Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

Devotional For November 4, 2023

Encouragement

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
‭‭John‬ ‭17‬:‭17‬

In John 17, we hear a prayer from Jesus, often referred to as the “High Priestly Prayer.” In this prayer, Jesus intercedes on behalf of His disciples and all future believers, asking that they be sanctified by the truth.

Sanctification involves being set apart for a holy purpose. Jesus desires that we be set apart and by the truth. He identifies God’s Word as the source of that truth. God’s Word is the ultimate standard of truth, a guide for our lives, and a revelation of God’s character and will.

It is very important that we immerse ourselves in God’s Word. The Bible not only informs us of the truth but also has the power to change us. It corrects our misconceptions, convicts us of sin, guides our decisions, and shapes our character to align with God’s holiness.

Make a commitment to seeking and living out the truth found in God’s Word. As you do, you will be progressively sanctified and set apart for God’s purposes. May His truth touch your heart and direct your actions.

Pray

Lord, I thank You for the truth found in Your Word. Help me to cherish and immerse myself in it, so that I can be continually sanctified and set apart for Your holy purposes. May Your Word shape my thoughts, decisions, and actions. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For November 3, 2023

Encouragement

As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening.
‭‭Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭29‬

Luke 9:28-36 provides a unique and glorious moment in the life of Jesus, known as the Transfiguration. During this event, as Jesus prayed, His face shone with radiant glory, and His clothes became intensely white. This glimpse of His divine nature offers us several valuable lessons.

First, the Transfiguration shows us Jesus’ divinity. It’s a revelation of His true nature as the Son of God. In our daily lives, it’s easy to forget the majesty and holiness of Jesus. The Transfiguration serves as a reminder that He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Second, it emphasizes the importance of prayer. The Transfiguration occurred while Jesus was in prayer. It underscores the significance of seeking communion with God in prayer. In our own prayer life, we may not experience such visible transformations, but our time spent with God can indeed transform us from the inside, renewing our minds and hearts.

Lastly, it gives us a glimpse of the glory that awaits us in eternity. As believers, we are called to be transformed into the image of Christ, and one day, we will share in His glorious presence. The Transfiguration serves as a foretaste of the heavenly glory that is to come.

Be encouraged to seek a deeper intimacy with Christ through prayer and be inspired to live in anticipation of seeing the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the Transfiguration which reveals Your divine nature. As I seek You in prayer, may I be transformed by Your presence. Help me to remember the glory that awaits me in eternity and to live in light of this hope. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For November 2, 2023

Encouragement

When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then You knew my path. In the way in which I walk they have secretly set a snare for me.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭142‬:‭3‬

This verse captures a moment when the psalmist felt overwhelmed by his circumstances. These words describe when he was heavy burdened and it seemed that others had set traps and obstacles in his way.

Life often brings moments of distress and feelings of being ensnared by challenges. In these times, it’s important to remember that God is fully aware of our circumstances. He knows our every step, and nothing escapes His attention. When we’re burdened and feel surrounded by difficulties, we can turn to Him, knowing that He is our refuge and strength.

The act of pouring out our hearts to God is a form of honest and vulnerable prayer. Just as the psalmist did, we can share our fears, anxieties, and troubles with our heavenly Father. He listens, cares, and offers guidance, comfort, and strength. It’s a reminder that in our moments of overwhelming circumstances, we don’t have to face them alone.

So, when you find yourself in a situation like the one described in Psalm 142:3, take a cue from the psalmist. Pour out your heart to God, and trust in His knowledge of your path. He is there to guide you through the snares and give you peace for your troubled spirit.

Pray

Lord, in the moments when I feel overwhelmed, I’m thankful that I can turn to You. You know my path, and nothing is hidden from Your sight. I pour out my heart to You, knowing that You will encourage and strengthen me. In Jesus’ name, amen.