Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Devotional For September 23, 2023

Encouragement

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭1

Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved and comforting passages in the Bible. It has brought solace and strength to countless individuals throughout history.

“The Lord is my shepherd.” These five words convey a profound message of faith and trust. In describing the Lord as a shepherd, King David, the author of this psalm, draws upon imagery that was familiar to the people of his time. Shepherds were responsible for guiding, protecting, and providing for their sheep. In the same way, the Lord takes on the role of a caring and attentive shepherd in our lives.

  1. Guidance: Just as a shepherd leads his sheep to green pastures and still waters, the Lord leads us in the paths of righteousness. His guidance is perfect, and He knows the way that is best for us. Sometimes, life can feel uncertain and confusing, but we can take comfort in knowing that the Lord is leading us every step of the way.
  2. Protection: Shepherds protected their sheep from danger, whether it was from wild animals or treacherous terrain. Similarly, the Lord is our protector. He shields us from the spiritual and emotional dangers that threaten us. Even in the face of life’s challenges, we need not fear, for He is with us.
  3. Provision: “I shall not want.” The Lord, our Shepherd, provides for our every need. Just as a shepherd ensures that his flock lacks nothing, God supplies us with all that is necessary for our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. We can trust in His abundant provision.

In our daily lives, it is easy to become anxious about our needs and uncertainties. However, Psalm 23:1 reminds us to shift our focus from our worries to our Shepherd. We can find comfort and security in the fact that the Lord is our guide, protector, and provider.

Pray

Lord, thank You for being my Shepherd. Help me to shift my focus from worrying and place my full trust in You. Give me peace and comfort knowing You are my Guide, Protector, and Provider. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For September 22, 2023

Encouragement

Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.
‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭27‬

In this verse from the Gospel of John, Jesus provides us with a profound and timeless message about the priorities of life. He tells us not to labor solely for the temporary and perishable things of this world, such as material wealth, fame, or pleasures. Instead, He urges us to seek after something far more valuable – the food that endures to everlasting life.

What is this enduring food? It is the spiritual nourishment that comes from a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Bread of Life (John 6:35), and in Him, we find sustenance for our souls that goes beyond the physical needs of our bodies.

This verse reminds us that our primary focus in life should be on our relationship with God and the eternal treasures He offers. While it’s essential to work for our daily bread and fulfill our responsibilities, we must never lose sight of the greater purpose of our existence – to know, love, and serve God.

Jesus further emphasizes that God the Father has set His seal on Him. This seal signifies God’s divine approval and authority over Jesus. It reminds us that Jesus is the way to everlasting life because He is the Son of God, the one whom the Father has chosen to reveal His plan of salvation to humanity.

As you go about your daily life, remember the wisdom in Jesus’ words. Prioritize your spiritual journey and seek the enduring food that leads to eternal life. Invest your time and energy in cultivating a close relationship with Christ, for in Him, you will find the true riches and abundant life that surpasses all earthly possessions.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of salvation. Help me to prioritize my spiritual well-being and seek a deeper relationship with You. Help me to labor for the eternal treasures that come from knowing and loving You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For September 21, 2023

Encouragement

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬

It’s easy to become self-absorbed, focusing solely on our own needs and desires. However, in Philippians 2:4, the Apostle Paul reminds us of a higher calling – a calling to exemplify the selfless love of Christ.

The verse begins with the word “Let,” which implies a choice we must make. We have the choice to live self-centered lives or to follow the example of Jesus Christ, who displayed the ultimate act of selflessness on the cross. He looked beyond His own interests and willingly laid down His life for the salvation of humanity.

Paul encourages us not only to consider our own interests but also to actively seek the interests of others. This means taking the time to understand the needs and concerns of those around us. It means showing compassion, lending a helping hand, and being willing to sacrifice our own comfort for the well-being of others.

Selfless love is not always easy. It requires humility and a willingness to put others first. But when we choose to follow Christ’s example, we become instruments of His love and grace in the world. Our actions reflect the transformative power of the Gospel.

As you go about your day, ask yourself, “How can I actively seek the interests of others today?” It might be a simple act of kindness, a listening ear to a friend in need, or a sacrificial gesture. Remember that in selfless love, we find the true essence of Christianity, and we become vessels through which God’s love can shine brightly.

Pray

Lord, help me to live out Philippians 2:4 today. Teach me to be selfless. Help me to look beyond my own interests and actively seek the interests of others, becoming instruments of Your love and grace in the world. In Jesus’ name, amen