Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For June 9, 2024

Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭145‬:‭3‬

With the busyness of our daily lives, it’s easy to lose sight of the awe-inspiring greatness of our God. Psalm 145:3 serves as a profound reminder that our Lord is not just great, but His greatness is utterly unsearchable. Let’s dig into this verse and explore three ways we can draw closer to God.

Think about the vastness of the universe God created, the intricacy of every living creature, and the boundless love and mercy He extends to us. As you meditate on His greatness, let your heart swell with gratitude and wonder. Pour out your praises to the One who deserves all honor and adoration.

Sometimes, we try to control every detail of our lives, but God’s ways are unsearchable, and His plans surpass our understanding. Surrender control and trust in His wisdom and guidance. Seek His will through prayer and scripture, allowing Him to lead your steps even when the path seems unclear.

Let the awe and wonder of His unsearchable greatness shine through your life. Share your faith and testimonies of God’s goodness with those around you. Be a beacon of hope and love in a world that often forgets the greatness of our Creator. Serve others with humility and compassion, reflecting God’s character to the world.

By reflecting on His greatness, surrendering control, and sharing His love, we draw closer to Him and become vessels of His glory in this world.

Pray

Lord, I come before you with gratitude and reverence. You are the God whose greatness is unsearchable, and I stand in awe of Your majesty and love. Thank you for the countless blessings you have bestowed upon me and for the gift of life itself. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For June 8, 2024

The Lord has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭8‬:‭11‬ 

Have you ever been swayed by the opinions and fears of those around you? Have you been talked out of doing something because someone said you wouldn’t be successful? Negative thought can control your actions. 

When God set Isaiah apart to be his spokesman, He told him, “Don’t think like everyone else does.” God wanted the actions of Isaiah to be led by His instructions and insight. 

As followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard of thinking. Our minds are to be guided by the truths of God’s Word and not by public opinion. We must always resist the temptation to get entangled in fear-driven narratives and be led by the promises of God.

Paul writing to the Philippians said, “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬)

If we want to fix our thoughts so that we don’t think like everyone else, we have to think about the things that are excellent and worthy of praise. We must have the mindset of Christ. 

Are your thoughts true and honorable? Do you have admirable and lovely thoughts? Is your mindset the mindset of Christ?

Pray

Lord, help me to take captive all of my thoughts. When the devil makes me think evil, help me to overcome such negativity. Strengthen my faith so my mind and actions will be controlled by Your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For June 7, 2024

We have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.
‭‭Philemon‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬

In the short but powerful letter to Philemon, we find a verse that highlights the incredible impact of love within the Christian community. Paul’s words to Philemon serve as a reminder of the immense influence one person’s love can have on others.

Philemon’s love was a source of great joy and comfort to those around him. It was not a mere sentiment but a vibrant force that radiated from his heart. The love he shared was rooted in his faith and reflected the love of Christ.

The phrase “hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you” paints a clear picture. Philemon’s love wasn’t stagnant; it flowed like a refreshing stream of crystal clear water, quenching the spiritual thirst of those in his community.

Philemon’s example encourages us to be intentional in our love for others. Just as he refreshed the hearts of fellow believers, we can do the same in our families, churches, and communities. Our love, when grounded in faith, can be a source of great joy and consolation.

Consider who may have been impacted by your love shown toward others. Are you known for refreshing the hearts of others with your love and kindness? In what ways can you intentionally share Christ’s love today with those you encounter?

Pray

Lord, thank You for the example of Philemon and his overflowing love. Help me to be a vessel of Your love, refreshing the hearts of those I encounter. Let the love inside of me bring joy and consolation to others, just as Philemon’s did. In Jesus’ name, amen.