Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

Devotional For December 17, 2023

Encouragement

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.
‭‭Micah‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬

In the small, humble town of Bethlehem, a divine promise unfolded. The prophecy of Micah revealed the birthplace of a Ruler destined to guide and shepherd God’s people. Despite Bethlehem’s insignificance in the eyes of the world, God chose this small town to be the place of profound significance.

This verse reminds us that God often works in unexpected places and through the seemingly insignificant. Just as Bethlehem was a tiny little village, our lives might feel small and unnoticed, yet God’s plans for us are grand and purposeful. In the simplicity of our lives, God can bring forth extraordinary blessings and fulfill His promises.

As we reflect on Micah 5:2, let us find comfort and hope in the realization that God’s ways are beyond our understanding. The Ruler born in Bethlehem is not merely a temporal leader but an eternal one, whose origins are from everlasting. In the midst of life’s uncertainties, let us trust in the enduring nature of God’s promises and find peace in His unwavering love for us.

Pray

Lord, I know Your plans and purpose for my life are special and extraordinary. Help me to never settle for something that is not from You. Help me to understand that You want to do great things in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For December 16, 2023

Encouragement

He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.
‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬

In John 1:1-18, the Gospel of John introduces Jesus as the Word (Logos) who existed from the beginning with God. This divine Word is not only in union with God but is, in fact, God Himself.

Specifically in verse 10, the focus is on the earthly existence of the Word. Despite being the very agent through which the world was created, Jesus entered into the world He made, and yet the world did not recognize Him. This lack of recognition is not merely a physical oversight but a spiritual one. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus encounters disbelief, rejection, and misunderstanding from those He came to save.

Today, believers are encouraged to reflect on their own recognition of Jesus in their lives. It prompts a deeper understanding of the significance of Christ’s presence and the importance of acknowledging Him as the divine Word who brings light and life to a world that often remains unaware of its Creator.

How often do we overlook the sacred in the ordinary, missing the profound connection between the Creator and His creation?

Pray

Lord, open my eyes to recognize Your Word in the midst of daily life. May I not be blinded to Your presence but, instead, embrace that You are with me. Help me find purpose, hope, and comfort in Your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For December 15, 2023

Encouragement

And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1‬:‭21‬

The significance of a name often carries great weight, and in the story of Christmas, the name of Jesus is central.

The name “Jesus” is derived from the Greek name “Iēsous,” which, in turn, comes from the Hebrew name “Yeshua” or “Yehoshua.” The name carries profound significance because it means “Yahweh saves” or “Yahweh is salvation.”

The announcement in Matthew 1:21 emphasizes the purpose and mission of Jesus. His name reflects His role as the Savior who comes to deliver and rescue people from the consequences of sin. The birth of Jesus fulfills the long-awaited promise of a Messiah, the One who would bring salvation to humanity.

So, the significance of the name “Jesus” in Matthew 1:21 is tied to its meaning, indicating that Jesus is the embodiment of God’s saving grace and the fulfillment of God’s plan to reconcile humanity to Himself through the forgiveness of sins.

Reflect on the power of Jesus in your life. Consider the areas where you need His saving grace, and embrace the hope that His name brings. Let the awareness of His purpose shape your decisions, attitudes, and interactions with others.

Pray

Dear Lord, help me to understand the depth of Your purpose in my life. In moments of weakness and sin, may I turn to You, the One who saves. Guide me to fully embrace the freedom that comes from knowing You. In Jesus’ name, amen.