Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: christ

Devotional For August 5, 2023

Encouragement

But He needed to go through Samaria.
‭‭John‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬

John chapter 4 begins with a story of Jesus meeting a lonely Samaritan woman who was drawing water at noonday. The essence of the story is about repentance, although the word “repent” is never mentioned. It’s a testimony of someone whose life was dramatically altered the day she met the Messiah.

The woman went to draw water from the well at midday to avoid the other women. Because of her lifestyle, she was considered an outcast. Immediately after she encountered Jesus, she deeply desired to invite others to come to Jesus. We can observe two changes in this woman’s life. She changed her mind and she changed her direction.

After meeting Jesus, she quickly went to the people who shunned her and told them about her encounter with the Messiah. She went to the well seeking physical water but left her bucket at the well after she received the living water. Her purpose and priority was permanently changed.

Repentance is a change of mind and change of direction. When we truly repent we change our mind about the sin we committed and turn away from that sin. If you have sin that you have not changed your mind about or turned from, you have not repented.

A relationship with Jesus ignites a repentant heart. When the Holy Spirit comes into our lives, our sins are illuminated, encouraging us to make a change. This change happens when we experience the love of God. Repentance comes after our heart has been transformed.

Reflect on your journey since encountering Jesus. Has His presence caused you to change your lifestyle? Is there a noticeable redirection of paths that dishonor God? Allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen you to make the necessary adjustments.

Pray

Lord, thank You for encountering me and allowing me to receive salvation. Help me to embrace the power of repentance. Give me the courage and strength to change my perspectives and paths. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For August 4, 2023

Encouragement

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬

How much grace do you need today? That’s an interesting question. Grace is the undeserved favor of God. In the depths of our imperfections and the turmoil of life’s challenges, we are reminded of the gift of God’s grace.

Throughout the New Testament, we are reminded that grace is not something earned or deserved but divinely given to us. It’s by grace that we are saved through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). It not because of what we have done, but by the works of Christ. So how much grace do you need?

Do you remember the story Jesus told about the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32? This parable shows us that God’s grace is not dependent on our past, but on His character of love and forgiveness.

When Paul was hurting and suffering, the Lord encouraged him with just the right amount of grace. We find comfort in knowing that we have a loving Father who extends His hand of grace, guiding us on the path of righteousness and granting us the strength to endure.

Take a moment today to reflect on the grace that has been given to you. God’s grace. Allowing it to transform your heart. Through grace, you can find courage to face life’s challenges, the strength to forgive, and the hope of eternal salvation.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your grace that has changed my life for eternity. Help me to remember that all I need is Your grace. Grant me the wisdom to understand this profound truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For August 2, 2023

Encouragement

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭30‬

One of the blessings we have as a believer in Christ is that we have been sealed with the Holy Spirit of God. It is our identity as children of God. In today’s verse, Paul urges us not to grieve the Holy Spirit but to embrace Him with joy and gratitude.

When a person accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior, the Spirit comes to dwell within their heart. This divine seal is an assurance of salvation and a promise to protect and guide us until the day we meet Jesus face to face.

When we yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit, we produce the fruits of His presence in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Our actions and attitudes should reflect the presence of the Spirit living within us.

However, we must be careful not to grieve the Holy Spirit through acts of sin and disobedience. Deliberate sin grieves the very presence of God dwelling within us. The only way to break the rebellion is to repent and turn back to God. The Holy Spirit will not let us go until we confess and repent.

When we repent of our sin, God is faithful and just to forgive us. This is the amazing grace that we are given through the righteousness of Jesus Christ. We should be encouraged to keep a close walk and fellowship with Lord to keep from grieving His presence. We will not live perfectly, but we can experience the power of His presence in our life.

Can you say that you are experiencing the power of a close fellowship with our Heavenly Father? If so, keep enjoying the blessings. But if not, I invite you to repent and allow the Spirit of God to comfort you and renew a right spirit with in you. It’s your decision.

Pray

Lord, thank You for sealing me with the presence of the Holy Spirit. Help me to walk in alignment with Your will, yielding to the guidance of the Spirit. May Your Spirit’s seal be a constant encouragement and reminder of Your faithfulness in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.