Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

Devotional For August 8, 2023

Encouragement

being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬

In our journey of faith, we often find parallels between our physical experiences and our spiritual insights. For example, an insightful analogy emerged from a recent trip to the eye doctor, shedding light on the truth that Jesus wants us to grasp: that we should be developing in our spiritual walk every day.

For years, each visit to the eye doctor has brought the same verdict: my vision has slowly worsened. However, a recent check-up held an unexpected surprise – my eyesight has stabilized. This prompted me to contemplate my spiritual journey. Just as I had witnessed a halt in my eyesight’s deterioration, I pondered whether my spiritual insight was experiencing a similar pattern. Was my spiritual sight getting clearer, or had it plateaued?

Just as our eyesight requires care and attention to maintain its clarity, our spiritual insight demands an ongoing commitment to growth. Let us heed Jesus’ call to strive for development in our spiritual walk every day. With each step we take, with each prayer we offer, with each act of love we extend, we move closer to a deeper, more profound understanding of our faith. As we journey onward, may we be reminded that just as the eyes of our body are a window to the world, the eyes of our spirit are a gateway to the divine.

Jesus’ teachings remind us that our faith is a dynamic process. He calls us to embark on a journey of continuous growth, urging us to cultivate our spiritual insight. Just as we undertake daily steps to preserve our physical health, we must adopt intentional practices to nurture our spiritual well-being. Through prayer, meditation, studying scripture, and acts of kindness, we lay the groundwork for spiritual insight to flourish.

Each day presents an opportunity to deepen our relationship with God, to gain a clearer understanding of His word, and to perceive His guidance more acutely. As we commit ourselves to this journey, we begin to notice that our spiritual sight does indeed improve. Like the patient who finds their eyesight stabilizing, we see the fruits of our efforts manifest in our actions, attitudes, and interactions.

Pray

Lord, thank You for opening my eyes to Your truth. Help me to improve my spiritual insight each day. Deepen my faith as I trust You for all things. In Jesus’ name, amen

Devotional For August 7, 2023

Encouragement

Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭6‬

Today’s verse encourages us that we are to share our blessings with the ones who teach and instruct God’s word to us. It is important to express an attitude of gratitude and support for those who invest their time, effort, and spiritual insight into our lives.

Our appreciation reflects a heart that recognizes the spiritual significance of the knowledge we acquire and the guidance we receive. By sharing our blessings, we participate in God’s divine economy of love and provision.

We are reminded that every good thing comes from the Father above, and our willingness to share is an acknowledgment of His abundant grace in our lives. In doing so, we demonstrate our understanding of the oneness of the body of Christ, where each member plays a crucial role in nurturing the spiritual growth of the whole.

As we ponder the words of Galatians 6:6, let us cultivate a heart of gratitude and generosity. Let us actively seek ways to bless and support those who guide us in our spiritual journey, whether through prayer, encouragement, or tangible means.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the teachers and mentors You have placed in my life. Help me to recognize the value of their guidance and the wisdom they impart. Teach me to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and generosity, for everything I have comes from You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For August 6, 2023

Encouragement

It is eleven days’ journey from Horeb by way of Mount Seir to Kadesh Barnea. Now it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moses spoke to the children of Israel according to all that the Lord had given him as commandments to them,
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭3‬

The Israelites’ journey from Horeb to the Promised Land is a story that mirrors our own journey of faith. In today’s verses, we gain valuable insights into this journey and how it can shape our perspective on following God’s path for our lives.

Imagine planning for an eleven-day trip and finding yourself wandering for forty years. The distance between Horeb and Kadesh Barnea could have been covered in a relatively short time, but due to disobedience and lack of faith, the Israelites found themselves stuck in a cycle of aimless wandering. This serves as a reminder that our journey of faith can be prolonged if we fail to trust God and obey His commands.

The forty-year delay wasn’t without purpose. It provided the Israelites with lessons in humility and complete dependence on God. Sometimes, God’s delays in our lives are opportunities for growth and dependency.

God’s timing is often different from ours. While the Israelites may have wondered why their journey took so long, God had a specific plan in mind. When we find ourselves impatient, we must remember that God’s timing is perfect. Our role is to trust Him completely, even when the path seems unclear or the journey seems prolonged. Just as God led the Israelites through the wilderness, He is guiding us step by step toward His promises.

Pray

Lord, help me to trust in Your timing and to obediently follow Your commands. Grant me wisdom to learn from the times of waiting. Guide me toward the purposes You have for me. In Jesus’ name, amen