Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: Paul

A Father’s Example

Faith, Trust

“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:9

The best way to lead is by example. Dads have a major responsibility with leading their family but the most important teaching that should come from a dad is how to worship God. And what better way than by example.

As spiritual leaders it is a privilege and responsibility to be an example to others. Paul encouraged others to follow his life as an example. It’s one thing to just learn what the Bible teaches but it’s a whole different issue to live it out.

We are instructed to be obedient to what the Bible teaches and to obey each command. Paul knew the reward for such obedience is the blessing of God’s peace.

Like Paul, we’ve got to live in such a way that we can say, “Learn what I teach – by my example!” What kind of example are you setting for others to follow? Is it an example of love and compassion? Is it an example of fearing and honoring God as sovereign Lord? Is it an example of leading others to Christ? Your life is a testimony to others.

People need to witness Christ-like examples of Christian living. Our children need to witness what it means to live holy and righteous. Our world needs to witness examples of God’s grace and forgiveness. Our churches need men who set an example of what it means to be faithful and true. The challenge is before us to practice the things which we have learned.

Pray

Lord, thank you for giving us Christian men and women who have been great examples of how we should live our lives. Help me to pass on to others what I have learned so that someone may witness who You are in me.

Suffering For Christ’s Sake

Encouragement

‘But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. ‘
Acts 28:3

Have you ever wondered why bad things happen to people who are doing God’s work? Sometimes we think just because we are on mission for God we should be immune to the sufferings and trials of this world.

On a mission trip Paul was shipwrecked and landed on the Island of Malta. Luke tells us that when they came ashore the islanders welcomed them with unusual kindness. Since they were cold and wet, they built a campfire.

Paul laid a bundle of sticks on the fire and a viper struck him on the hand. This is when we have to ask, why would God allow such a suffering? Wasn’t the shipwreck enough? Now a poisonous snake bite?

Some people might say that the devil is trying to interfere with God’s work. Or others might say that God is mad and causing havoc on His children. What’s interesting about this verse today is that it states why the viper bit him.

It says, because of the heat, the viper came out. The heat from the fire made the snake mad and aggressive. It wasn’t because of the devil, it was because of the natural causes of heat.

Let’s not forget that Paul shook off the snake and never swelled or got sick. Even though he was bitten by a viper, the islanders saw the power of God in Paul.

We may get sick or hurt from time to time. Viruses and germs may surround us. Natural disasters will occur. As Christians we are not immune to any of it. But we can trust the power of God to overcome our difficulties.

We pray for God to bless our endeavors. But because we encounter suffering, we shouldn’t be so quick to blame anyone or anything especially God. God only wants the best for us. Use the sufferIngs in your life to bring glory to God.

Pray

Lord, I pray that You bless my labor for Your kingdom. Help me to use and enjoy the gifts that You have given unto me. I will praise Your great name in the good times and the bad.

God Has No Limits

Encouragement

‘Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, ‘
Ephesians 3:20

Paul’s desire is that we fully understand the riches of God’s grace and love. We may never know the entirety of God’s goodness until we get to Heaven. Paul wants us to grasp that God is able to do things that we cannot even imagine.

God only wants what is good for us. However we must trust that God is able to do things in our life that is supernatural and miraculous. God is all-powerful and all-knowing!

Paul uses a unique word to describe God’s greatness in power. Some translations of the term include “immeasurable”, “above and beyond”, and “infinitely more.” Ultimately there is no limit as to what God is able to do for us.

When was that last time you were blown away by an answered prayer? Did God not prove His love for you in giving you more than you asked for?

One might argue that the reason we don’t witness great and awesome things of God is because of our lack of faith and disbelief. God wants us to trust in Him for all things.

Jesus revealed to men what God is able to do if only we place our faith in Him. Only a few followers witnessed the glory of God through His Son. God wants to show us what He is able to do in our lives.

Take a little time today to experience God’s goodness. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Ask God to reveal some supernatural things to you.

Pray

Lord, You are completely amazing. Words cannot even describe what You are able to do. You do it all because You love me and want what is good for me. Thank You, Lord!