Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

Devotional For October 27, 2023

Encouragement

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
‭‭James‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬

James gives us a wonderful description of the wisdom that comes from above, from God Himself. This wisdom from above is a reflection of God’s character and His heart for His children. Let’s dive into this description of wisdom.

First, it is “pure.” God’s wisdom is untainted by impurities or selfish motives. It seeks what is right and just, reflecting His holy nature.

Second, it is “peaceable.” This wisdom promotes peace and harmony, not strife or discord. It encourages reconciliation and unity among people.

Third, it is “gentle.” It is marked by kindness and tenderness, not harshness or cruelty. It considers the feelings and needs of others.

Fourth, it is “willing to yield.” God’s wisdom is open to reason and does not insist on its own way. It is teachable and flexible, recognizing that we can learn from others.

Fifth, it is “full of mercy and good fruits.” This wisdom is characterized by compassion and a desire to do good. It is not judgmental but extends grace and bears the fruit of righteousness.

Sixth, it is “without partiality.” God’s wisdom does not show favoritism. It treats all people with equity and fairness, regardless of their background or status.

Seventh, it is “without hypocrisy.” It is genuine and sincere, not marked by deceit or insincerity. It aligns with the truth and does not pretend to be something it is not.

By embracing this wisdom, we can be instruments of God’s love, peace, and grace in a world in need of His truth. Ask God for His wisdom and the strength to live it out in your daily walk.

Pray

Lord, I come before You, seeking Your wisdom from above. Help me to embrace a wisdom that is pure, peaceable, gentle, and filled with mercy. Guide my heart to live without partiality and hypocrisy, that I may be a vessel of Your grace and goodness in this world. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For October 26, 2023

Encouragement

So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us,
‭‭Acts‬ ‭15‬:‭8‬

In the book of Acts, we find a profound truth that should bring comfort and assurance to our hearts: God’s perfect plan has always been in motion. Acts 15:18 reminds us that God has known all His works from eternity. This means that every event, every twist and turn in our lives, and the entire course of human history are within His divine knowledge and control.

Often, we may question why certain things happen, or we may struggle with uncertainty about the future. In these moments, Acts 15:18 serves as a reminder that God’s understanding is far beyond our own. He has seen all things in existence from beginning to end, and every part, no matter how seemingly insignificant, plays a part in His masterful design.

As we reflect on this verse, it’s an invitation to trust in God’s wisdom and sovereignty. Even when we cannot comprehend the reasons behind our circumstances, we can rest assured that God’s plan is unfolding perfectly. Our role is to have faith, to seek His guidance, and to align our lives with His purposes.

So, take a moment to pray and surrender your worries, doubts, and uncertainties to the One who knows the end from the beginning. Trust that God’s plan is far greater than anything we can fathom, and His ways are always perfect. May this truth bring you peace and confidence in your journey of faith.

Pray

Lord, in times of uncertainty and when I cannot see the full picture, help me to trust in Your sovereignty. I surrender my worries and doubts to You, knowing that You know all things from eternity. Thank you for being a God who holds the future and for loving me unconditionally. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For October 25, 2023

Encouragement

Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance,
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬

John the Baptist gives a powerful message about the significance of true repentance. His words encourage us to not only acknowledge our need for forgiveness but also to demonstrate that change in our lives through the fruits of our repentance.

John the Baptist preached repentance to a people who didn’t think they needed to change. Once people heard his message, they realized how far they had fallen short and how badly they needed to repent. They were baptized with water as an expression of how their hearts had been changed.

Repentance isn’t just about confessing your wrongdoing; it’s about a genuine transformation of your heart and actions. It’s about turning away from sin and turning towards God, resulting in a life that reflects this change.

Consider the quality of your own repentance. Are you simply asking for forgiveness, or are you bearing the fruits worthy of repentance in your life? Are you actively seeking to live in a way that aligns with God’s will and reflects the change in your heart?

Pray

Lord, I come before You with a humbled and repentant heart. Help me to bear fruit worthy of repentance in my life. Give me strength to turn away from my sins and to seek Your forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, amen.