Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For March 7, 2024

But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.
‭‭I John‬ ‭2‬:‭20‬

The apostle John reassures believers that they have been anointed by the Holy One, referring to the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. This special anointing enables them to discern spiritual truths and walk in divine guidance.

As followers of Christ, we are not left on our own. Through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, we have been anointed and empowered to live victoriously. This anointing equips us with spiritual insight and discernment, enabling us to know and understand the things of God.

The knowledge that believers possess through the anointing of the Holy Spirit is not mere intellectual understanding but a deep, experiential knowledge of God and His ways. It is a knowledge that transforms hearts, guides decisions, and shapes attitudes. This divine wisdom enables believers to discern truth from falsehood, righteousness from sin, and light from darkness.

How do we embrace the reality of our anointing by the Holy One? We rely on the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit in every aspect of our lives, trusting that He will lead us into all truth. We cultivate a sensitivity to His leading and a willingness to follow wherever He may lead us.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the precious gift of the Holy Spirit. Help me to rely on His guidance and wisdom in all that I do, that I may know and understand Your will for my life. Open my heart to receive Your truth and grant me the courage to follow wherever You may lead me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For March 6, 2024

the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬

In the opening chapter of Ephesians, the apostle Paul prays for the believers in Ephesus. He is asking God to enlighten their understanding so they may fully grasp the hope of His calling and the glorious inheritance awaiting them in heaven. Paul urges them to live in light of their identity as God’s chosen people.

This prayer echoes the desire for believers to have spiritual insight and understanding, enabling them to comprehend the depth of God’s love and the significance of their calling in Christ. As recipients of God’s grace, we are invited to live each day with enlightened eyes, embracing the hope and assurance found in His promises.

To have the eyes of our understanding enlightened means to look beyond the temporal and to grasp the eternal truths of God’s Word. It involves recognizing the hope to which God has called us and understanding the riches of His glory that await us as His beloved children. This enlightenment empowers us to approach each day with confidence and purpose, even amidst challenges and uncertainties.

All we have to do is ask God for a deeper insight into His will and purposes for our lives. Live each day with a sense of anticipation and joy, knowing that your future is secure in Christ.

Pray

Lord, open the eyes of my understanding, that I may fully grasp the hope of Your calling and the richness of Your inheritance. Help me to live with confidence and assurance, knowing that You have chosen me and lavished Your love upon me. Help me walk in the light of Your truth, empowered by Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For March 5, 2024

but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man’s voice restrained the madness of the prophet.
‭‭II Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭16‬

In 2 Peter 2, the apostle Peter warns against false prophets and teachers who lead others astray with their deceptive ways. In verse 16, Peter references the story of Balaam, a prophet who was enticed by the promise of wealth and honor to curse God’s people. However, God intervened, using a donkey to speak truth and prevent Balaam from falling to his own greed and folly.

The story of Balaam serves as a reminder of the dangers of pursuing temporary pleasures and worldly gain. Like Balaam, we may be tempted to compromise our integrity or stray from God’s path in pursuit of selfish desires. However, just as God intervened to restrain Balaam, He also provides warnings and guidance to protect us from falling into sin.

Instead of chasing after selfish satisfactions, let us fix our eyes on the eternal promises of God. May we seek His will above our own desires, trusting in His wisdom and guidance to lead us on the path of righteousness.

As we encounter moments of temptation or distraction, may we remember the story of Balaam and the donkey. Let us heed the warnings of Scripture and allow God’s Word to guide our thoughts, words, and actions. By surrendering our desires to God and seeking His kingdom above all else, we can experience true fulfillment and lasting joy.

Pray

Lord, guard my heart and mind against the deceitfulness of sin and worldly pleasures. Help me to prioritize Your will above my desires, seeking Your kingdom above all else. Give me wisdom and discernment to recognize and resist temptation, and may Your Word be a lamp to guide my steps. In Jesus’ name, amen.