Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: judgment

Will You Stand In The Gap?

Encouragement, Faith

“I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one.”
Ezekiel 22:30

God seeks to find people who will display godly character and spiritual wisdom. He delights in people who will have a true meaningful relationship with Him. Those who live in closeness to the Lord reflect His nature and goodness.

When it comes to leadership, we need people who will stand in the gap between God and His people. A quick survey of the Old Testament will make you realize that God chooses those who can represent Him.

Noah found favor with God as the only blameless person living on the earth at the time (Genesis 6:8-9). But what is said about Noah in verse 9 is remarkable, “he walked in close fellowship with God.” He wasn’t perfect but he close to God.

Abraham was used by God because of his faith, “And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.’ (Genesis 15:6) Abraham’s faith in God directed his steps when he didn’t know where he was going.

Moses stood before God and His people as a humble servant. Moses pleaded with God not to destroy them because of their sin. (Hebrews 11:25)

David, Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Jeremiah and the list goes on. These where people who knew God in a meaningful, right relationship. They all made mistakes but their character and spiritual wisdom reflected the nature of God. The more quality time we spend with God the more we reflect His nature.

In today’s passage of Scripture we discover that God looked for someone to stand in the gap and found no one. God hoped for one who would lead and pray to avert His judgment; but there was none. Ultimately God sent His Son, Jesus, who stands as the wall of strength, stability, and security for His people. And today we stand in the name and in the power of Jesus Christ to reflect the nature of God.

Pray

Lord, help me to reflect the Light of Jesus to those around me. Draw me close to You so I can reflect godly character and spiritual wisdom in this dark and gloomy, sinful world. Let my fellowship with you be meaningful.

With All Your Heart

Salvation, Trust

With All Your Heart

“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;”
‭‭Joel‬ ‭2:12‬

 

Worship With All Your Heart

There is somewhat of a mystery to when the prophet Joel lived but most scholars believe he prophesied after the people returned to Jerusalem from the 70-year Babylonian captivity.  Joel speaks of a “locust plague” in Joel 1:4 that results from God’s judgment to the people’s lack of repentance.  Whether this plague was literal or not, Joel tells the people that they need to turn to God in repentance and worship to receive His rewards.

There has always been a history of God’s people straying away during times of prosperity and enjoying their blessings more than worshipping the God who blessed them.  This is still happening today.  We are so blessed as children of God but sometimes we tend to get caught up in seeking pleasure from material things than seeking joy from worshipping and praising God.

People who heed the proclamation of Joel can reverse the judgment of God and experience the character of God as Joel says, “God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and relents from punishing.” (Joel 2:13)  We must all repent and worship God whole-heartily.  Jo-el means “God is Jehovah”.  There is One God and we serve Him faithfully.

God demands and deserves our full commitment. Serving God half-heartily is unacceptable.  Lukewarm devotion has its devastating consequences as Jesus states in Revelation 3:16.

Even right now, turn to God with all your heart, soul and mind.

Prayer

Pray and ask God to forgive you of any sin that might be keeping you from receiving true joy and fellowship.