Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

Devotional For August 23, 2023

Encouragement

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭19‬:‭14‬

This verse invites us to reflect on the significance of our thoughts and speech, and to seek God’s guidance in ensuring they are pleasing to Him. The psalmist recognizes the intimate connection between the “meditation of the heart” and the “words of the mouth.” Our words stem from an overflow of what’s in our hearts. When our hearts are filled with love, grace, and godly intentions, our words will reflect that beauty.

The core desire is for our words and the meditation of our hearts to be pleasing to God. This plea emphasizes our longing to bring glory to God through our thoughts and speech. We seek to live in a way that resonates with His character.

The verse concludes with a reminder of God’s role in our lives as our “strength and Redeemer.” Our dependence on Him is crucial for the transformation of our hearts and the refinement of our words. With God’s strength, we can choose words of encouragement, wisdom, and love.

Living out this verse requires us to be intentional and to have a surrendered heart. It’s about consistently seeking God’s guidance in our thoughts and interactions. When we invite the Holy Spirit to shape our innermost being, our words will naturally align with God’s will.

Do your thoughts and words align with the desires of God? How can you ensure that your heart’s meditation and your spoken words honor God? Spend time in prayer, inviting God to guide your thoughts and speech.

Pray

Lord, I pray that the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart would be pleasing in Your sight. Help me to align my thoughts and speech with Your wisdom and grace. Strengthen me to choose words that build up and encourage others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Devotional For August 22, 2023

Encouragement

Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭9‬:‭23‬

We live in a world that often esteems human wisdom, strength, and wealth. Jeremiah 9:23 invites us to examine our hearts and priorities, recognizing what truly matters in the eyes of the Lord.

It’s easy to find identity in the things that our society values—intellectual skills, physical strength, and material wealth. Yet, God’s perspective challenges us to consider whether these pursuits are worthy of our boast.

Human wisdom is limited and will quickly fade away in the face of life’s complexities. No matter how knowledgeable we may be, our understanding is still subject to limitations. True wisdom begins with acknowledging our need for God’s guidance and seeking His truth above all else.

Strength and power can deceive us into believing we are self-sufficient. However, our strength is vulnerable to weakness and can be humbled in a moment. The Lord invites us to lean on His strength, recognizing that our true security lies in Him.

Wealth provides comfort and security, yet it too can vanish like the wind. The pursuit of riches can blind us to the eternal treasures that come from a relationship with Christ. Our ultimate wealth is found in His presence and the inheritance we have in Christ.

True worth and value come from knowing and understanding God—the source of unwavering love, righteous judgment, and abounding grace.

Are there areas in your life where you’ve put your confidence in wisdom, strength, or wealth? Consider how you can redirect your focus towards boasting in the Lord and growing in your knowledge of Him.

Pray

Lord, help me align my priorities with Your perspective. Remind me that true wisdom, strength, and riches come from knowing and understanding You. Help me to grow in my relationship with You each day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Devotional For August 21, 2023

Encouragement

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭16‬:‭13‬

The Christian life requires vigilance. Just as a watchman would guard over a city, we are called to be alert and attentive to the spiritual battles around us. Watch against the snares of the devil, the distractions that can lead us astray, and the doubts that can weaken our faith.

Faith is what anchors us in the storms of life. Faith is not just believing in God, but clinging to His promises, regardless of our circumstances. When trials come, stand firm in the faith you profess. Don’t be easily swayed by doubt and fear.

Fear is a common human emotion, but as believers, we have access to a courage that the Lord will see us through our circumstances. This courage is found in the assurance of God’s presence and power. Be bold in your faith, knowing that God goes before you and empowers you to face challenges with confidence.

Strength isn’t solely a physical attribute—it’s a spiritual quality that comes from relying on God’s strength. Our human weaknesses become opportunities for God’s strength to shine through. Depend on Him, and His power will sustain you even in moments of weakness.

Are there areas where you need to be more vigilant, more steadfast, braver, or stronger? Consider what may be testing your faith. Allow today’s verse to encourage you to stand strong in the face of adversity.

Pray

Lord, thank you for the wisdom found in Your Word. Help me to watch, to stand firm in my faith, to be brave, and to draw strength from You. May I never forget that I can face any challenge with Your presence and power by my side. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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