Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: bible

Devotional For July 3, 2023

Encouragement

“Can anyone hide himself in secret places, So I shall not see him?” says the Lord; “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” says the Lord.
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭23‬:‭24‬

It may be a frightful thought but no one can escape God’s watchful eye or hide their actions from His sight. There is no secret or hidden place beyond His awareness. God knows all things, sees everything, and is everywhere.

The Lord says, “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” These words reveal the magnitude of God’s presence. He is not confined to a specific location or limited by time and space. There is no place where He is not.

This truth holds great significance for us as believers. It reminds us that we are never alone or forgotten. In our joys and victories, God is present. In our struggles and sorrows, He is with us. He sees us in our private moments, knows the thoughts of our hearts, and understands the complexities of our lives.

The omnipresence of God brings comfort, accountability, and a sense of awe. It assures us that we can turn to Him in every situation, knowing that He is near and attentive to our needs. It also serves as a reminder that our actions have consequences, for we cannot hide our deeds from the all-seeing eyes of our Heavenly Father.

Knowing that God is omnipresent, we are called to live with integrity. We can take comfort in knowing that even in the most challenging circumstances, God sees us and is working on our behalf. He hears our cries and understands our hearts.

Is there something you are trying to hide from God? Don’t be deceived by the false notion that you can hide anything from God or live in ways contrary to His will. Know that God is with you, guiding and directing your steps. Allow His presence to lead you to worship and honor Him in all that you do.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your omnipresence. Help me to grasp the depth of this truth and to live in constant awareness of Your presence in my life. Guide me to walk in integrity and to honor You in every area of my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

A Daily Devotional For July 2, 2023

Encouragement

So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬

This is the last church that Jesus speaks to in his letters to the seven churches. His message is to the church at Laodicea. He addresses their lukewarmness and calls for them to renew a passion for Him. The metaphorical language used in this verse portrays a humbling message—one that challenges us all to examine the condition of our hearts.

Lukewarmness represents a spiritual indifference, complacency, and lack of genuine devotion. It is a dangerous condition that can slowly creep into our lives, causing us to lose sight of the power of our relationship with Christ. When we are neither cold nor hot, we find ourselves in spiritual stagnation, lacking the zeal to be effective for Christ.

Jesus warned the Laodicean church to wake-up. It should be a warning to us as well that Jesus distastes a half-hearted devotion and a lukewarm attitude. He desires a genuine, passionate relationship that is always ready to do His good work.

It is crucial that we evaluate the state of our own hearts and the spiritual health of our walk with Christ. Are we modeling a Christ-like faith? Are we cultivating a passion for Jesus and a hunger for His presence?

Can you identify if you have allowed complacency, negativity, or the busyness of this world to dull your spiritual walk? Have you become too focused on routine religious activities and neglected the seriousness of your relationship with Christ? If so, it is essential that you realign your heart with God’s Word and seek the leading of His Spirit.

Pray

Dear Lord, forgive me for any areas of lukewarmness in my walk with You. Reveal to me where complacency has taken root and reignite a passion for serving You. Fill me with the joy of Your Holy Spirit and let my life be an example of what You desire. In Jesus’ name, amen.

June 30, 2023

Encouragement

Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬

Jesus addresses the fifth church which was located in Sardis. He urged them to wake up from their spiritual slumber. Today, this message resonates with believers all over the world, as we are often plagued with complacency.

Jesus begins by urging the church to remember their moment of salvation. Do you remember the overwhelming love and grace that engulfed you when you first encountered Jesus? Never let that memory fade into the background of your spiritual journey.

Jesus called the church at Sardis to hold fast to their faith and to repent. It means to cling to the truth of God’s Word and refuse to ever compromise because of worldly pressures. It means to remain faithful in our commitment to following Christ, even when the path seems difficult. Repentance involves turning away from anything that hinders our relationship with God. It is an act of humility, surrender, and willingness to change.

Jesus also issued a stern warning to the church. He reminds us that He is coming back, and His return will be unexpected. Everyone must be watchful and alert, living with a sense of urgency. We cannot be caught off guard being entangled in the distractions and cares of this world. Instead, we must prioritize our relationship with Christ, knowing that His return is imminent.

We are called to be the light of the world. We are not meant to blend in but to stand out. Let us heed the words of Jesus and awaken from our spiritual slumber.

Be watchful and diligent to seek the Lord. Shine bright in the midst of darkness. Let your faith and hope be placed in the promise that Jesus is coming soon.

Pray

Lord, awaken my heart from any spiritual slumber I may have fallen into. Help me to remember the power of my salvation and the work You have done in my life. Fill me with a sense of watchfulness and readiness for Your return. In Jesus’ name, amen.