Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

Devotional For November 29, 2023

Encouragement

Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭30‬:‭5‬

Today’s verse takes us to a place of confidence. Every promise and truth found in the Bible stand as a pillar to guide us through our journey of life.

As we face the challenges of each day, we are not left defenseless. God’s Word is not merely a collection of ancient writings; it is a living and active force, serving as a shield to those who trust in Him. Imagine a shield that withstands the arrows of doubt, fear, and despair – that is the assurance we have in God’s promises.

Trusting in God’s Word is an intentional choice to rely on His wisdom, love, and faithfulness. In moments of uncertainty, when the path ahead seems unclear, we can trust in the unchanging nature of God’s promises. His Word becomes a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, guiding us through the darkest of days.

Renew your commitment to trusting in the Word of God. You can find comfort in its purity, strength in its promises, and guidance in its wisdom. As you put your trust in Him, you will discover that His Word is not just a collection of verses but a source of life, hope, and unwavering security.

Pray

Lord, may Your promises be a guiding light in my life, leading me through every challenge and uncertainty. Grant me the strength to trust wholeheartedly in Your Word, finding in it a shield that guards my heart and mind, and a source of hope. In Jesus’ name, amen

Devotional For November 28, 2023

Encouragement

Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭28:6‬

Christians are called to walk in integrity.  It is the basic element of Christian morality.  Integrity means to do what is right and honest even when no one is watching.  

Unfortunately, there are countless examples of Christians who make their public life appear to be great and wonderful but privately they are living unrighteously.  Integrity calls us to walk in the path of Christ and to steer away from hypocrisy.

Our lives are to be marked by love, compassion, mercy, justice, and fearing God above everything else.  We must be quick to turn from evil and do good.  To know what is the right thing to do and not do it is a sin.  

We all face challenges of integrity that can either make us or break us.  Living a life of integrity means that we set aside popular self-perceptions and model Christ-like behaviors.  When it comes down to it, most of the time you are the only one who knows what you did is right or not.  

If we desire to influence others we must have integrity.  Integrity is crucial in all aspects of leadership.

Pray

Lord, keep me humble and always allow me to remember that when no one else is watching, You are. Help me to be a person of integrity. Keep me in Your sovereign hands. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For November 27, 2023

Encouragement

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭6‬:‭19‬

The apostle Paul delivers a profound message about the sacredness of our physical bodies. Our bodies house the very presence of the Holy Spirit. Imagine, the God of the universe chooses to dwell within each believer, making each one into a living temple.

This scripture calls us to live to a higher standard. It challenges us to view our bodies not merely as vessels for personal desires but as holy sanctuaries set apart for a divine purpose. As stewards of these sacred temples, we are entrusted with the responsibility to honor God in all we do.

The call to honor our bodies as temples goes beyond physical well-being; it’s honoring God with our thoughts, words, and actions. How do we speak about ourselves and others? What thoughts dominate our minds? Are our actions reflective of the holiness residing within us? These questions urge us to align our lives with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Our choices matter. Let us seek after a journey of intentional living. As we do, we will find joy and peace in fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives. Our bodies, temples of the Holy Spirit, become instruments through which His light shines brightly in a world longing for the hope and love only found in Christ.

Pray

Lord, thank You for making my body as a temple where You choose to reside. Help me to always remember to honor my body as a holy place. Let my thoughts, words, and actions be pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.