Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

Devotional For September 27, 2023

Encouragement

…for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬

In today’s verse, the Apostle Paul highlights two essential aspects of our relationship with God.

1. God’s Divine Will: The verse acknowledges that God desires us to align our will with His divine purpose. His will is always perfect and in our best interest. When we earnestly seek His will, we open the door for His guidance and blessings in our lives.

2. God’s Empowering Grace: Not only does God invite us to follow His will, but He also empowers us to do so. This empowerment comes through the Holy Spirit, who works within us, transforming our desires and enabling us to carry out His plans.

As we seek God’s will in our lives, we may face moments of uncertainty or doubt. But God’s Spirit guides and enlightens our hearts, helping us understand His purpose for us.

When we encounter difficulties or obstacles in following God’s will, His empowering grace equips us with the strength and resilience needed to overcome them.

God’s empowerment allows us to live purposefully, fulfilling His good pleasure. When we align our will with His, our lives take on deeper meaning and significance.

Philippians 2:13 reminds us that God is actively at work within us, enabling us to desire and fulfill His divine will. As we seek His guidance and rely on His empowering grace, we can live a life that brings Him glory and aligns with His perfect plan for us.

Pray

Lord, I am so grateful for Your invitation to follow Your will and for the empowering grace of Your Holy Spirit. Help me to seek Your guidance in all aspects of my life and to align my desires with Your purpose. Help me to trust in Your empowerment to fulfill Your good pleasure. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Devotional For September 26, 2023

Encouragement

Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness!
‭‭Romans‬ ‭11‬:‭12‬

In Romans 11, the apostle Paul discusses the relationship between the Jewish people and Gentiles in God’s plan of salvation. Verse 12 presents a profound truth: the temporary “fall” or rejection of Israel had a purpose – it brought riches to the world and blessings to the Gentiles. But there’s even more to come – the fullness of Israel’s restoration will bring even greater blessings.

This verse reminds us that God’s plans are intricate and purposeful. Even when it may seem like a setback or failure, God can work it out for good. Israel’s rejection opened the door for the Gentiles to hear the Gospel, leading to the salvation of countless souls. This is a reminder of God’s redemptive power, using unexpected circumstances to accomplish His divine purposes.

As believers, we can take comfort in knowing that God’s plan for our lives is similarly purposeful. Even in our setbacks and failures, He can use these moments to bring about blessings, growth, and transformation. We should also eagerly anticipate the “fullness” of God’s blessings in our lives, trusting that He has even greater things in store.

In your prayer today, thank God for His sovereign plan. Ask Him to help you see the purpose in both your successes and challenges. Pray for a heart filled with anticipation, trusting that God’s blessings will continue to unfold in your life, just as He has promised.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your sovereign plan and wisdom. Help me to trust in Your purpose even when I face setbacks or failures. Let me see the blessings in all the unexpected places. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Devotional For September 25, 2023

Encouragement

How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭14‬

In today’s verse, the apostle Paul presents a chain of questions that highlight the importance of sharing the Gospel. It begins with the question, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed?” The implication is clear: people need to know about Jesus to believe in Him. But how will they believe unless they hear about Him?

This verse underscores the crucial role of those who proclaim the Good News – the preachers, evangelists, and every believer who shares their faith. We are called to be the messengers who bring the message of hope and salvation to a world in need. Just as someone once shared the Gospel with us, we are now entrusted with the task of passing it on.

Today, let’s reflect on our responsibility to share the Gospel. Whether it’s through our words, actions, or lifestyle, we have the privilege of introducing others to the transformative power of Christ’s love. Let’s not underestimate the impact we can have on someone’s life by being a vessel for God’s message of redemption.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the precious gift of Your Gospel. I acknowledge my role in sharing this message of hope with a world in need. Please grant me the courage, wisdom, and opportunities to proclaim Your truth to those who have not yet heard. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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