Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For August 15, 2023

Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭55‬:‭22‬

Life often brings us burdens—challenges, worries, and responsibilities that can bring us down. In the midst of these discouraging struggles, we are given a comforting and reassuring message. God wants to reassure His children that He will see us through.

Today’s encouraging word invites us to entrust our burdens to the Lord. It’s an invitation to release the weight of our worries and cares into His capable hands. Our burdens are those things that consume our thoughts and emotions—stress, fears, uncertainties, and even the heavy load of responsibilities we carry.

When we surrender our burdens to the Lord, we place our trust in His promise to take care of us. He knows our struggles. He invites us to lean on Him, to find rest in His presence, and to experience His loving care.

This verse assures us that the godly—those who seek and follow God—will not slip and fall. This doesn’t mean we won’t face difficulties, but it declares that God is our sure foundation. When we give our burdens to Him, He sustains us, providing the strength and stability we need to successfully thrive through life’s ups and downs.

Giving our burdens to the Lord is a continuous, conscious practice. It’s our choice to release control and trust in His guidance. When we make this a daily habit, we experience the peace that comes from knowing that our lives are in His hands.

Take a moment to reflect on the burdens that you’re carrying today. What worries or concerns are captivating your thoughts? Imagine handing each one over to Him, feeling the weight lifted off your shoulders. Trust in His promise to care for you and to guide your steps.

Pray

Lord, I come before You with my burdens that are weighing me down. I surrender them to You, trusting in Your care and provision. Help me to find rest in Your presence, and to experience the peace that comes from placing my trust in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Devotional For August 10, 2023

Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭19‬:‭9‬

In Revelation 19:9, a heavenly voice invites us to the grandest of all celebrations—the marriage supper of the Lamb. This scene paints a picture of joy, honor, and union with our Lord, Jesus Christ. Just as a wedding feast symbolizes the union of two hearts, this supper symbolizes our eternal union with the Lamb of God.

The invitation to this banquet is a mark of divine favor and grace. As believers, we are the invited guests. We are called by God’s love to share in the culmination of His redemptive plan. Our response should be one of awe and gratitude, recognizing the privilege we have to be part of this eternal celebration.

As you journey through life today, remember that your earthly struggles are temporary, and they pale in comparison to the glory that awaits us at the marriage supper of the Lamb. Let this anticipation fill your heart and mind with hope, and inspire your faith.

Are you thankful for the free gift of salvation? Are you looking forward to this wonderful celebration?

Pray

Lord, thank You for inviting me to the marriage supper of the Lamb. May the anticipation of this glorious event fill me with hope and strengthen my faith. Help me be reminded that my earthly trials are nothing compared to the eternal joy that awaits me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Devotional For August 6, 2023

It is eleven days’ journey from Horeb by way of Mount Seir to Kadesh Barnea. Now it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moses spoke to the children of Israel according to all that the Lord had given him as commandments to them,
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭3‬

The Israelites’ journey from Horeb to the Promised Land is a story that mirrors our own journey of faith. In today’s verses, we gain valuable insights into this journey and how it can shape our perspective on following God’s path for our lives.

Imagine planning for an eleven-day trip and finding yourself wandering for forty years. The distance between Horeb and Kadesh Barnea could have been covered in a relatively short time, but due to disobedience and lack of faith, the Israelites found themselves stuck in a cycle of aimless wandering. This serves as a reminder that our journey of faith can be prolonged if we fail to trust God and obey His commands.

The forty-year delay wasn’t without purpose. It provided the Israelites with lessons in humility and complete dependence on God. Sometimes, God’s delays in our lives are opportunities for growth and dependency.

God’s timing is often different from ours. While the Israelites may have wondered why their journey took so long, God had a specific plan in mind. When we find ourselves impatient, we must remember that God’s timing is perfect. Our role is to trust Him completely, even when the path seems unclear or the journey seems prolonged. Just as God led the Israelites through the wilderness, He is guiding us step by step toward His promises.

Pray

Lord, help me to trust in Your timing and to obediently follow Your commands. Grant me wisdom to learn from the times of waiting. Guide me toward the purposes You have for me. In Jesus’ name, amen