Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: christ

Devotional For August 20, 2023

Encouragement

Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?
‭‭Luke‬ ‭17‬:‭18‬

In Luke 17, Jesus miraculously healed ten lepers who cried out to Him. He instructed them to show themselves to the priests, and as they went, they are cleansed. And one of them, a foreigner, returned to express heart felt gratitude. This moment captures a heart’s response to God’s grace.

The foreigner recognized the divine healing of God. He couldn’t merely accept the healing as chance or coincidence; he attributed it to the goodness of God. This recognition set him apart from the other lepers.

The foreigner’s response of gratitude wasn’t a simple “thank you”—it was genuine and heartfelt. It was an overflow of his heart. His encounter with Jesus had touched him so deeply that he couldn’t help but return to express his thankfulness.

Gratitude is a form of worship. It’s a way of acknowledging God’s goodness and the way He works in our lives. When we give glory to God, we’re not just acknowledging His actions; we’re bowing before His majesty and offering our praise. The foreigner’s act of returning to give glory was an act of worship.

It’s worth noting that the one who expressed gratitude was a foreigner—a person considered as an outsider. This reminds us that God’s grace and blessings are not limited to a specific group. God’s work is for everyone, and it’s often those who come from unexpected places who respond with the deepest gratitude.

Are there moments when you’ve experienced His goodness and grace, and didn’t take the time to return in gratitude? Consider the things that God has brought you through or kept you from and let Him know from your heart how blessed you are.

Pray

Lord, I want my gratitude to be more than just words—I want it to flow from a heart that recognizes Your work in my life. Help me to sense Your presence and action, even in the midst of challenges. May my gratitude be an authentic response that honors You and glorifies Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Devotional For August 18, 2023

Encouragement

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭5‬

Jesus used a metaphor of a vine and its branches to illustrate a profound spiritual truth: our connection to Him is essential for a fruitful and abundant life. Just as a branch draws its nutrients from the vine, believers draw their spiritual nourishment from their connection to Jesus. He is the source of life, strength, and purpose.

The word “abide” implies a close and continuous relationship. To abide in Christ means to remain in His presence, to seek Him continually, and to align our thoughts, actions, and desires with His teachings. Jesus assures us that if we abide in Him, we will bear much fruit. This fruit represents the evidence of a changed life in Christ that exemplifies love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Jesus emphasizes that apart from Him, we can accomplish nothing of eternal value. Just as a branch disconnected from the vine withers and dies, a believer disconnected from Christ experiences spiritual stagnation and emptiness. Maintaining our connection to Christ requires intentional devotion, prayer, and obedience to His Word.

Are you abiding in Christ daily? Are you drawing your strength, wisdom, and purpose from Him? May this verse inspire you to deepen your relationship with Jesus, experiencing His resurrection power and bearing fruit that brings glory to God.

Pray

Lord, give me courage to abide in You daily. I recognize that apart from You, I am powerless. Strengthen my connection to Jesus. Guide and direct me in my journey of abiding, as I seek to align my heart with Your purpose. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Devotional For August 16, 2023

Encouragement

But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭4‬:‭38‬

Life is full of unexpected storms, both literal and metaphorical. Some of these storms can leave us feeling overwhelmed and fearful. In Mark 4:35-41, we find Jesus teaching an insightful lesson about finding peace even in the midst of chaos and turmoil.

The disciples were in a fearful situation as a strong storm threatened to capsize their boat. Waves crashed over them, and fear gripped their hearts. This scene reflects the storms that we all encounter such as challenges, uncertainties, and difficulties that can disrupt our peace.

In the center of the chaos, Jesus was in the boat, sleeping. His posture is a powerful reminder that even in the midst of life’s storms, peace can be found. Jesus’ peaceful rest reveals His divine authority over the very elements causing turmoil.

The disciples, gripped by fear, woke Jesus and said, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” This cry resonates with our own moments of desperation when we wonder if God is aware of the struggles we are facing. But the disciples’ question also reveals their doubt in Jesus’ care.

Jesus’ response to the disciples’ fear shows His authority over both physical and spiritual storms. With a simple command, “Peace, be still,” He calmed the wind and the sea. His words remind us that the Prince of Peace has power over every storm we face, whether external or internal.

The storms we face serve as opportunities to deepen our trust in God’s sovereignty. Just as Jesus questioned His disciples’ faith, He often challenges us to trust Him, even when circumstances seem unclear. When we hold on to our faith, we discover that His peace reigns in the storms.

As you face storms in your life, remember that Jesus is the One who can speak peace into your heart, quiet your fears, and bring stillness to the chaos. Trust that He cares for you, and let His peace overpower your soul.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your presence in the storms of life. Just as Jesus calmed the storm for His disciples, I ask for Your peace to fill my heart. Help me to trust in Your care even when challenges and uncertainties arise. Let Your peace reign within me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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