Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: daily devotional

Devotional For July 11, 2023

Encouragement

For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
Matthew 16:25

Jesus teaches a truth in Matthew 16:25 that challenges the very core of our human nature. He calls us to let go of our selfish desires and to surrender our lives entirely to Him. This truth is the key to experiencing the abundant life that Christ has promised us.

We are compelled to prioritize our own comforts and pleasures above everything else. However, Jesus invites us to a higher way of living, one that leads us into a life filled with purpose, meaning, and eternal significance.

To “save our lives” implies holding tightly to our own agenda and desires. It means placing our own will above God’s will and seeking our own happiness without considering the consequences. But Jesus warns that this path only leads to emptiness and loss.

On the other hand, Jesus calls us to “lose our lives” for His sake. This does not mean we are called to live in misery or sacrifice for the sake of sacrifice. Instead, it means surrendering ourselves completely to Him, aligning our will with His divine purpose, and dedicating every aspect of our existence to the advancement of His Kingdom.

When we follow Christ entirely, we find true meaning and purpose in Him. It is in losing ourselves that we truly find ourselves. In surrendering to Jesus, we gain a life that is more fulfilling, more joyful, and more abundant than we could ever obtain on our own.

However, surrendering our lives to Christ requires a radical change in our mindset and priorities. It means letting go of the worldly things that promote self-gratification. It involves daily dying to our selfish desires, taking up our cross, and following Jesus.

In order to live in this manner that is pleasing to God we must remember that Jesus is our ever-present help and source of strength. As we yield ourselves to Him, He empowers us with His Holy Spirit, equipping us to live out His purpose and enabling us to experience the fullness of life in Him.

Pray

Lord, I come before You today, acknowledging my need for a renewed perspective on surrendering my life to You. Help me to let go of my selfish desires and ambitions. Grant me the strength and courage to align my will with Yours and to embrace a life lived for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For July 10, 2023

Encouragement

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬

The moment we come to faith in Christ, we experience a transformative encounter with the grace and love of God. We receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, surrendering our lives to His lordship and entrusting ourselves to His care. It is a moment of new birth, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God.

Paul reminds the church that receiving Christ is the beginning of a lifelong journey. He urges the Colossians—and us—to continue walking in Him, living in a way that reflects our relationship with Jesus. This ongoing journey of faith involves daily surrender, obedience, and dependence on Christ.

To walk in Christ means to align our thoughts, attitudes, and actions with His teachings and commands. It involves abiding in His Word and seeking His presence through prayer. It is a deliberate choice on our behalf to live in fellowship with Him.

We are called to be rooted in Christ. This means building our lives on the solid foundation of His truth and love. It means seeking His wisdom and guidance in every decision, trusting in His promises.

As we walk in Christ, our faith becomes deeply rooted. We are transformed into His likeness, bearing the fruit of love, joy, peace, and righteousness. Our lives become a testimony to the life-changing power of Jesus Christ.

It is a daily discipline walk in Christ. Allow the grace and love of Christ to shape and guide your daily walk and watch how you become closer to God in fellowship.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the blessing me with the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Help me to walk in Him, day by day. Teach me to abide in Your Word, to seek Your presence, and to live in obedience to Your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For July 9, 2023

Encouragement

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭17‬-‭18‬

In Psalm 34, David expresses his heart in praise and gratitude to the Lord. As he prayerfully considers his experiences of difficulties and deliverances, he shares a profound discovery about the character and love of God. Sometimes it is in the midst of suffering that we experience God in a profound way.

Life will often leave us feeling overwhelmed and burdened. It is in those moments that we are encouraged to cry out to the Lord, for He hears our prayers and delivers us from all our troubles. As the righteous cry out to Him, we can be certain that God hears us and is working on our behalf.

The way God works on our behalf may not always be what we expect, but we can trust that God’s faithfulness and power are at work. He is our source of help and rescue in every situation.

Verse 18 reveals to us that the Lord draws near to those who have a broken heart. He is actively present in our difficulties. When our spirit is crushed and we feel the weight of suffering, God is near. His love and grace bring us hope and peace.

God is always present in our pain. He cares for us and is always aware of what bothers us. In our brokenness, we can find hope in the fact that the Lord sees, understands, and walks alongside us in our journey toward healing and restoration.

Are you burdened with troubles or suffering a broken heart? Just know that the Lord is near. He hears your prayers and is working on your behalf. Trust in His love and rest in His presence.

Pray

Lord, thank You for hearing my prayers and caring for what burdens me. I cry out to You, knowing that You know my troubles will deliver me. Help me to be humble and restore my heart with joy. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.