Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: bible

Devotional For September 4, 2023

Encouragement

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭16‬:‭11‬

In the hustle and bustle of life, we often seek joy and contentment in various places. We can easily get caught up in chasing after success, possessions, and experiences, hoping to find lasting happiness. But Psalm 16:11 reminds us that true and lasting joy is found only in the presence of God.

The psalmist acknowledges that God guides us on the path of life. Life’s journey can be uncertain and challenging, but when we allow God to lead us, we find purpose and direction. It’s a path that leads to eternal fulfillment.

When we draw near to God through prayer, worship, and meditation on His Word, we experience a joy that surpasses momentary happiness. It’s a joy rooted in our relationship with Him, one that remains constant even in the midst of life’s trials.

The pleasures God offers are eternal. In God’s presence, we discover the richness of His love, grace, and the promise of an everlasting life with Him.

Where have you been seeking joy and fulfillment? Have you been looking for it in possessions, achievements, or relationships? Consider how you can refocus your pursuit of joy by seeking God’s presence.

Pray

Lord, help me to recognize that true and lasting joy is found in Your presence. Guide me on the path of life, and fill my heart with the fullness of joy that comes from knowing You. May I find my greatest pleasures in Your love and the promise of eternity with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Devotional For September 3, 2023

Encouragement

Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?
‭‭James‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬

God’s selection criteria differs from the world’s standards. Today’s verse celebrates the value God places on faith and highlights the rich inheritance awaiting those who love Him.

In the world’s eyes, wealth, power, and status often take center stage. But God’s perspective is radically different. He chooses those whom the world may consider poor or insignificant and blesses them with riches of faith.

God’s selection is not based on material wealth but on the wealth of faith. This faith isn’t limited by worldly constraints; it’s a faith that trusts God regardless of circumstances.

James reminds us that those whom God chooses are heirs of His kingdom. This means that regardless of our earthly circumstances, we have a glorious inheritance awaiting us—an inheritance that surpasses anything this world can offer.

James anlso emphasizes that this inheritance is promised to “those who love Him.” Love for God is the key that unlocks the treasures of His kingdom. It’s a love that aligns our hearts with His and leads us to walk in His ways.

Take a moment and reflect on the significance of being chosen heirs of God’s kingdom through faith and love. Are you nurturing your faith and cultivating a deeper love for God?

Pray

Lord, I am humbled by Your choice to make me an heir of Your kingdom. Thank You for valuing faith and love above worldly riches. Help me to nurture my faith, to love You wholeheartedly, and to live as a testimony to Your grace and love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Devotional For September 2, 2023

Encouragement

The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you;
‭‭Numbers‬ ‭6‬:‭24‬-‭25‬

In these two verses from the book of Numbers, we are presented with a beautiful and timeless blessing that the Lord instructed Aaron and his sons to pronounce upon the children of Israel. This blessing is an expression of God’s love and care for His people, and it continues to hold great significance for us today.

“The Lord bless you and keep you”: This part of the blessing reminds us that God desires to bless us abundantly. His blessings are not merely material, but they encompass every aspect of our lives. He longs to provide for our needs, protect us from harm, and guide us along the path of righteousness. As we reflect on this, let us trust in His provision and rely on His unfailing protection.

“The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you”: This portion of the blessing is a reminder of God’s grace and favor. When God’s face shines upon us, it symbolizes His pleasure and delight in us. His grace, freely given, is a gift beyond measure. It reminds us that we are not deserving of His love, yet He showers it upon us.

These verses also point to the personal nature of our relationship with God. He desires to bless us individually and to be intimately involved in our lives. His desire is not only to bless and keep us but to shine His face upon us and be gracious to us personally.

As you go about your day, know that the Lord desires to bless you, keep you, shine His face upon you, and be gracious to you. May this knowledge bring you comfort, confidence, and a deeper connection with our loving and gracious God.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your love and grace that You pour upon me. Let Your blessings remind me of how You desire to show Your love. Help me to bless others as You have blessed me. In Jesus’s name, amen.

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