Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Devotional For November 16, 2023

Encouragement

Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭12‬:‭34‬

Jesus presents a powerful message about the connection between our hearts and our words. He addressed the Pharisees, calling them a “brood of vipers” and challenged them to examine the source of their speech. The message is clear: our words are not just utterances but reflections of the condition of our hearts.

The heart, in biblical terms, is the core of our being, containing our thoughts, emotions, and intentions. It serves as the wellspring from which our words flow. Jesus’ words remind us that the condition of our heart influences the content and nature of our speech. Just as a fountain cannot produce both fresh and bitter water at the same time, our heart cannot produce both good and evil speech.

As believers, we are called to guard our hearts diligently because our words have the power to build up or tear down, to encourage or discourage, to speak life or death. When we align our hearts with God’s truth and invite Him to shape our words, our speech will glorify Him.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, may we cultivate hearts that reflect the love and grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ. May the words that flow from our mouths be a testimony to the transformative work God is doing within us, for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.

Pray

Lord, help my heart be a reflection of Your heart. Empower me to speak words that bring glory and honor to Your name. Strengthen my heart to guard against evil. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For November 15, 2023

Encouragement

I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭30‬:‭19‬

In today’s verse, God places before us a profound reality: the power to choose life or death, blessing or cursing.

The invitation to choose life is displayed throughout the pages of the Bible. God gives us the freedom to shape our destiny within the boundaries of His divine will. Every decision we make contributes to the overall purpose He has for our lives.

The context of this verse is Moses addressing the Israelites, urging them to obey God’s commandments and to choose life that they and their descendants may live. Similarly, in our journey of faith, God invites us to align our choices with His will, to walk in obedience, and to embrace the abundant life He offers.

Choosing life involves more than just the continuation of our physical existence; it involves the fullness of life that God desires for us. It’s a life marked by love, joy, peace, and purpose.

What does it mean for us to choose life today? It means seeking God’s guidance in our decisions, aligning our choices with His principles, and trusting in His promises. It’s a daily surrender of our will to His, acknowledging that He knows what is best for us. In every crossroad, big or small, we have the opportunity to choose the path that leads to life.

Heaven and earth bear witness to our choices, and God, our loving Father, beckons us to choose life. In doing so, we not only experience the richness of His blessings but also become channels of His life-giving love to those around us.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of choice. Help me to choose life in every decision I make. May my heart be aligned to Your will, and may I walk in obedience to Your Word. Grant me the wisdom to discern the paths that lead to life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For November 14, 2023

Encouragement

This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.
‭‭I John‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬

This verse guides us toward the pure nature of God. He is light and in Him there is no darkness at all. As we reflect on this truth, we are reminded that in His light, there is no room for shadows or deception.

In low light, objects that are not real can be perceived as real. But when the light is bright, the truth is revealed. The light of God reveals the truth. Jesus is the light of the world.

Today, let’s embrace the transformative power of God’s light. In the brilliance of His truth, let’s lay bare our hearts, allowing His light to illuminate every corner, exposing any darkness that may linger.

It’s a journey of authenticity and vulnerability, acknowledging that God’s light not only reveals but also purifies, bringing healing to the broken places within.

Pray

Lord, in the light of Your presence, I come before you with open hands and an open heart. Illuminate every area of my life with Your truth, dispelling any darkness that seeks to overshadow Your love. May Your light be a guiding force, shaping my thoughts, actions, and relationships. In this journey of transparency, may Your light bring healing and renewal, making me more like You each day. In Jesus’ name, amen.