Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

Devotional For November 8, 2023

Encouragement

Oh, that my ways were directed To keep Your statutes!
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭5‬

This verse is a reminder that our true delight is found in following the path God has set before us.

In a world full of distractions and temptations, it’s easy to stray from the righteous path. In moments of weakness we can be led astray. The psalmist’s expresses a deep yearning to remain steadfast in obedience so that we don’t get off path.

The desire to follow God’s way is a powerful mindset. When we make a conscious effort to align our lives with God’s will, we find a profound sense of purpose and contentment.

What path do you see yourself on today? Are you being guided by the Spirit of God?

If you find yourself off track or going down the wrong path, make a u-turn today. Allow God to guide your steps and put you back where you belong.

Pray

Lord, I long to be steadfast in obeying Your decrees and to live according to Your wisdom. Strengthen me to remain obedient to Your commandments. Help me to seek Your will and way for my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For November 7, 2023

Encouragement

Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,
‭‭Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭1‬

Jesus shared a parable (an earthly story with a heavenly meaning) to teach about the importance of persistent prayer. This verse reminds us that, in the midst of our challenges, we should remain steadfast in our commitment to prayer.

Life often presents us with difficulties, obstacles, and moments of despair. In those times, it’s easy to become discouraged and lose hope. But Jesus encourages us to do the opposite – to persist in prayer. Why? Because prayer is not just a means to an end; it’s a way to draw near to God, to find peace in His presence, and to align our hearts with His will.

Jesus desires that we continually seek Him in prayer and never give up. When our life is persistently seeking the Lord, we will be blessed with guidance, encouragement and peace. Are you diligently seeking the Lord in prayer?

Pray

Lord, thank You for teaching me to always pray and to never give up. Help me to be committed to prayer and to seek You for all things. Give me comfort and peace knowing You answer my prayers and provide only the best. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For November 6, 2023

Encouragement

Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.”
‭‭John‬ ‭13‬:‭8‬

In this verse, we witness Peter’s initial resistance to Jesus washing his feet. Peter thought it was beneath the Messiah’s dignity to perform such a humble task. However, Jesus’ response is profound. He tells Peter that unless he allows Him to wash his feet, he cannot have a part with Him. This statement goes beyond the physical act; it represents the spiritual cleansing and humility required to follow Jesus.

Just as Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, He desires to cleanse us from our sins and pride. We must be willing to let go of our self-reliance and allow Jesus to cleanse our hearts. It is through this act of humility and surrender that we can truly have a part with Him and experience the fullness of His grace and love in our lives.

Pray

Lord, I come before You with a humble heart. I acknowledge my need for spiritual cleansing and the removal of pride. I ask for Your forgiveness and to make me pure and holy. In Jesus’ name, amen.