Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Devotional For August 7, 2023

Encouragement

Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭6‬

Today’s verse encourages us that we are to share our blessings with the ones who teach and instruct God’s word to us. It is important to express an attitude of gratitude and support for those who invest their time, effort, and spiritual insight into our lives.

Our appreciation reflects a heart that recognizes the spiritual significance of the knowledge we acquire and the guidance we receive. By sharing our blessings, we participate in God’s divine economy of love and provision.

We are reminded that every good thing comes from the Father above, and our willingness to share is an acknowledgment of His abundant grace in our lives. In doing so, we demonstrate our understanding of the oneness of the body of Christ, where each member plays a crucial role in nurturing the spiritual growth of the whole.

As we ponder the words of Galatians 6:6, let us cultivate a heart of gratitude and generosity. Let us actively seek ways to bless and support those who guide us in our spiritual journey, whether through prayer, encouragement, or tangible means.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the teachers and mentors You have placed in my life. Help me to recognize the value of their guidance and the wisdom they impart. Teach me to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and generosity, for everything I have comes from You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For August 6, 2023

Encouragement

It is eleven days’ journey from Horeb by way of Mount Seir to Kadesh Barnea. Now it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moses spoke to the children of Israel according to all that the Lord had given him as commandments to them,
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭3‬

The Israelites’ journey from Horeb to the Promised Land is a story that mirrors our own journey of faith. In today’s verses, we gain valuable insights into this journey and how it can shape our perspective on following God’s path for our lives.

Imagine planning for an eleven-day trip and finding yourself wandering for forty years. The distance between Horeb and Kadesh Barnea could have been covered in a relatively short time, but due to disobedience and lack of faith, the Israelites found themselves stuck in a cycle of aimless wandering. This serves as a reminder that our journey of faith can be prolonged if we fail to trust God and obey His commands.

The forty-year delay wasn’t without purpose. It provided the Israelites with lessons in humility and complete dependence on God. Sometimes, God’s delays in our lives are opportunities for growth and dependency.

God’s timing is often different from ours. While the Israelites may have wondered why their journey took so long, God had a specific plan in mind. When we find ourselves impatient, we must remember that God’s timing is perfect. Our role is to trust Him completely, even when the path seems unclear or the journey seems prolonged. Just as God led the Israelites through the wilderness, He is guiding us step by step toward His promises.

Pray

Lord, help me to trust in Your timing and to obediently follow Your commands. Grant me wisdom to learn from the times of waiting. Guide me toward the purposes You have for me. In Jesus’ name, amen

Devotional For August 5, 2023

Encouragement

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.