Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Devotional For August 3, 2023

Encouragement

Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach,
‭‭Mark‬ ‭3‬:‭14‬

Just as Jesus chose twelve ordinary men, He extends an invitation to each of us today. In the midst of our busy lives, responsibilities, and distractions, He calls us to spend time with Him daily. He desires to be our constant companion, guiding us, comforting us, and revealing the truths of His kingdom.

Being with Jesus allows us to witness firsthand His compassion for the broken, His wisdom in handling challenges, and His unwavering faith in God the Father. As we walk with Him, we learn invaluable lessons, not just for ourselves but also to share with others.

We have a special purpose as disciples of Christ. We are not called to walk alone or merely perform tasks in our own strength. We are called to be with Him, to abide in His love, and to allow His truth to shape every aspect of our lives.

Have you responded to Jesus’ invitation wholeheartedly? It is a privilege to be one of His followers.

Pray

Lord, thank You for calling me to be one of Your followers. Help me to embrace Your presence so that I will grow close to You. Give me the courage to follow You wholeheartedly. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For August 2, 2023

Encouragement

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭30‬

One of the blessings we have as a believer in Christ is that we have been sealed with the Holy Spirit of God. It is our identity as children of God. In today’s verse, Paul urges us not to grieve the Holy Spirit but to embrace Him with joy and gratitude.

When a person accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior, the Spirit comes to dwell within their heart. This divine seal is an assurance of salvation and a promise to protect and guide us until the day we meet Jesus face to face.

When we yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit, we produce the fruits of His presence in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Our actions and attitudes should reflect the presence of the Spirit living within us.

However, we must be careful not to grieve the Holy Spirit through acts of sin and disobedience. Deliberate sin grieves the very presence of God dwelling within us. The only way to break the rebellion is to repent and turn back to God. The Holy Spirit will not let us go until we confess and repent.

When we repent of our sin, God is faithful and just to forgive us. This is the amazing grace that we are given through the righteousness of Jesus Christ. We should be encouraged to keep a close walk and fellowship with Lord to keep from grieving His presence. We will not live perfectly, but we can experience the power of His presence in our life.

Can you say that you are experiencing the power of a close fellowship with our Heavenly Father? If so, keep enjoying the blessings. But if not, I invite you to repent and allow the Spirit of God to comfort you and renew a right spirit with in you. It’s your decision.

Pray

Lord, thank You for sealing me with the presence of the Holy Spirit. Help me to walk in alignment with Your will, yielding to the guidance of the Spirit. May Your Spirit’s seal be a constant encouragement and reminder of Your faithfulness in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For August 1, 2023

Encouragement

I will never forget Your precepts, For by them You have given me life.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭93‬

Today’s verse reminds us of the power of God’s Word and the life-giving impact it has on our souls. Our lives may be challenged or shaken by circumstances but God’s Word will lift us up and strengthen us to keep going.

The psalmist declares, “I will never forget Your precepts.” God’s precepts are divine instructions and teachings that we are encouraged to abide by in our daily lives. In times of joy, we must hold onto the Word to keep us humble and grounded. In moments of sorrow, it becomes our source of hope and strength.

The second part of the verse states, “for by them, You have given me life.” The psalmist acknowledges that the very essence of his existence and purpose flows from God’s Word. When we abide by God’s precepts we gain a life more abundant.

God’s Word speaks to our hearts, reveals our deepest needs, and guides us on the path of righteousness. When we encounter God’s Word with an open heart, we are transformed by its power and presence.

Make time to read, study, and meditate on His precepts, for they are the keys to abundant life.

Pray

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Word. Help me to embrace it with a heart filled with gratitude. As I meditate on Your Word, may it empower me to live according to Your will. In Jesus’ name, amen