Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: daily devotional

Devotional For July 27, 2023

Encouragement

Therefore keep the words of this covenant, and do them, that you may prosper in all that you do.
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭29‬:‭9‬

Have you ever wondered why God blesses some people but not others? Have you witnessed times in your life when God was blessing you more than other times? Let’s take a close look at a possible reason why?

In Deuteronomy 29, Moses addressed the Israelites, reminding them of God’s faithfulness throughout their 40 years in the wilderness. He emphasized the importance of keeping the covenant they made with the Lord and obeying His commands. Today, we too are called to remember God’s faithfulness and walk in obedience.

God’s covenant with His people is a promise that extends beyond generations. His covenant affirms that He will always be our faithful and trustworthy guide. Just as the Israelites were called to keep the covenant, we are also called to honor our covenant with God through faith and obedience.

When we faithfully keep His Word, we position ourselves to prosper in all that we do. This prosperity may not always be materialistic but it does include peace and joy that comes from walking in obedience. God enjoys blessing His children.

Today, make a commitment to walk in obedience to God’s commands. As you seek to follow His ways, you will open yourself up to a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him. When you are in fellowship with God, your life becomes a testimony of His goodness, grace, and faithfulness.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness throughout my life. Help me to remember Your goodness and grace. Give me the strength and willingness to obey Your Word and honor the covenant I have with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For July 25, 2023

Encouragement

Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.
‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭7‬

In this passage of Scripture, Jesus was preparing His disciples for His departure from this world. He promised to send the Helper, the Holy Spirit, who will be an ever-present source of strength, guidance, and comfort for all who believe.

Imagine what the disciples were thinking as they heard Jesus speak about leaving. They had walked with Him, witnessed countless miracles, and found joy being in His presence. Jesus assured them that His departure would not be a loss but a gain. It was to their advantage because, through His departure, the Helper would come.

Today, we have an advantage because the very presence of the Almighty abides within us. Through the Holy Spirit, we experience an intimate relationship with God. This promise is not limited to the disciples; it is a gift for all who call upon the name of Jesus.

In our moments of sorrow, we have the Holy Spirit with us as the Comforter, offering peace that surpasses all understanding. When we face uncertainty, we have the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth, giving us illumination, inspiration and revelation of the Word.

As we yield our lives to the Holy Spirit’s leading, He transforms our hearts, aligning our desires with God’s will. The Helper convicts us of sin, urging us to repent and walk in righteousness. He enables us to love sacrificially, forgive unconditionally, and serve others selflessly.

It is your choice to seek His guidance, trust His leading, and rely on His power. With the Holy Spirit, you can confidently face life’s challenges, knowing that you have the greatest advocate and companion in your journey of faith.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the promise of the Holy Spirit. Help me to yield to His leading, that I may walk in Your truth. Empower me to love, serve, and forgive others with the same love and grace You have shown me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For July 24, 2023

Encouragement

This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬

The Apostle Paul carefully explains that the righteousness of God is not attained through our good works or efforts, but through faith in Jesus Christ. It is a righteousness that comes from God Himself and is made available to all who believe.

Living by faith is an ongoing journey of trust and dependence on God’s love and grace. From the moment we place our faith in Christ, we embark on a life-long experience of growing in God’s righteousness.

The phrase, “through faith a righteous person has life,” comes from the Old Testament book of Habakkuk (Habakkuk 2:4). Both Paul and Habakkuk affirm the significance of living a life that is grounded in faith.

Living by faith requires surrendering our desire for control and humbly acknowledging our need for God’s guidance. It involves trusting God, even when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging. As we walk by faith, God’s righteousness transforms our hearts, minds, and actions.

In our journey of faith, there will be moments of doubt and struggles. Yet, when we fix our eyes on Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), we find the strength to persevere. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are continually being conformed into the image of Christ, reflecting His righteousness to the world around us.

Today devote yourself to trusting in God’s righteousness and walking in obedience to His Word. As you grow in faith, you will experience the abundant life that comes from knowing and following Jesus Christ.

Pray

Lord, help me to live by faith and be guided by Your Spirit. Strengthen my faith as I face doubts and difficulties. Transform me daily into the likeness of Your Son, that I may reflect Your righteousness to those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.