Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For March 22, 2024

A little leaven leavens the whole lump.
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭9‬

Paul’s warning about the influence of leaven serves as a powerful metaphor for the nature of sin and false teaching. Just as a small amount of leaven can affect the entire lump of dough, so too can even a minor compromise with sin or false doctrine have consequences in the life of a believer and the church.

It is crucial to guard against the infiltration of sin and false teaching that can undermine our faith and lead us astray. The enemy often seeks to deceive and divide God’s people through subtle lies and half-truths, enticing us to compromise our convictions and stray from the path of righteousness.

Paul’s warning challenges us to examine our own lives. Are there areas of disobedience that we have allowed to creep in our hearts? Are there false beliefs that we have embraced, without testing them against the truth of God’s Word?

As followers of Christ, we are called to be vigilant and discerning. We must immerse ourselves in God’s Word, allowing it to serve as a safeguard against deception and error. Rely on the Holy Spirit to empower you to resist temptation and stand firm in the truth.

Pray

Lord, help me to be diligent and discerning, guarding against the influence of sin and false teachings. Give me wisdom and strength to stand firm in faith, rooted and grounded in Your Word. May I be a beacon of truth and righteousness in a world filled with deception and darkness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For March 21, 2024

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭19‬:‭7‬

Psalm 19 is a beautiful hymn that tells of the glory of God as revealed in both creation and His Word. In verse 7, the psalmist focuses specifically on the transformative power of God’s law and testimony, highlighting their perfection and reliability in bringing about spiritual renewal and wisdom.

Unlike human laws and wisdom, which are flawed and fallible, God’s Word is perfect and trustworthy, capable of bringing about profound change in the hearts and lives of those who heed its message.

First, the psalmist declares that the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. God’s law serves as a mirror, revealing our sinfulness and pointing us to our need for redemption. Through the convicting work of the Holy Spirit, God’s Word brings about repentance and spiritual transformation, turning hearts back to Him in humility and obedience.

Second, the psalmist proclaims that the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. God’s testimony, which includes His teachings, promises, and testimonies of His faithfulness, provides guidance and wisdom for those who seek it. Through the study and meditation of Scripture, even the simplest and most inexperienced can gain insight and understanding into God’s ways.

Today, let us commit ourselves to the diligent study and application of God’s Word, knowing that through it, our souls will be converted, and our lives will be transformed into vessels of His grace and wisdom.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Word, which is perfect and sure. Help me to approach Scripture with reverence and humility, recognizing its transformative power. May Your Word penetrate my heart, converting my soul and making me wise in Your ways. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For March 20, 2024

For we were born yesterday, and know nothing, because our days on earth are a shadow.
‭‭Job‬ ‭8‬:‭9‬

Bildad the Shuhite responds to Job’s fury with words that reflect the traditions and wisdom of his time. His words are a reminder of the nature of human existence. Despite our efforts to acquire knowledge and understanding, we are mere mortals with finite perspectives.

In a world that often exalts human wisdom and knowledge, Bildad’s perspective offers a humbling contrast. It reminds us of our need to approach life with humility and reverence, acknowledging our limitations and seeking wisdom from God.

As we reflect on our life, we are prompted to consider the significance of how we use our time and resources. Instead of placing our confidence in earthly achievements or temporal pursuits, we are called to invest in things of eternal value.

We need to live each day with a sober awareness of the brevity of life, using each day as an opportunity to grow in wisdom and deepen our relationship with God. And may we humbly acknowledge our need for His guidance and direction, trusting in His infinite wisdom to guide us on the path of righteousness.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the reminder of the brevity of life and the limitations of human wisdom. Help me to approach each day with humility and reverence, seeking Your guidance and wisdom in all that I do. Teach me to use my time on earth to glorify You and invest in things of eternal value. In Jesus’ name, amen.