Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: christ

Devotional For October 6, 2023

Encouragement

The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭121‬:‭8‬

This verse encompasses every aspect of our lives. From the moment we step out into the world to the time we return home, God’s watchful eye is upon us. He cares about our safety, our well-being, and our spiritual growth.

The promise of preservation isn’t limited to a particular season or circumstance. It extends “from this time forth, and even forevermore.” God’s love and protection are eternal. He doesn’t just watch over us today or in times of trouble, but His care endures for all eternity.

In your daily life, remember that you are not alone. God is with you in every step, guiding, guarding, and preserving you. When you face challenges, find peace in His presence. When you achieve success, give thanks for His continued watch over you. Let this verse be a source of encouragement and a reminder that you are cherished by the God who watches over you now and forevermore.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your constant watchful care. Help me to trust in Your unfailing love and protection, knowing that You preserve my every step, today and for all eternity. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For October 5, 2023

Encouragement

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭11‬

The apostle Paul instructs us not to engage in the deeds of darkness. As Christians, we are called to a higher standard of living, one that rejects sinful behaviors and worldly influences. Avoiding fellowship with darkness means making choices that honor God and reflect His righteousness.

Exposing the works of darkness does not mean condemning or judging what others do. Instead, it means shining the light of God’s truth on sin, injustice, and falsehood. We do this not to shame or condemn but to offer a path to redemption through Christ.

Let’s consider these practical steps for helping us expose darkness without condemning or judging others.

  1. Be mindful of the company you keep and the influences in your life. Surround yourself with those who encourage you in your faith and hold you accountable to godly living. There are people who would love to see you stumble. These are evil influences.
  2. Let your actions and words align with the principles of God’s Word. Your life should be a testimony to the transforming power of Christ. If we talk more about the promises of God than the problems of others, it will make a difference in our own attitudes.
  3. When you encounter wrongdoing or deceit, approach the situation with love and humility. Speak the truth in a spirit of grace and gentleness, pointing others to the light of Christ. Sometimes it not “what” you say but “how” you say it.
  4. Seek God’s wisdom and guidance in discerning right from wrong. Regular prayer and studying the Bible will sharpen your discernment. Spend more time praying to God about your issue than complaining to others about the issue.
  5. Purposefully live as a light in the world, reflecting Christ’s love and truth. Your actions and character can draw others out of darkness and into the light of salvation. People are drawn to the light. Be the light!

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your Word that guides and instructs me. Help me avoid fellowship with darkness and to expose it with truth and grace. Let me be a reflection of Your light and draw others to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For October 3, 2023

Encouragement

You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭7‬:‭23‬

Before you were saved, you were held captive, bound by chains of sin and separated from God’s grace. You were enslaved to your own desires, living a life of spiritual poverty. But then, the Savior came and redeemed you.

Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price on the cross to redeem you, to purchase your freedom with His own blood. You were bought with the price of Christ’s sacrifice, and in that transaction, you were set free.

You are no longer bound by the chains of sin and death. You are no longer enslaved to the world’s expectations or the demands of others. You belong to Christ, and in Him, you find true freedom.

However, as Paul reminds us, this freedom comes with a responsibility: “do not become slaves of men.” While we have been set free from sin, we must be cautious not to exchange one form of slavery for another. It’s easy to become entangled in the expectations and opinions of others, allowing their judgments and demands to dictate our actions and decisions.

Instead, we are called to live as free individuals in Christ. This means making choices that align with God’s will, not out of compulsion or fear of what others may think, but out of a deep love for our Savior and a desire to honor Him.

As you go about your day, remember the price that was paid for your freedom. Live in the liberty of Christ, making choices that reflect your identity as a child of God. Seek His guidance in all things, and do not allow the expectations or judgments of others to enslave you once again.

Pray

Lord, I thank You for the incredible price You paid to set me free from sin and bondage. Help me to live in the freedom that You provided. Give me the strength to resist the pressures and expectations of the world and to make choices that honor You. In Jesus’ name, amen.