Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Are You A Leader?

Trust

“Then Moses turned to the Lord and said, “O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people, and you have not delivered your people at all.””
Exodus‬ ‭5:22-23‬

If you are in any type of leadership you know the weight and responsibilities that come with the position. People under your leadership need to know that you are mindful and cautious in every decision you make.

As a leader you are responsible no matter what happens. People rely on leaders, but people don’t always respect their decisions. Part of being in leadership is knowing that you must make the decision and live with what happens next.

Good leaders aren’t always the most popular people. They lead the best they know how and do what they think is right. But most importantly, every leader must lead with courage. 

Moses knew the burdensome of leadership when God appointed him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and out of slavery. Moses did as God instructed but Pharaoh resisted and punished the people even more severely. Moses was distraught. He didn’t understand why God was not following through with His part.

At first Moses was the bad guy in the eyes of the Israelites. However, Moses stood courageous and confident in the Lord’s power. Good leaders exercise courage.  

The definition of courage is: the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery. Moses didn’t think he could be a good leader but God wanted to use his weaknesses to display His power. Moses led according to God’s Word. And that my friend takes courage. 

It takes courage to stand for what is right, to face your enemy, to rise above evil, and to call out wickedness. God will never ask you to do something He will not equip you to do. He will use you to display His power and glory. God just wants you to be a courageous leader!

What are some of the decisions you have made or having to make that are not very popular with other people? Do your decisions point people to Jesus? Does your leadership reflect the character of God?

Be strong and courageous!

Pray

Lord, I know you will give me the power and wisdom to do what you’ve called me to do. I trust you to use me any way I can be used. Give me courage and boldness. 

At The Name Of Jesus

Encouragement, Salvation, Trust

But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭3:6‬

Peter and John were walking into the temple to pray and they were greeted by a lame man begging for money.  Peter looked at him and said, “I don’t have any money but I’ll give you something better.  In the name of Jesus get up and walk!”  

Instantly the man was healed and he jumped up and began praising God.

Let’s unpack this wonderful miracle.  Notice the place where this miracle occurred.  It was at the temple gate entrance where many people, including the Pharisees, would pass through to get inside.  The lame man knew the place would be an ideal location because the Pharisees exercised their giving in front of other people to be noticed.  It was guaranteed to be profitable place.

Now notice the problem that was solved.  Poverty and paralyzation left the lame man with no hope or purpose.  But after being healed he was filled with joy.  This miracle gave him new life and purpose.  There’s no problem that Jesus can’t solve.

Notice the people who witnessed this great miracle.  Verse 9 says the people who saw him walking and worshipping were filled with amazement.  This miracle wasn’t just for the lame man.  It was for all the people to witness before Peter proclaimed the Gospel.  This miracle opened an opportunity for their hearts and minds to receive the Gospel and be saved.

Are you trusting money to solve your problem? Or are you trusting in someone else to take care of your needs? Trust Jesus and allow His Word to bring you joy and amazement as He works all things out for the glory of God

Pray

Lord, instead of focusing on my negative circumstances today, I will praise You for the miracle of grace You have shown upon me. Help me to be a witness for Your glory so others can experience Your grace.

Stay On Focussed

Encouragement, Trust

“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭10:12‬

Have you experienced a great victory in the recent days? We love to hear about great victories. We love to hear about people who have fought against cancer and are cancer free. We love to hear about people who overcame addictions.

The best victories are the stories of how someone was the underdog and came out on top. There is nothing like the feeling of standing on the mountaintop after a great victory. 

We can read countless stories in the Bible, Old and New Testament, of great victories and how God led the small armies to defeat large armies. We read about Joshua and the walls of Jericho. We read stories like David and Goliath and it brings us hope for the battles we face.

Certainly God fights the battles for his children that belong to Him. But something interesting always takes place soon after the victory. After a great victory there’s always the potential for a great fall. We must remember to stay on guard even after we win a great victory. 

Possibly the reason why we witness great falls after great victories is because the enemy attacks when we least expect it. After great victories we tend to have a time of celebration and we rest or let down our guard. We must be very careful when we let down our guard against the enemy and give him an opportunity to strike back. 

A good example of this is found in 1 Kings 18 when the prophet Elijah experienced a great victory on top of Mount Carmel. The prophets of Baal were defeated after Elijah prayed for God to send down fire from Heaven. Then the power of God consumed the sacrifice on the alter and the rain came after the long drought. But Elijah let his guard down. 

When the wicked Queen Jezebel heard what had happened to her prophets, she sent a messenger to tell Elijah he would be killed the next day. Elijah ran in fear and and got very depressed. He let his guard down and quickly forgot how God gave the great victory. 

We face battles everyday. And when we win and experience times of victory we need to stay on guard. If we get relaxed in our spiritual warfare we give room for the enemy to enter in and catch us off guard. Make sure you are always glorify God for your great victories, but stay on guard for what is about to happen next. 

Pray

Lord, You alone receive honor and glory for your great power. Help me to establish myself in you everyday and to never allow temptations to overcome me.