Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: bible

Devotional For October 28, 2023

Encouragement

Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.
‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭49‬

Jesus promised His disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit. He told them to wait in Jerusalem until they were “endued with power from on high.” This empowering by the Holy Spirit is not just for the early disciples but for all believers throughout history.

The empowering of the Holy Spirit equips us to live out our faith, share the Gospel, and face life’s challenges with divine strength.

Just as the disciples had to wait for the Holy Spirit, we too need to seek the Lord’s timing and be patient in our journey of faith. We can find comfort and confidence in knowing that God’s power is available to us through the Holy Spirit, enabling us to fulfill His purposes in our lives.

Let’s embrace this promise and rely on the Spirit’s guidance and strength to live out our calling as disciples of Christ.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the promise of the Holy Spirit, the source of divine power. Just as You empowered the early disciples, I ask for a fresh outpouring of Your Spirit in my life. Grant me the wisdom to wait on Your timing and the strength to fulfill the calling You’ve placed in my heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For October 26, 2023

Encouragement

So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us,
‭‭Acts‬ ‭15‬:‭8‬

In the book of Acts, we find a profound truth that should bring comfort and assurance to our hearts: God’s perfect plan has always been in motion. Acts 15:18 reminds us that God has known all His works from eternity. This means that every event, every twist and turn in our lives, and the entire course of human history are within His divine knowledge and control.

Often, we may question why certain things happen, or we may struggle with uncertainty about the future. In these moments, Acts 15:18 serves as a reminder that God’s understanding is far beyond our own. He has seen all things in existence from beginning to end, and every part, no matter how seemingly insignificant, plays a part in His masterful design.

As we reflect on this verse, it’s an invitation to trust in God’s wisdom and sovereignty. Even when we cannot comprehend the reasons behind our circumstances, we can rest assured that God’s plan is unfolding perfectly. Our role is to have faith, to seek His guidance, and to align our lives with His purposes.

So, take a moment to pray and surrender your worries, doubts, and uncertainties to the One who knows the end from the beginning. Trust that God’s plan is far greater than anything we can fathom, and His ways are always perfect. May this truth bring you peace and confidence in your journey of faith.

Pray

Lord, in times of uncertainty and when I cannot see the full picture, help me to trust in Your sovereignty. I surrender my worries and doubts to You, knowing that You know all things from eternity. Thank you for being a God who holds the future and for loving me unconditionally. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For October 25, 2023

Encouragement

Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance,
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬

John the Baptist gives a powerful message about the significance of true repentance. His words encourage us to not only acknowledge our need for forgiveness but also to demonstrate that change in our lives through the fruits of our repentance.

John the Baptist preached repentance to a people who didn’t think they needed to change. Once people heard his message, they realized how far they had fallen short and how badly they needed to repent. They were baptized with water as an expression of how their hearts had been changed.

Repentance isn’t just about confessing your wrongdoing; it’s about a genuine transformation of your heart and actions. It’s about turning away from sin and turning towards God, resulting in a life that reflects this change.

Consider the quality of your own repentance. Are you simply asking for forgiveness, or are you bearing the fruits worthy of repentance in your life? Are you actively seeking to live in a way that aligns with God’s will and reflects the change in your heart?

Pray

Lord, I come before You with a humbled and repentant heart. Help me to bear fruit worthy of repentance in my life. Give me strength to turn away from my sins and to seek Your forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, amen.