Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For August 20, 2023

Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?
‭‭Luke‬ ‭17‬:‭18‬

In Luke 17, Jesus miraculously healed ten lepers who cried out to Him. He instructed them to show themselves to the priests, and as they went, they are cleansed. And one of them, a foreigner, returned to express heart felt gratitude. This moment captures a heart’s response to God’s grace.

The foreigner recognized the divine healing of God. He couldn’t merely accept the healing as chance or coincidence; he attributed it to the goodness of God. This recognition set him apart from the other lepers.

The foreigner’s response of gratitude wasn’t a simple “thank you”—it was genuine and heartfelt. It was an overflow of his heart. His encounter with Jesus had touched him so deeply that he couldn’t help but return to express his thankfulness.

Gratitude is a form of worship. It’s a way of acknowledging God’s goodness and the way He works in our lives. When we give glory to God, we’re not just acknowledging His actions; we’re bowing before His majesty and offering our praise. The foreigner’s act of returning to give glory was an act of worship.

It’s worth noting that the one who expressed gratitude was a foreigner—a person considered as an outsider. This reminds us that God’s grace and blessings are not limited to a specific group. God’s work is for everyone, and it’s often those who come from unexpected places who respond with the deepest gratitude.

Are there moments when you’ve experienced His goodness and grace, and didn’t take the time to return in gratitude? Consider the things that God has brought you through or kept you from and let Him know from your heart how blessed you are.

Pray

Lord, I want my gratitude to be more than just words—I want it to flow from a heart that recognizes Your work in my life. Help me to sense Your presence and action, even in the midst of challenges. May my gratitude be an authentic response that honors You and glorifies Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Devotional For August 19, 2023

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

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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