Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: daily devotional

Devotional For July 14, 2023

Encouragement

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.
‭‭Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭38‬

Jesus taught His followers the importance of giving. It is a powerful reminder that the act of giving opens up the floodgates of blessings. Jesus isn’t just referring to material possessions; He is talking about a generous and compassionate attitude towards others.

As followers of Christ, we are called to give, whether it’s our time, resources, or talents. The beauty of this spiritual discipline lies not only in what we give, but also in what we receive.

Jesus promises that when we give, it will be given back to us in good measure. Our heavenly Father delights in blessing His children, and He uses the act of giving as a conduit for blessing us.

It’s important to note that the measure we use in giving determines the measure of blessings we will receive. If we give sparingly, we limit the flow of blessings into our lives. But if we give with a cheerful heart, with a spirit of abundance and generosity, we position ourselves to receive an abundance.

This teaching extends beyond material possessions. When we give forgiveness, we receive forgiveness in return. When we show kindness, we experience kindness from others. When we offer love, we are embraced with love. It’s a divine economy where the more we give, the more we receive.

What measure do you use in giving? Are you giving out of obligation or with a joyful heart? Are you holding back or sowing generously? Challenge yourself to adopt a spirit of generosity, knowing that as you give, God will faithfully pour blessings into your life.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your love and always providing for me. Teach me to be generous. Open my eyes to opportunities where I can sow seeds of kindness and generosity. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For July 13, 2023

Encouragement

Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me,
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭46‬:‭9‬

Living in a world that is constantly changing, it is comforting to know that our God will never change. Let’s meditate on this verse so we can find strength and encouragement in God’s unchanging nature.

  1. Remember the former things of old: The Lord encourages us to remember His past works and faithfulness. All throughout history, He has proven His power and faithfulness to His chosen one’s time and time again. He delivered the Israelites from Egypt, provided all of their needs while in the wilderness, and revealed so many promises to them. Remembering the former things strengthens our faith and reminds us that the same God who was faithful then is faithful today.
  2. I am God, and there is no other: God is the one and only true God. He stands alone in His power, wisdom, and authority. There is none equal to our God. Idols of this world may try to our lure the hearts of mankind, but they are nothing compared to the Creator. We can rest assured that our God is above all.
  3. I am God, and there is none like Me: God sets Himself apart from all false gods. His character is unmatched, His love is unfathomable, and His mercy knows no end. He is compassionate and full of grace. His thoughts are higher than ours. When we encounter challenges or uncertainties, we can turn to our Heavenly Father, who is unlike anyone or anything we could ever find in this world.

In a world that is constantly changing and shifting, we have an anchor for our souls. The same God who held the universe in place yesterday is holding it today and will continue to hold it for eternity. His promises remain, His love endures, and His faithfulness extends to everyone.

When you start to doubt or fear, remember the former things of old. Meditate on knowing that He is God, and there is no other that can compare. Surrender your concerns and uncertainties to the One who is in control of all things.

Pray

Lord, I praise You for Your unchanging nature. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. When I have uncertainty, anchor my heart in Your unchanging nature. Thank You for being the God who is above all and who holds all things in Your hands. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For July 12, 2023

Encouragement

So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.
‭‭I Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬

In the letter to the Thessalonians, Paul expresses his deep care and love for the believers in Thessalonica. He reminds them of the genuine love and sacrificial devotion he and his companions showed them while they were serving Christ together.

Paul’s ministry was characterized by a deep sense of love and grace. He and his fellow workers didn’t merely preach the gospel; they also invested into their lives. They shared the good news and then embraced the believers as family, helping them mature in their faith.

When we encounter people who are in need of Christ’s saving grace, our responsibility is not only to share the message of the gospel with them but also to accompany it with genuine acts of love and support.

As followers of Christ, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves. We are to walk alongside them, sharing not only the gospel but our very lives. This means investing time and effort in building meaningful connections, listening intentionally, and meeting physical needs.

Are you sharing both the message of the gospel and investing your time and energy into others? Do you extend yourself in acts of kindness, hoping it creates an opportunity for others to encounter Christ’s love?

Pray

Lord, teach me to love others as You love me. Help me to build relationships rooted in Your love, so that through my life and testimony, others may encounter Your grace and compassion. In Jesus’ name, amen.