Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: daily devotional

Devotional For November 3, 2023

Encouragement

As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening.
‭‭Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭29‬

Luke 9:28-36 provides a unique and glorious moment in the life of Jesus, known as the Transfiguration. During this event, as Jesus prayed, His face shone with radiant glory, and His clothes became intensely white. This glimpse of His divine nature offers us several valuable lessons.

First, the Transfiguration shows us Jesus’ divinity. It’s a revelation of His true nature as the Son of God. In our daily lives, it’s easy to forget the majesty and holiness of Jesus. The Transfiguration serves as a reminder that He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Second, it emphasizes the importance of prayer. The Transfiguration occurred while Jesus was in prayer. It underscores the significance of seeking communion with God in prayer. In our own prayer life, we may not experience such visible transformations, but our time spent with God can indeed transform us from the inside, renewing our minds and hearts.

Lastly, it gives us a glimpse of the glory that awaits us in eternity. As believers, we are called to be transformed into the image of Christ, and one day, we will share in His glorious presence. The Transfiguration serves as a foretaste of the heavenly glory that is to come.

Be encouraged to seek a deeper intimacy with Christ through prayer and be inspired to live in anticipation of seeing the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the Transfiguration which reveals Your divine nature. As I seek You in prayer, may I be transformed by Your presence. Help me to remember the glory that awaits me in eternity and to live in light of this hope. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For November 2, 2023

Encouragement

When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then You knew my path. In the way in which I walk they have secretly set a snare for me.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭142‬:‭3‬

This verse captures a moment when the psalmist felt overwhelmed by his circumstances. These words describe when he was heavy burdened and it seemed that others had set traps and obstacles in his way.

Life often brings moments of distress and feelings of being ensnared by challenges. In these times, it’s important to remember that God is fully aware of our circumstances. He knows our every step, and nothing escapes His attention. When we’re burdened and feel surrounded by difficulties, we can turn to Him, knowing that He is our refuge and strength.

The act of pouring out our hearts to God is a form of honest and vulnerable prayer. Just as the psalmist did, we can share our fears, anxieties, and troubles with our heavenly Father. He listens, cares, and offers guidance, comfort, and strength. It’s a reminder that in our moments of overwhelming circumstances, we don’t have to face them alone.

So, when you find yourself in a situation like the one described in Psalm 142:3, take a cue from the psalmist. Pour out your heart to God, and trust in His knowledge of your path. He is there to guide you through the snares and give you peace for your troubled spirit.

Pray

Lord, in the moments when I feel overwhelmed, I’m thankful that I can turn to You. You know my path, and nothing is hidden from Your sight. I pour out my heart to You, knowing that You will encourage and strengthen me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For November 1, 2023

Encouragement

The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!”
‭‭John‬ ‭12‬:‭19‬

After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, many people started following Jesus. In response, the Pharisees were frustrated because of the increasing popularity of Jesus. They said, “the world has gone after Him.” This statement, though made by the Pharisees with a sense of alarm, holds a profound truth about the impact of Jesus on the world.

This truth reminds us of the powerful draw that Jesus has. His teachings of love, grace, and salvation have an appeal that goes beyond cultural, geographical, and societal boundaries. People from all backgrounds and walks of life are drawn to His transformative power and message of hope.

What is your response to Jesus? Are you drawn to His teachings, recognizing that He is the answer to our deepest longings? Do you follow Him and share His love with the world around us?

Jesus’s influence continues to be felt across the globe, and we are called to be part of the world that follows Him.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the profound impact You have on the world. Help me to draw closer to You and share the wonderful message of love and hope with others. Empower me to live out Your example of love and grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.