Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For August 11, 2024

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬-‭24‬

It can be easy to view our work, whether it be our careers, at home, or in our communities, as mere obligations. However, the words of Paul call us to a higher perspective, reminding us that every endeavor can be an act of worship when done with the right heart.

The Apostle Paul begins by encouraging us to do whatever we do “heartily.” In other words, we are called to approach our tasks with passion, enthusiasm, and dedication. Whether it’s our job, our chores, or our volunteer work, we should do it with all our heart, as if we’re doing it for the Lord Himself.

When we work, serve, or create, we’re not merely doing it for our bosses, our families, or society’s approval. We are doing it as an offering to the Lord. This transforms the mundane into the sacred.

These verses remind us that our ultimate audience is not human beings. While we may seek approval and recognition from others, our primary focus should be on pleasing the Lord. When we work with this mindset, the fear of human criticism or favoritism fades away.

Here’s the beautiful promise – when we work as unto the Lord, we will receive the reward of the inheritance. Our labor is not in vain. God sees our efforts, and in His time and according to His plan, He will reward us. This reward isn’t just in the here and now but extends into eternity.

Ultimately, our work is an act of service to Christ Himself. Every task, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, becomes an opportunity to express our love and devotion to our Savior. When we serve others, we are, in essence, serving the Lord.

So, today, as you face your responsibilities and tasks, remember that your work matters to God. It is an act of worship, an offering of love, and a means to serve the Jesus Christ. Approach your work heartily, with dedication, and with the knowledge that you are working for an eternal reward.

Pray

Lord, help me to approach my daily tasks with dedication and enthusiasm, knowing that I am working as unto You. Let my work be an act of worship and service to You, and help me find joy in knowing that my labor is not in vain. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For August 10, 2024

Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power,
‭‭II Thessalonians‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬

The apostle Paul’s prayer in 2 Thessalonians 1:11 expresses a deep desire that God would count us worthy of the divine calling placed upon our lives. 

This prayer unveils a profound truth — that our calling is not a random occurrence, but a purposeful design crafted by God Himself. As we navigate the twists and turns of life, Paul’s prayer encourages us to seek worthiness in our response to this divine calling.

God’s goodness plays a pivotal role in this journey. It is His goodness that propels us forward, guiding us along the path of righteousness. The fulfillment of God’s good pleasure is closely connected to the work of faith. As we exercise faith in Him, His power is unleashed, enabling us to live out the calling with strength and purpose.

Today, let us embrace this prayer as our own, seeking worthiness in our response to God’s calling. May His goodness guide our steps, and may the work of faith in our lives be accompanied by His mighty power. As we align ourselves with His purpose, we discover the true fulfillment that comes from living out our calling with God’s divine strength.

Pray

Lord, help me to embrace Your goodness in my life. Thank You for loving me and guiding me by Your power. Give me wisdom to fully understand the plans You have for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For August 9, 2024

Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭100‬:‭2‬

To serve with gladness is an invitation to infuse every act of service with a spirit of joy. As we go about our daily tasks, we are to carry with us a glad spirit, knowing that our service is never in vain.

The call to come before His presence with singing is an acknowledgment that our worship is not confined to a designated time or space; rather, it is a continual melody that accompanies our journey. Everyday is an opportunity to worship. 

The joy of the Lord becomes our strength (Nehemiah 8:10), and as we serve with gladness, we tap into a wellspring of strength that sustains us in every season. It transforms mundane tasks into offerings and ordinary moments into encounters with the extraordinary.

Our service and worship are interconnected movements. Serving with gladness becomes an act of worship that reaches the ears of our Heavenly Father. So, let your service be an expression of joy, your worship a sweet melody rising from the depths of a grateful heart.

Pray

Lord, let my service and worship to You be worthy and acceptable. Fill my heart with joy that allows me to serve with gladness. Help me to balance service and worship and glorify Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.