Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

Devotional For July 16, 2023

Encouragement

What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?
‭‭James‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬

James poses a thought-provoking question: What is the value of a professed faith that lacks corresponding actions? Can such faith truly save?

James points out the connection between faith and works. Genuine faith is not merely a matter of intellection or knowledge about the saving power of the Gospel. It is a faith that produces fruit, demonstrating love and obedience.

Faith without works is like an Apple tree that produces no apples. It may appear to be an Apple tree, but it lacks the evidence. James reminds us that true faith is genuine and active. It reveals a Christ-centered lifestyle characterized by compassion, service, and righteousness.

We must be careful that our works are not a means of earning salvation, for we are saved by grace through faith alone. However, genuine faith compels us to respond to God’s love and grace with a life of obedience and good deeds. Our actions become the visible expression of our faith, reflecting the power of God’s love within us.

As followers of Christ, we are called to align our beliefs with our actions. We are called to love our neighbors, care for those in need, forgive our enemies, speak words of encouragement, and pursue justice and righteousness. These actions testify to the reality that our faith is real.

Does your faith produce good works? Are you living out your beliefs and demonstrating the love of Christ to those around you? Does your faith point others to Jesus Christ?

Genuine faith and good works are a reflection of a deep devotion to Christ.

Pray

Lord, help me to cultivate a faith that is active and genuine. Give me strength to be obedient to Your Word and to reflect Your love and grace to those around me. Let my faith and works glorify Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For July 15, 2023

Encouragement

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭21‬

What does it mean for us to say, “To live is Christ”? It means that our lives are no longer driven by selfish ambition, worldly success, or temporary pleasures. Instead, our lives are characterized by a passionate pursuit of Christ and a desire to align ourselves with His will. “To live is Christ” means we find our purpose, joy, and fulfillment in Him alone.

Paul’s declaration, “For to me, to live is Christ,” reveals his unwavering commitment to Christ as the very essence and purpose of his existence. Paul had encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, and from that moment, his life was radically changed. He abandoned his former way of life and pursued an intimate relationship with Jesus. Every aspect of Paul’s being—his thoughts, actions, and desires—were now directed towards the person of Christ.

Paul does not stop there. He continues, “and to die is gain.” This phrase may seem counterintuitive at first, as death is often viewed with fear and uncertainty. However, for a believer, death holds a different significance. It is not the end but the beginning. It is a gain because it marks our ultimate victory over sin and suffering.

Paul’s perspective on life and death challenges us to evaluate our priorities and prioritize our hearts towards what truly matters. The pursuits and possessions of this world pale in comparison to the immeasurable worth of Christ. When we grasp the profound truth that to live is Christ and to die is gain, it changes the way we approach every aspect of our lives.

Are you wholly devoted to Christ? Do you seek to live for Him in every circumstance? As we live for Christ, may we find comfort in the assurance that even death cannot separate us from His love and the eternal inheritance that awaits us.

Pray

Lord, help me to be a living testimony to the truth that to live is Christ. Teach me to surrender my desires, ambitions, and fears to You, and enable me to walk in step with Your Spirit each day. Help me to find joy and purpose. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For July 14, 2023

Encouragement

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.
‭‭Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭38‬

Jesus taught His followers the importance of giving. It is a powerful reminder that the act of giving opens up the floodgates of blessings. Jesus isn’t just referring to material possessions; He is talking about a generous and compassionate attitude towards others.

As followers of Christ, we are called to give, whether it’s our time, resources, or talents. The beauty of this spiritual discipline lies not only in what we give, but also in what we receive.

Jesus promises that when we give, it will be given back to us in good measure. Our heavenly Father delights in blessing His children, and He uses the act of giving as a conduit for blessing us.

It’s important to note that the measure we use in giving determines the measure of blessings we will receive. If we give sparingly, we limit the flow of blessings into our lives. But if we give with a cheerful heart, with a spirit of abundance and generosity, we position ourselves to receive an abundance.

This teaching extends beyond material possessions. When we give forgiveness, we receive forgiveness in return. When we show kindness, we experience kindness from others. When we offer love, we are embraced with love. It’s a divine economy where the more we give, the more we receive.

What measure do you use in giving? Are you giving out of obligation or with a joyful heart? Are you holding back or sowing generously? Challenge yourself to adopt a spirit of generosity, knowing that as you give, God will faithfully pour blessings into your life.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your love and always providing for me. Teach me to be generous. Open my eyes to opportunities where I can sow seeds of kindness and generosity. In Jesus’ name, amen.