Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: daily devotional

Devotional For October 19, 2023

Encouragement

O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭10‬:‭23‬

It is part of our human nature that we want to be in control of our lives and tend to think that we can control our own destiny. Jeremiah recognized the problem and came to the realization that we really can’t control our lives, but we can submit our lives to God’s care and control.

We make plans, set goals, and work diligently to shape our destiny. Yet, we are not truly in control of our own paths. Our human wisdom and strength have limitations, and we need to acknowledge our dependence on God.

Jeremiah begins by humbly acknowledging that our understanding is limited and our efforts alone cannot guarantee success or fulfillment. It is God who holds the infinite wisdom, and it is His guidance that we should be seeking.

Next, he reinforces the idea that our human abilities are insufficient to navigate the complexities we encounter. We need divine direction and power to make our steps meaningful and purposeful.

Surrendering control is not about giving up responsibility; it’s about aligning our will with God’s will. It’s about trusting that His plans for us are better than our own. In doing so, we find peace.

When we allow God to direct our steps, we walk in a path illuminated by His grace and wisdom, leading to a life filled with purpose and significance.

Pray

Lord, I humbly acknowledge that I am not in control of my own path. I trust in Your wisdom and guidance. Please direct my steps and lead me in the way that is pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For October 18, 2023

Encouragement

…keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
‭‭Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭21‬

This is a simple, yet profound verse that calls us to anchor our lives in the love of our Heavenly Father. It’s not only a command but also a promise that is vital for our spiritual journey.

To “keep” suggests an active effort on our behalf. It involves making deliberate choices to remain close to God, to cherish His love, and to live in accordance with His will. Keeping ourselves in the love of God means consistently nurturing our relationship with Him through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking His presence in our daily lives.

Jude encourages us to look for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the midst of a troubled world, the mercy of Christ offers us hope, forgiveness, and salvation. As we face the challenges of life, we can trust in the unchanging and boundless mercy of our Savior.

The ultimate promise in this verse is the hope of eternal life. By the love and grace of our Heavenly Father we have the promise of life eternal in the presence of our Lord.

Do you consistently seek His mercy and grace? Make an intentional effort to deepen your connection with Him through prayer, worship, and studying the Scriptures. In doing so, you will find strength, hope, and the assurance of eternal life.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of eternal life. By Your mercy and grace I know I am forgiven of my sins. Keep me anchored in Your love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For October 17, 2023

Encouragement

…rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭12‬

There are three keywords that speak to us today as we meditate on God’s Word. They are hope, patience and prayer.

Hope is a precious gift. As Christians, our hope is anchored in the promises of God. We have hope in the salvation brought through Jesus, hope in God’s faithfulness, and hope in the ultimate victory over sin and death. We choose to rejoice in the hope we have in Christ.

During the difficult seasons of life, patience becomes a virtue of great significance. Patience is a result of trusting in God’s plan and timing. It means that we continue to walk in faith, even when circumstances seem to suggest otherwise. Remember that God can work in and through tribulations for His glory.

Prayer is our lifeline to God, and it should be a significant part of our daily lives. In times of rejoicing, in times of trouble, and at all times in between, we are encouraged to remain in prayer. Through prayer, we deepen our relationship with God, seek His guidance, and lay our concerns at His feet.

Romans 12:12 reminds us to rejoice in the hope that Christ offers. Be patient when faced with challenges, knowing that God is with you. And continue steadfastly in prayer, staying connected to the source of your strength and peace. In doing so, you will go through life’s twists and turns with a heart full of faith and a spirit that endures.

    Pray

    Lord, thank You for the guidance and encouragement found in Your Word. Help me to embrace hope, patience, and prayer today. May I find hope in You, patience in tribulation, and the joy of connecting with You through prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.