Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

Devotional For July 27, 2023

Encouragement

Therefore keep the words of this covenant, and do them, that you may prosper in all that you do.
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭29‬:‭9‬

Have you ever wondered why God blesses some people but not others? Have you witnessed times in your life when God was blessing you more than other times? Let’s take a close look at a possible reason why?

In Deuteronomy 29, Moses addressed the Israelites, reminding them of God’s faithfulness throughout their 40 years in the wilderness. He emphasized the importance of keeping the covenant they made with the Lord and obeying His commands. Today, we too are called to remember God’s faithfulness and walk in obedience.

God’s covenant with His people is a promise that extends beyond generations. His covenant affirms that He will always be our faithful and trustworthy guide. Just as the Israelites were called to keep the covenant, we are also called to honor our covenant with God through faith and obedience.

When we faithfully keep His Word, we position ourselves to prosper in all that we do. This prosperity may not always be materialistic but it does include peace and joy that comes from walking in obedience. God enjoys blessing His children.

Today, make a commitment to walk in obedience to God’s commands. As you seek to follow His ways, you will open yourself up to a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him. When you are in fellowship with God, your life becomes a testimony of His goodness, grace, and faithfulness.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness throughout my life. Help me to remember Your goodness and grace. Give me the strength and willingness to obey Your Word and honor the covenant I have with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For July 26, 2023

Encouragement

My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
‭‭I John‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬

As children of God, we are called to love one another not merely with empty words or expressions, but through genuine actions and sincere truth. In today’s verse, we can take away three truths that will shape the way we demonstrate love toward others.

  1. Love is Evidenced Through Action: John challenges us to show love through our actions. Love seeks to meet the needs of others. Whether it is lending a helping hand, showing kindness, or offering encouragement, our love becomes a powerful force when put into practice and not just passed along with words.
  2. Love is Rooted in Truth: True love is firmly grounded in truth. It seeks to uplift and empower, recognizing the value of every individual. We are challenged to be genuine and honest in our interactions, allowing love to flow from a heart that sincerely cares for others.
  3. Love is a Choice, Not just a Feeling: Love is not solely based on emotions but is a conscious decision to act on the well-being of others. It is a choice that goes beyond our comfort zone. When we imitate the love of Christ, we learn to love even when it is challenging or inconvenient.

As you seek to love others in deed and truth, you will become a living testimony of Christ’s transformative love, shining His light into a world in need of authentic compassion and grace.

Pray

Dear Lord, thank You for Your perfect example of love demonstrated through Jesus Christ. Help me to love others not just in words but through actions that reflect Your love. Give me the strength to choose love even when it is a challenge. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For July 25, 2023

Encouragement

Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.
‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭7‬

In this passage of Scripture, Jesus was preparing His disciples for His departure from this world. He promised to send the Helper, the Holy Spirit, who will be an ever-present source of strength, guidance, and comfort for all who believe.

Imagine what the disciples were thinking as they heard Jesus speak about leaving. They had walked with Him, witnessed countless miracles, and found joy being in His presence. Jesus assured them that His departure would not be a loss but a gain. It was to their advantage because, through His departure, the Helper would come.

Today, we have an advantage because the very presence of the Almighty abides within us. Through the Holy Spirit, we experience an intimate relationship with God. This promise is not limited to the disciples; it is a gift for all who call upon the name of Jesus.

In our moments of sorrow, we have the Holy Spirit with us as the Comforter, offering peace that surpasses all understanding. When we face uncertainty, we have the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth, giving us illumination, inspiration and revelation of the Word.

As we yield our lives to the Holy Spirit’s leading, He transforms our hearts, aligning our desires with God’s will. The Helper convicts us of sin, urging us to repent and walk in righteousness. He enables us to love sacrificially, forgive unconditionally, and serve others selflessly.

It is your choice to seek His guidance, trust His leading, and rely on His power. With the Holy Spirit, you can confidently face life’s challenges, knowing that you have the greatest advocate and companion in your journey of faith.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the promise of the Holy Spirit. Help me to yield to His leading, that I may walk in Your truth. Empower me to love, serve, and forgive others with the same love and grace You have shown me. In Jesus’ name, amen.