Pastor Stephen Dedman

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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.

Strong In The Lord

Encouragement

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
I John 4:4

Have you ever said these words to yourself, “I don’t know if I can make it another day?” We all face some days with circumstances that we wish we didn’t have to face. But just know with full understanding that Jesus has already overcome them and you belong to God.

Sometimes we try to rely on our own strength when we should be relying on the strength of our Lord, Jesus Christ. He holds the victory over sin and Satan. And as Christians, we are in Him. Jesus is greater than the devil who is in the world.

The power that is living inside of us is greater than the power that is living outside of us. The power that we hold inside of us is the power of God Almighty. The power that is in the world is the power of Satan. Satan has no power against us!

Stand strong today. Stand in the power and strength of Jesus and not your own. Stand against the power of the devil and he will flee. Take captive the thoughts that you have that you are weak. For you are strong in the Lord. You have victory over your enemies. 

Pray

Lord, I stand in awe of You today. I know that I belong to You and You have given me eternal life and forgiveness of my sins. Help me today to be encouraged… In Jesus Name!