Praise the Lord today and watch what happens.

Pray

Lord, I praise and honor You with all of my heart, soul, and mind. Your wonderful works bless me and keep me strengthened. Let me see Your glory today.