Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: daily devotional

A Test Of Your Faith

Encouragement

You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him.
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭13:4‬

Have you ever confused human reasoning with obedience to God? Sometimes what seems reasonable might not necessarily be what God commands. We must be very careful when we decide to choose what makes sense over obeying the Word of God.

A wonderful example of this occurs in Genesis 22 when God instructs Abraham to do something that goes against human logic or reasoning. “He (God) said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.“”‭‭ (Genesis‬ ‭22:2‬) How would you respond? Would you substitute human reasoning with obedience?

Abraham responded with complete obedience. “When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.”‭‭ (Genesis‬ ‭22:9‬)

Abraham knew the importance of obedience to God and he was rewarded or blessed. “Because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.” (Genesis‬ ‭22:17-18‬)

Our test of faith and obedience may not be so extreme, but we will be tested in ways that strengthen our faith.

Will you tell the truth when it seems logical to lie in order to protect someone’s feelings?

Will you give to the poor although you feel they would not use your gift wisely?

Will you go out of your comfort zone to share Jesus with a complete stranger?

Will you obey even when it might not make sense?

Pray

Lord, I will obey your voice even when it doesn’t make sense. Give me wisdom and understanding. Help me to discern what you require of me.

Every Word Of God

Encouragement

“Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭30:5‬

Reading and studying the Bible daily takes a real commitment. You must be intentional everyday. A careful plan will help you thoroughly read and apply the truth of God’s word.

When we allow other sources to dictate truth, we can easily be misled. Many things in our life compete with the Bible. The only way to know the real truth is to align our theology (what we believe to be true) with the Bible. Our lives should revolve around the Bible.

People are searching for the truth. With technology at our fingertips, we desire to know what is true and what is not.

However, the problem arises from the source of where the truth is searched. You can find all kinds of fascinating information on the internet, but it’s not all true.

We have full confidence and conviction through the Holy Spirit of God that the Bible is 100 percent true. God gives us the truth through His written word. God speaks life into us when we study and obey His commandments.

Do you turn to the Bible as your source of truth? Do you align your life according to His written commands?

Pray

Lord, help me to study and obey Your word. Give me knowledge and wisdom to understand Your principles. Thank you for giving me hope and joy.

Serve The Lord

Encouragement

I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Acts 20:35

A true follower of Christ looks for every opportunity to serve others in the name of Jesus. It doesn’t take much to notice the needs of others. Certainly we have more people today dealing with the pressures of everyday life.

In our spiritual walk we either strive to serve or to be served. We either contribute or we consume. Sadly, we live in a consumer mentality world. All advertisements lure you into the thinking that you need their product to live more happily and successful. Beware because it’s easy to get caught up in this trap.

Paul showed us through his ministry how important it is to support the weak. Paul’s mindset was to give all he had to help others in their spiritual walk with Jesus. His life was dedicated to contributing for the cause of Christ and avoiding selfish consumption.

Do you have a passion to serve Christ? If so, do you have an effective plan as to how you will serve? These are questions to consider if you truly follow Jesus. Jesus desires that we have a passion to serve.

What do you have to give for the glory of God today? How can you point someone closer to Christ? Make a plan to serve someone today.

Pray

Lord, today I am going to serve You with all of my heart. Place someone on my heart and mind who needs what I have to give. Let my service to You be an example of the grace and love you have given to me.