Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

Devotional For October 29, 2023

Encouragement

I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet,
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬

John’s experience in Revelation 1:10 is a remarkable one. He tells us that he was “in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day.” This statement holds a powerful message for us as believers.

The “Lord’s Day” refers to Sunday, the day of the Lord’s resurrection. It’s a day when we can gather as a community to worship and seek God’s presence.

John’s experience reminds us of the importance of when we come together to worship on the Lord’s Day. As we celebrate the Lord’s Day, let us come with open hearts, expecting to encounter the living God and to be guided by His voice.

Take time today to seek the Lord, both in your private devotion and in corporate worship. Be open to experiencing the presence of God and hearing His voice.

Pray

Lord, just as John was “in the Spirit” and heard Your voice, I long to be in a deep communion with You. Open my heart and mind to receive Your guidance and speak to me through Your Word and in worship. May the Lord’s Day be a day of spiritual renewal and encounter with Your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For October 28, 2023

Encouragement

Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.
‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭49‬

Jesus promised His disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit. He told them to wait in Jerusalem until they were “endued with power from on high.” This empowering by the Holy Spirit is not just for the early disciples but for all believers throughout history.

The empowering of the Holy Spirit equips us to live out our faith, share the Gospel, and face life’s challenges with divine strength.

Just as the disciples had to wait for the Holy Spirit, we too need to seek the Lord’s timing and be patient in our journey of faith. We can find comfort and confidence in knowing that God’s power is available to us through the Holy Spirit, enabling us to fulfill His purposes in our lives.

Let’s embrace this promise and rely on the Spirit’s guidance and strength to live out our calling as disciples of Christ.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the promise of the Holy Spirit, the source of divine power. Just as You empowered the early disciples, I ask for a fresh outpouring of Your Spirit in my life. Grant me the wisdom to wait on Your timing and the strength to fulfill the calling You’ve placed in my heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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.