Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: Strength

Hope And Healing

Encouragement

Say to those who are fearful-hearted, “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, With the recompense of God; He will come and save you.”
Isaiah 35:4

Isaiah prophesied about a time of judgment that would bring them to their knees but then God would strengthen them, raise them up, and save them. The people of Judah had committed adultery against God but God wanted to reveal His love to them.

Always remember God only chastises those whom He loves. He straightens our crooked paths and puts us back on track. He does this because He wants what is best for us.

Hebrews 12:12-13 says, “Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.” The writer of Hebrews quoted Isaiah 35 while driving home the point that after God’s chastisement there is hope and healing.

Just like ancient Judah, we need hope and healing in our country today. We need every believer strong and courageous. We strengthen ourselves when we walk with the Lord.

Even in our present trials, we have the hope of Jesus Christ to help us overcome our fearful hearts. The hope that we have is in the confidence that God will save us and redeem us.

Are you progressing in your walk with the Lord today? Are you strengthening yourself in the Father’s love? God is actively seeking you to do His great work.

Pray

Lord, I need your strength today to do fulfill Your great will. Help me to overcome my fears and failures with Your hope and healing. Help me to encourage others to progress in their Christian walk as well.

Firm In The Lord

Faith

‘Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. ‘
Philippians 4:1

Paul was concerned for the Believers at Philippi that they could possibly wander from their faith. So he eagerly challenged them to stand firm in the Lord.

The New Living Translation interprets this verse to say, “stay true to the Lord.” With that challenge in mind he gave some practical application as to how to stand firm or stay true to God.

The word therefore refers us back to chapter 3:20-21where Paul says, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior…” We must remember this world is not our eternal home.

While we walk this Earth we must keep our focus on Jesus. One day He is coming back and everything will be under His authority. If we are going to stand firm in our faith we must keep our focus on Heaven.

In chapter 4:6-7, Paul says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.” God wants us to confide in Him. Tell Him all about your troubles, but also thank Him for all your blessings.

Paul says in verse 8 to fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. If we fill our minds with the things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable, it will give us strength to stand firm and stay true to the Lord.

Standing firm and staying true to the Lord is not going to happen naturally or easily. This is why we need Jesus. This is also why Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit. We can’t possibly do it on our own. But we can stand firm and stay true to God through Christ who gives us strength.

Pray

Lord, strengthen me through Your word today. Give me power through the Holy Spirit and confidence to face whatever comes my way.

You Have The Power

Encouragement

‘Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. ‘
Ephesians 6:10

We all have witnessed a police officer raise his hand up to stop oncoming traffic. In response the vehicles that are approaching the officer come to a stop. But here is a question… does the officer have the physical power to actually stop the vehicle with a hand? Of course not.

The police officer is given the authority by the government to protect and serve. They use that authority to direct traffic and keep people safe. Most people recognize that authority and they stop their vehicles at the command of the officer. Hopefully the officer didn’t have to use flashing lights to make you stop!

In the same way there is authority and power invested in us by the Lord Jesus Christ! The believer who thoroughly understands that the power of God is backing them can exercise his or her authority and face the enemy fearlessly. Jesus has given us the power to tread on the devil, demons, evil spirits, and all of his cohorts.

Paul told believers to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. That means you can step out in front of the devil, hold up your hand, and in the name of Jesus (authority), tell him not to come any closer. Use your authority and resist the devil!

Pray

Lord, give me wisdom and spiritual understanding of the authority and power that has been given unto me as a believer. Give me the understanding of the authority. Help me to use the authority to defeat my enemies… in Jesus Name.