Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

Devotional For August 19, 2023

Encouragement

Teach me Your way, O Lord, And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭11‬

God invites us to learn from Him, humbly acknowledging that He knows the best way for us to enjoy a peaceful life. The psalmist sought the Lord for wisdom and understanding in his journey. Submitting to God’s way ensures a life filled with joy.

“Teach me Your way, O LORD” is an acknowledgment of a desire for divine guidance. In a world full of opinions, we need a trustworthy compass to guide and direct us. God’s way is right and our way of living needs to align with His character, wisdom, and love.

The psalmist’s desire for a “smooth path” is not a plea for an easy life, but a prayer for God’s grace to help make it through life’s bumpy roads. When we entrust our journey to the Lord, He guides us along paths that, though not always devoid of obstacles, are accompanied by His peace and presence.

The “enemies” the psalmist mentions represent the various forms of opposition—doubts, fears, temptations, or external pressures. In the face of such adversaries, with the Lord’s guidance, He directs us in ways we can find strength to stand firm.

Consider the paths you’ve taken lately and the decisions you’ve made. Are you under the guidance of the Holy Spirit of God? Are you trusting God to lead you on the right paths, which might not always be easy, but are marked by His unfailing love and grace?

Pray

Lord, as I journey through life, I recognize my need for Your guidance. Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in the midst of challenges and uncertainties. Help me to trust that Your way is the best way, and to find strength and refuge in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Devotional For August 18, 2023

Encouragement

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭5‬

Jesus used a metaphor of a vine and its branches to illustrate a profound spiritual truth: our connection to Him is essential for a fruitful and abundant life. Just as a branch draws its nutrients from the vine, believers draw their spiritual nourishment from their connection to Jesus. He is the source of life, strength, and purpose.

The word “abide” implies a close and continuous relationship. To abide in Christ means to remain in His presence, to seek Him continually, and to align our thoughts, actions, and desires with His teachings. Jesus assures us that if we abide in Him, we will bear much fruit. This fruit represents the evidence of a changed life in Christ that exemplifies love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Jesus emphasizes that apart from Him, we can accomplish nothing of eternal value. Just as a branch disconnected from the vine withers and dies, a believer disconnected from Christ experiences spiritual stagnation and emptiness. Maintaining our connection to Christ requires intentional devotion, prayer, and obedience to His Word.

Are you abiding in Christ daily? Are you drawing your strength, wisdom, and purpose from Him? May this verse inspire you to deepen your relationship with Jesus, experiencing His resurrection power and bearing fruit that brings glory to God.

Pray

Lord, give me courage to abide in You daily. I recognize that apart from You, I am powerless. Strengthen my connection to Jesus. Guide and direct me in my journey of abiding, as I seek to align my heart with Your purpose. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Devotional For August 17, 2023

Encouragement

They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus.
‭‭Mark‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

A paralyzed man’s friends went to great lengths to bring him to Jesus for healing. When they encountered obstacles, they didn’t give up; instead, they displayed a faith that moved mountains. This story illustrates the power of faith and determination.

Jesus was in a crowded house, making it nearly impossible to reach Him. Yet, the friends refused to give up. They were determined to bring him to the Healer. When they couldn’t find a way in, they found a way to overcome the obstacles before them.

The friends’ actions reveal a bold faith. They didn’t let the crowd, the roof, or inconvenience stop them. Their faith propelled them to take extraordinary measures. Their actions demonstrate a faith that goes beyond mere belief; it leads to action that reflects trust in God’s power.

These friends went above and beyond by digging a hole in the roof. Their actions reflect a willingness to inconvenience themselves for the sake of another’s well-being. This selflessness aligns with the heart of Jesus.

Once they opened the roof, the friends lowered the paralyzed man down to Jesus. Their actions reflected a profound trust in Jesus’ ability to heal. They had confidence that Jesus would definitely heal him.

This story challenges us to examine our own faith. Are we willing to go to great lengths to help those in need? Are we prepared to deal with obstacles and dig through barriers to bring others closer to Jesus?

As you reflect on Mark 2:4, consider the role of faith in your own life. Are there obstacles you’ve encountered that require audacious faith and determined action? Let this story inspire you to approach challenges with a faith that is bold, selfless, and unyielding—a faith that moves mountains and draws you closer to Jesus.

Pray

Lord, teach me to have a determined faith. Help me overcome obstacles and barriers that stand in the way of bringing others closer to You. Give me compassion to care for the needs of others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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