Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For July 22, 2024

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭7‬

In a world that often rushes for immediate results, the idea of waiting patiently might seem counterintuitive. Yet, the Bible encourages us to find rest in the Lord and teaches us the beauty in being patient.

Often we may be tempted to become anxious, to fret, or to question why it seems that the unrighteous are succeeding. But God’s word offers a different perspective.

To “rest in the Lord” means to surrender all of our anxieties and to find peace within His presence. It means acknowledging that God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with our own desires or expectations.

“Wait patiently for Him” is an act of faith and humility. It means recognizing that God’s plan unfolds in His own time, and our role is to just trust His plan. Waiting patiently allows us to grow in faith and to learn valuable lessons along the way.

When we see others around us prospering through wicked schemes, we must not be discouraged. God’s justice prevails and the rewards of the righteous endure. Our duty is to remain faithful and obedient to God.

Are there any anxieties that you need to surrender to the Lord? Take a moment to rest in the Lord. Let go of your anxieties and concerns, and wait patiently for Him. And while you wait for the Lord, just enjoy being in His presence. 

Pray

Lord, I surrender my deepest concerns and anxieties to You. I know You are in control of all things and everything fits within your perfect plan. Thank You for taking care of me. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Devotional For July 21, 2024

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.
‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬

The Lord of peace is not only able to give us peace but is also the source of peace. When we are going through difficult times, we often try to find peace through our own efforts, but this verse reminds us that true peace only comes from God. It is only when we turn to Him and trust in Him that we can experience the peace that surpasses all understanding.

This verse also emphasizes that peace is not limited to certain times or circumstances. We can experience peace in all times and in every way. Whether we are going through a difficult season, facing uncertainty about the future, or even in moments of joy and celebration, we can always turn to God for peace.

Finally, the verse ends with a beautiful prayer for God to be with all of us. This prayer reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and that God is always with us, providing us with the peace and comfort we need. As we trust in Him, we can experience His peace and find strength to face whatever challenges come our way.

Todays verse is a beautiful reminder that peace is not something that we can achieve on our own, but rather it is a gift from God. Do you have His peace in all situations of your life?

Pray

Lord, thank you for the gift of peace in my life. Help me to trust you to experience peace in all circumstances. Let the peace I have be visible to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For July 20, 2024

Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, For my heart rejoiced in all my labor; And this was my reward from all my labor.
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬

King Solomon, the son of King David, denied himself nothing, pursuing all forms of pleasure. Through his pursuit, he discovered that all the pleasures he indulged in were ultimately empty and meaningless.

There is a longing within every human heart to pursue happiness, satisfaction and fulfillment. It’s easy to fall into the trap of accumulating wealth, seeking temporary thrills, and hoping that these pursuits will fill the void within us. But, like Solomon, we too are left feeling empty and disillusioned.

Solomon directs us toward a great truth. He realized that the true rewards of life are not found in worldly pleasures but in something far more profound. It points us toward the eternal, the spiritual, and the heavenly. 

Our hearts are designed to find fulfillment in a relationship with our Creator. In Him alone, true joy can be found.

Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:33, to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all things will be added unto you. Our pursuit of pleasure and satisfaction is to be rooted in the pursuit of God and His righteousness. When we prioritize our relationship with Him above all else, we discover that all other things fall right into place.

Are you seeking a right relationship with God? If so, you will find fulfillment in His love, peace, and grace. True joy resides not in the accumulation of worldly treasures but in knowing and serving our Lord with a sincere heart.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the wisdom given to me through Your Word. Help me to seek first Your kingdom and righteousness, knowing that You will provide all of my needs. Fill my heart with lasting joy. In Jesus’ name, amen.