Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

Devotional For July 30, 2023

Encouragement

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭23‬-‭24‬

Today’s verses direct us to a place of self-examination. David openly invites God to search his heart. It takes courage to open ourselves up to God, knowing that He sees everything in our hearts.

When we allow God to examine us, we demonstrate a willingness to be transparent and vulnerable before Him. This practice helps us to recognize areas in our lives that need His transforming touch.

Once David invited God to search his heart, he further requested God to point out anything that may be offensive to Him. This request shows a desire for holiness and a willingness to repent from anything that hinders a close relationship with God.

Humbly ask God to reveal any attitudes, actions, or habits that are displeasing to Him. When He highlights these areas, confess and turn away from them. Seek His guidance and commit to walking on the path of everlasting life, aligning your life with His Word and purpose.

Pray

Lord, let Psalm 139:23-24 be my prayer of surrender today. Help me to experience Your power of God as You search my heart. May Your loving guidance lead me to the path of everlasting life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For July 29, 2023

Encouragement

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭7‬

Is “tithing” mentioned in the New Testament? I get this question all the time. The word “tithing” is not mentioned. However, we are given many examples as to how we are to give back to God.

In today’s verse, Paul addresses the “attitude” that giving should stem from as we honor God and bless others. Here are five “nesses” of biblical giving to keep in mind.

  1. Willingness: Our generosity should be a product of thoughtful consideration, prayer, and seeking God’s guidance. When we purposefully decide what to give, it reflects our willingness to align our hearts with God’s will.
  2. Joyfulness: Paul reminds us that God loves a cheerful giver. When we give joyfully, it reflects our gratitude for God’s blessings in our lives. Joyful giving is a response to God’s love and grace, expressing our love for Him and our concern for others.
  3. Free-Heartedness: Paul emphasizes that giving should not be forced upon us. God desires a voluntary and free-hearted response from His children. Our willingness to give out of love for God and others, brings joy to the heart of God.
  4. Abundantness: Although this is not an actual word it makes sense. Throughout the Bible, we see the theme of sowing and reaping. When we give abundantly, we open ourselves up to receive God’s blessings in abundance. Our generosity paves the way for God’s abundance in our lives.
  5. Reflectiveness: Ultimately, our giving mirrors the nature of God, who is the ultimate Giver. He gave us His Son, Jesus Christ, as a sacrifice for our salvation. When we give, we reflect God’s character and demonstrate His love to the world.

May your giving not only bless others but also deepen your relationship with God.

Pray

Lord, thank You for being a gracious and generous God. Help me to give with pure motives and a joyful heart, as an act of worship. Let my generosity be a reflection of Your love that abides in me. In Jesus’ name, amen

Devotional For July 28, 2023

Encouragement

So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1‬:‭27‬

In Genesis 1, we witness the account of God’s creation, where every element of the universe was formed by His majestic hand. On the sixth and final day of creation, mankind is created and set apart from all creation in the image of God.

God intentionally designed us in His image. We are purposefully crafted by the Creator Himself. This truth carries profound implications for our understanding of human value and purpose.

As beings made in God’s image, we possess inherent value. Every individual, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or background, carries the imprint of the Divine. This truth is a reminder that each person is precious and deeply loved by God. It compels us to treat one another with respect, kindness, and compassion.

Understanding that we are created in God’s image also gives us a glimpse into our purpose. We are called to reflect God’s character and attributes to the world around us. Just as a mirror reflects an image, our lives are meant to mirror the love, grace, mercy, and justice of our Heavenly Father. We fulfill our purpose when we live in obedience to His Word and walk in alignment with His will.

Today, there seems to be a lot of confusion about God’s design of mankind. If you reject your gender, you reject your value and purpose. God has a purpose for you to be who He created you to be. God did not make a mistake.

Pray

Lord, thank You for creating me in Your image. Help me to grasp the profound truth of my inherent worth and value. Guide me to fulfill my purpose by reflecting Your character and attributes in all that I do. Let Your image be evident in my life, drawing others closer to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.