Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

Devotional For October 30, 2023

Encouragement

But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation.
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭9‬:‭11‬

Hebrews 9:11 paints a picture of Jesus as our High Priest. In the Old Testament, the high priest held the honor and responsibility of entering the Most Holy Place of the temple to make atonement for the sins of the people. However, Jesus is described as the High Priest of the “good things to come,” and His tabernacle is “greater and more perfect.”

This verse is a reminder of the extraordinary nature of Christ’s priesthood. He doesn’t enter an earthly sanctuary but the heavenly one, not made by human hands. His work is not confined to temporary rituals but secures eternal salvation for those who believe in Him. In Christ, we have a High Priest who mediates for us before God, ensuring that the “good things to come” are ours to inherit.

We should be grateful for the perfect High Priest we have in Jesus. He has accomplished what no other high priest could—eternal redemption. We can approach God with confidence, knowing that Christ’s work is complete, and we are welcomed into the presence of God. May this truth fill us with hope and assurance as we live out our faith in Him.

Pray

Lord, thank You for being the perfect High Priest and entering the heavenly tabernacle to secure my eternity. Help me to grasp the significance of this wonderful work. Give me confidence and assurance as I anticipate the “good things to come” that You have promised. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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.