Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For September 22, 2024

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭7‬

In a world that often rushes for immediate results, the idea of waiting patiently might seem counterintuitive. Yet, the Bible encourages us to find rest in the Lord and teaches us the beauty in being patient.

Often we may be tempted to become anxious, to fret, or to question why it seems that the unrighteous are succeeding. But God’s word offers a different perspective.

To “rest in the Lord” means to surrender all of our anxieties and to find peace within His presence. It means acknowledging that God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with our own desires or expectations.

“Wait patiently for Him” is an act of faith and humility. It means recognizing that God’s plan unfolds in His own time, and our role is to just trust His plan. Waiting patiently allows us to grow in faith and to learn valuable lessons along the way.

When we see others around us prospering through wicked schemes, we must not be discouraged. God’s justice prevails and the rewards of the righteous endure. Our duty is to remain faithful and obedient to God.

Are there any anxieties that you need to surrender to the Lord? Take a moment to rest in the Lord. Let go of your anxieties and concerns, and wait patiently for Him. And while you wait for the Lord, just enjoy being in His presence. 

Pray

Lord, I surrender my deepest concerns and anxieties to You. I know You are in control of all things and everything fits within your perfect plan. Thank You for taking care of me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For September 21, 2024

Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭26:27‬

Solomon, in all his wisdom, shares in this verse about the truth of God. God will not allow a wicked and evil act to go unpunished. There are many examples in the Bible where people tried to do wicked things to God’s people but they didn’t get away with it. 

Pharaoh wouldn’t let the Israelites out of slavery, but God did. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, but God used him in a powerful way to save the nation. The Jews crucified Jesus, but He is alive!

The lesson of this proverb is to trust God to protect you and let Him punish your enemies. “Vengeance is mine,” says the Lord. (Romans 12:19) 

Even if your enemies strategically try to attack you, God knows what they are doing and He will take care of you. 

Pray

Lord, keep me safe from my enemies. Thank you for putting a hedge of protection around me. Fight my battles and give me peace that passes all understanding. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For September 20, 2024

The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭14‬:‭14‬

The promise given to the Israelites in Exodus 14:14 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and power to deliver His people in times of trouble. Like the Israelites, we may find ourselves facing overwhelming challenges, surrounded by enemies and obstacles that seem impossible to overcome. In these moments, we can easily slip into fear and doubt, forgetting that we serve a God who is greater than any problem we may face.

We are reminded that our battles are not ours alone but they belong to the Lord, who is mighty to save and deliver. Our role is not to rely on our own strength or wisdom but to surrender to God’s sovereignty and trust in His perfect plan and timing.

God assures us that when we entrust our battles to Him, we can experience a peace that surpasses all understanding. It is a peace that comes from knowing that we are not alone, that God is with us, fighting on our behalf.

Today, you can find strength and courage in knowing that the Lord Himself goes before you, fighting for you and leading you to victory. Hold onto peace, knowing that God is faithful to fulfill His promises and deliver you from every trial and adversity you face.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the assurance that You are fighting for me and that I need only to be still and trust in Your deliverance. Help me to surrender my battles to You and to hold onto the peace that comes from knowing You are with me. Strengthen my faith and give me courage to face whatever challenges come my way. In Jesus’ name, amen.