Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: Pastor

We Can Make A Difference

Encouragement, Trust

‘When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. ‘
Acts 2:1-4

There are defining moments in our lives when our life changes and we are never the same. Some of those moments are anticipated and are welcomed into our life but other times they come unexpected and sometimes with pain.

Often times we struggle with change and wonder how God can bring about any good with the pain and suffering. But God always has a way of working all things for our good, even when the enemy intends to do harm.

On the day of Pentecost the disciples lives changed. Something happened that defined who they were. They were ordinary men who were able to be used by God like never before.

But they had to wait for the very specific time and date. They had to wait for the exact moment for it to happen. They had to wait for the promise to be fulfilled.

As we live in a world full of chaos and turmoil we need to know that God wants to do something great. God wants to use us in this fallen world.

It is up to you and me to make a difference. It is up to us to stand up and be like Jesus in this world and to make a statement of love and mercy. It takes courage and the strength of the Holy Spirit to do it.

Pray

Lord, fill me with courage and grace to speak words of love and encouragement. This world needs You. We need Your grace and love.

Disguised As Harmless

Trust

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”
Matthew 7:15

The New Living Translation says it this way: “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.”

“Disguised as harmless” is a good description of what we see today. There are voices all around us that claim to speak God’s truth. But watch out, most of them are fake, false, and phonies.

Pay close attention to the voices you are listening to. Most importantly make sure you discern the voice of God. You can easily discern the voice of God when it aligns with the truth of the Scriptures.

God’s truth and word does not change and will not change. What He said 6000 years ago is still true today.

Sadly, there are bad people disguised as good people that claim to speak the truth. They tell you how to believe, what to do, what to say, how to vote, how to spend money, how to parent, etc… These voices sound good and look good but they are vicious wolves. Their intent is to devour.

Jesus warns us to make sure every voice we hear is supported with the authority of God’s Word. Does their message agree with the rest of the Bible? Does it point people closer to Jesus? That is why it is important to know what the Bible says to study it.

You have a responsibility to choose wisely who you listen to.

Pray

Lord, help me to discern who speaks in Your name. Let me speak truth and wisdom into others. Protect me and my sheep.

What Do You Do When…

Encouragement, Trust

“My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
Psalms 121:2

What do you do when you feel helpless? When life seems to spiral out of control, what do you do?

Helplessness can turn to hopelessness if you don’t know where to turn. At some point in time we all need assistance. We all experience situations in life that stretch our abilities and resources to the max. It is at this point when we ask, “Where does my help come from?”

God will allow difficult circumstances in our lives for us to turn to Him for what we need. When we face impossible situations we have a choice to make. We can continue to feel helpless and hopeless or we can turn to God.

We don’t ever need to think that God is not wanting to help us or that we have done something so bad that God won’t come through for us. We all make mistakes and we all need God’s help.

That is what makes God an awesome God. He forgives and He extends grace to those who don’t deserve it.

Obviously the psalmist was facing some very stressful circumstances that required the Lord’s assistance and he knew God was going to do something for him.

Most of the time we ignore the signs of needing God and we try to accomplish difficult tasks in our own strength and wisdom. But wouldn’t you rather have the One who created the heavens and the earth to help you?

God knows what you need and knows how to help you. He is just waiting for you to say, “Help!”

Don’t wait until you have exhausted all of your abilities and resources. Immediately when you realize you need help just ask God. He will be ready to give you comfort and hope.

More than anything we need to know that God cares for us and is desiring to show us how much He loves us. God loves you and will be your help.

Pray

Lord, I need you today. Help me in my time of trouble. You are my rock and my shield. I trust You and know You are doing something about my circumstance right now.