Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: bible

Devotional For November 18, 2023

Encouragement

Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭23‬

Jesus provides us with a profound promise that invites us into an intimate relationship with God. It’s a promise of divine companionship.

The verse begins with a condition: “If anyone loves Me.” Love, in this context, is not merely an emotion; it’s a force that compels action. Jesus is speaking of a love that propels us beyond a feeling and into a life characterized by obedience to His Word.

Jesus declares, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word.” Our love for Christ is demonstrated and authenticated by our obedience to His teachings. It’s a love that manifests in a lifestyle marked by the pursuit of holiness and alignment with the principles found in God’s Word.

The promise unfolds further: “My Father will love him.” The obedience born out of our love for Jesus doesn’t go unnoticed by the Father. It invites the love of the Creator Himself, a love that surpasses our understanding and transforms our very existence.

Yet, the climax of this promise lies in the profound statement that follows: “We will come to him and make Our home with him.” The Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—longs not only for our obedience but for an abiding, close relationship. The Creator of the universe desires to make His dwelling within the hearts of those who love and obey Him.

Imagine the significance of this truth! The Almighty God, who spoke the cosmos into existence, desires to make His home within you. This is a permanent residence, a continual indwelling that brings comfort, guidance, and a profound sense of belonging.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your presence in my life and desiring to be with me. Help me to reciprocate the love You have for me and be obedient to Your Word. Thank You for the comfort and guidance You provide for me to live with much joy and peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For November 17, 2023

Encouragement

Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your name forever and ever.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭145‬:‭2‬

David expressed his commitment to daily praise. This verse encourages us to cultivate a lifestyle of continuous praise and worship. David’s words inspire us to make praise a daily rhythm, not confined by circumstances but based on the unchanging character of God.

Consider the beauty of David’s commitment – not just occasional praise, but a deliberate act woven into the fabric of each day. It challenges us to recalibrate our perspective, shifting from gratitude to a posture of praise. In the busyness of life today, let’s echo David’s resolve, allowing every moment to be an opportunity to praise the Lord.

Are you ready to praise the Lord today? As you go through the day, make a purposeful attempt to praise God for all the things He has done for you.

Pray

Lord, I am stirred to make praise a daily practice. May my heart be continuously in a melody of gratitude, offering praise that honors You. Your name is worthy of eternal worship, and I commit to bless You every day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For November 16, 2023

Encouragement

Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭12‬:‭34‬

Jesus presents a powerful message about the connection between our hearts and our words. He addressed the Pharisees, calling them a “brood of vipers” and challenged them to examine the source of their speech. The message is clear: our words are not just utterances but reflections of the condition of our hearts.

The heart, in biblical terms, is the core of our being, containing our thoughts, emotions, and intentions. It serves as the wellspring from which our words flow. Jesus’ words remind us that the condition of our heart influences the content and nature of our speech. Just as a fountain cannot produce both fresh and bitter water at the same time, our heart cannot produce both good and evil speech.

As believers, we are called to guard our hearts diligently because our words have the power to build up or tear down, to encourage or discourage, to speak life or death. When we align our hearts with God’s truth and invite Him to shape our words, our speech will glorify Him.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, may we cultivate hearts that reflect the love and grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ. May the words that flow from our mouths be a testimony to the transformative work God is doing within us, for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.

Pray

Lord, help my heart be a reflection of Your heart. Empower me to speak words that bring glory and honor to Your name. Strengthen my heart to guard against evil. In Jesus’ name, amen.