Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Devotional For June 3, 2024

Trust

But He needed to go through Samaria.
‭‭John‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬

John chapter 4 begins with a story of Jesus meeting a lonely Samaritan woman who was drawing water at noonday. The essence of the story is about repentance, although the word “repent” is never mentioned. It’s a testimony of someone whose life was dramatically altered the day she met the Messiah. 

The woman went to draw water from the well at midday to avoid the other women. Because of her lifestyle, she was considered an outcast. Immediately after she encountered Jesus, she deeply desired to invite others to come to Jesus. We can observe two changes in this woman’s life. She changed her mind and she changed her direction. 

After meeting Jesus, she quickly went to the people who shunned her and told them about her encounter with the Messiah. She went to the well seeking physical water but left her bucket at the well after she received the living water. Her purpose and priority was permanently changed. 

Repentance is a change of mind and change of direction. When we truly repent we change our mind about the sin we committed and turn away from that sin. If you have sin that you have not changed your mind about or turned from, you have not repented. 

A relationship with Jesus ignites a repentant heart. When the Holy Spirit comes into our lives, our sins are illuminated, encouraging us to make a change. This change happens when we experience the love of God. Repentance comes after our heart has been transformed.

Reflect on your journey since encountering Jesus. Has His presence caused you to change your lifestyle? Is there a noticeable redirection of paths that dishonor God? Allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen you to make the necessary adjustments.

Pray

Lord, thank You for encountering me and allowing me to receive salvation. Help me to embrace the power of repentance. Give me the courage and strength to change my perspectives and paths. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For June 2, 2024

Encouragement

Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭19‬:‭9‬

In Revelation 19:9, a heavenly voice invites us to the grandest of all celebrations—the marriage supper of the Lamb. This scene paints a picture of joy, honor, and union with our Lord, Jesus Christ. Just as a wedding feast symbolizes the union of two hearts, this supper symbolizes our eternal union with the Lamb of God.

The invitation to this banquet is a mark of divine favor and grace. As believers, we are the invited guests. We are called by God’s love to share in the culmination of His redemptive plan. Our response should be one of awe and gratitude, recognizing the privilege we have to be part of this eternal celebration.

As you journey through life today, remember that your earthly struggles are temporary, and they pale in comparison to the glory that awaits us at the marriage supper of the Lamb. Let this anticipation fill your heart and mind with hope, and inspire your faith. 

Are you thankful for the free gift of salvation? Are you looking forward to this wonderful celebration?

Pray

Lord, thank You for inviting me to the marriage supper of the Lamb. May the anticipation of this glorious event fill me with hope and strengthen my faith. Help me be reminded that my earthly trials are nothing compared to the eternal joy that awaits me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For June 1, 2024

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.