Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: daily devotional

Devotional For August 6, 2023

Encouragement

It is eleven days’ journey from Horeb by way of Mount Seir to Kadesh Barnea. Now it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moses spoke to the children of Israel according to all that the Lord had given him as commandments to them,
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭3‬

The Israelites’ journey from Horeb to the Promised Land is a story that mirrors our own journey of faith. In today’s verses, we gain valuable insights into this journey and how it can shape our perspective on following God’s path for our lives.

Imagine planning for an eleven-day trip and finding yourself wandering for forty years. The distance between Horeb and Kadesh Barnea could have been covered in a relatively short time, but due to disobedience and lack of faith, the Israelites found themselves stuck in a cycle of aimless wandering. This serves as a reminder that our journey of faith can be prolonged if we fail to trust God and obey His commands.

The forty-year delay wasn’t without purpose. It provided the Israelites with lessons in humility and complete dependence on God. Sometimes, God’s delays in our lives are opportunities for growth and dependency.

God’s timing is often different from ours. While the Israelites may have wondered why their journey took so long, God had a specific plan in mind. When we find ourselves impatient, we must remember that God’s timing is perfect. Our role is to trust Him completely, even when the path seems unclear or the journey seems prolonged. Just as God led the Israelites through the wilderness, He is guiding us step by step toward His promises.

Pray

Lord, help me to trust in Your timing and to obediently follow Your commands. Grant me wisdom to learn from the times of waiting. Guide me toward the purposes You have for me. In Jesus’ name, amen

Devotional For August 5, 2023

Encouragement

But He needed to go through Samaria.
‭‭John‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬

John chapter 4 begins with a story of Jesus meeting a lonely Samaritan woman who was drawing water at noonday. The essence of the story is about repentance, although the word “repent” is never mentioned. It’s a testimony of someone whose life was dramatically altered the day she met the Messiah.

The woman went to draw water from the well at midday to avoid the other women. Because of her lifestyle, she was considered an outcast. Immediately after she encountered Jesus, she deeply desired to invite others to come to Jesus. We can observe two changes in this woman’s life. She changed her mind and she changed her direction.

After meeting Jesus, she quickly went to the people who shunned her and told them about her encounter with the Messiah. She went to the well seeking physical water but left her bucket at the well after she received the living water. Her purpose and priority was permanently changed.

Repentance is a change of mind and change of direction. When we truly repent we change our mind about the sin we committed and turn away from that sin. If you have sin that you have not changed your mind about or turned from, you have not repented.

A relationship with Jesus ignites a repentant heart. When the Holy Spirit comes into our lives, our sins are illuminated, encouraging us to make a change. This change happens when we experience the love of God. Repentance comes after our heart has been transformed.

Reflect on your journey since encountering Jesus. Has His presence caused you to change your lifestyle? Is there a noticeable redirection of paths that dishonor God? Allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen you to make the necessary adjustments.

Pray

Lord, thank You for encountering me and allowing me to receive salvation. Help me to embrace the power of repentance. Give me the courage and strength to change my perspectives and paths. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For August 4, 2023

Encouragement

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬

How much grace do you need today? That’s an interesting question. Grace is the undeserved favor of God. In the depths of our imperfections and the turmoil of life’s challenges, we are reminded of the gift of God’s grace.

Throughout the New Testament, we are reminded that grace is not something earned or deserved but divinely given to us. It’s by grace that we are saved through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). It not because of what we have done, but by the works of Christ. So how much grace do you need?

Do you remember the story Jesus told about the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32? This parable shows us that God’s grace is not dependent on our past, but on His character of love and forgiveness.

When Paul was hurting and suffering, the Lord encouraged him with just the right amount of grace. We find comfort in knowing that we have a loving Father who extends His hand of grace, guiding us on the path of righteousness and granting us the strength to endure.

Take a moment today to reflect on the grace that has been given to you. God’s grace. Allowing it to transform your heart. Through grace, you can find courage to face life’s challenges, the strength to forgive, and the hope of eternal salvation.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your grace that has changed my life for eternity. Help me to remember that all I need is Your grace. Grant me the wisdom to understand this profound truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.