Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: daily devotional

God Has You Right Where You Belong

Encouragement

‘Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.’
Proverbs 22:29

Do you know what makes you stand out in your talents and abilities? Do you love what you do for a living?

God blesses every believer with extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit works in your life to show you who you are in Christ. You are special to God.

The Lord places us right where He wants us to be. You are where you are because God has a plan to use your gifts and abilities for His glory. You need to have confidence in knowing that God has a specific plan for you. Nothing happens by accident or incidentally.

God does not make mistakes. He has equipped you and given you the opportunity to work a specific task that can only allow God to shine. You did not get where you are without the help and guidance of God.

God blesses those who use their gifts to bless others. It is vital that you understand the gifts that God has given to you through the Holy Spirit so that you can minister or serve others. When you use your gifts you will receive joy and peace.

Pray

Lord, today I will use my gifts to serve others. Thank you for giving me the abilities to do what I do. Thank you for giving me the knowledge and wisdom to be who I am. I pray that my life will point others to You.

Is God Woking Through You?

Salvation, Trust

‘The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.’
Romans 8:16-17

How do you know that you are born again and saved by the blood of Jesus? What gives us assurance that when we die we know that we are going to heaven?

We are blessed that the Holy Spirit confirms and testifies that we belong to the family of God, that God is our Father and we have been born again. Paul says it’s “the Spirit Himself” that bears witness to our spirit that we are children of God.

We should be able to look at our lives and see how God is working in and through us to make us more like Jesus. The Spirit brings a profound awareness of how God is at work in our hearts. It’s this awareness that gives us assurance and confidence of salvation.

It would be very difficult to live the Christian life if we didn’t have the assurance of salvation. You must be confident that you are born again. You must believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that you have repented of your sins.

We don’t have to wonder if we are really Christians or not. God’s children know who they are.

Pray

Lord, thank you for giving us the Holy Spirit that gives us confidence that we belong to You. Allow me to see how You are working in my life today. Take my life and use it as You desire.

Who Is On Your Mnd?

Encouragement

‘Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, ‘
I Timothy 2:1

Have you ever woke up in the middle of the night or from a deep sleep and had someone on your mind? That person was put on your mind for a good reason.

God places people on our hearts and minds so we can help them and bless them. We need to take time to pray for those who come to our attention and pray without hesitation.

Paul wrote this letter to Timothy to address some of the issues that were happening in the church at Ephesus. One of the issues facing the church was prayer.

The church was divided between the Jews and Gentiles who had complete different attitudes concerning spiritual matters such as salvation. So Paul instructs Timothy to make sure the church, the people of God, prayed for one another.

It’s our responsibility and privilege to pray for one another. Everyone needs prayer. You need someone praying for you everyday. That is why it is important to surround yourself with faithful praying people. James 5:16 says, “the prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” Be that righteous person who prays for others.

There is nothing more wonderful and amazing than to witness prayers being answered. It’s important to pay attention to what others around you are going through so that you can pray for them specifically.

Pray

Lord, put someone on my heart and mind and let me pray for them today. Put me on someone else’s heart as well. Thank You, Lord, for answering prayers.