Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: faith

Devotional For October 19, 2023

Encouragement

O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭10‬:‭23‬

It is part of our human nature that we want to be in control of our lives and tend to think that we can control our own destiny. Jeremiah recognized the problem and came to the realization that we really can’t control our lives, but we can submit our lives to God’s care and control.

We make plans, set goals, and work diligently to shape our destiny. Yet, we are not truly in control of our own paths. Our human wisdom and strength have limitations, and we need to acknowledge our dependence on God.

Jeremiah begins by humbly acknowledging that our understanding is limited and our efforts alone cannot guarantee success or fulfillment. It is God who holds the infinite wisdom, and it is His guidance that we should be seeking.

Next, he reinforces the idea that our human abilities are insufficient to navigate the complexities we encounter. We need divine direction and power to make our steps meaningful and purposeful.

Surrendering control is not about giving up responsibility; it’s about aligning our will with God’s will. It’s about trusting that His plans for us are better than our own. In doing so, we find peace.

When we allow God to direct our steps, we walk in a path illuminated by His grace and wisdom, leading to a life filled with purpose and significance.

Pray

Lord, I humbly acknowledge that I am not in control of my own path. I trust in Your wisdom and guidance. Please direct my steps and lead me in the way that is pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For October 18, 2023

Encouragement

…keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
‭‭Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭21‬

This is a simple, yet profound verse that calls us to anchor our lives in the love of our Heavenly Father. It’s not only a command but also a promise that is vital for our spiritual journey.

To “keep” suggests an active effort on our behalf. It involves making deliberate choices to remain close to God, to cherish His love, and to live in accordance with His will. Keeping ourselves in the love of God means consistently nurturing our relationship with Him through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking His presence in our daily lives.

Jude encourages us to look for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the midst of a troubled world, the mercy of Christ offers us hope, forgiveness, and salvation. As we face the challenges of life, we can trust in the unchanging and boundless mercy of our Savior.

The ultimate promise in this verse is the hope of eternal life. By the love and grace of our Heavenly Father we have the promise of life eternal in the presence of our Lord.

Do you consistently seek His mercy and grace? Make an intentional effort to deepen your connection with Him through prayer, worship, and studying the Scriptures. In doing so, you will find strength, hope, and the assurance of eternal life.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of eternal life. By Your mercy and grace I know I am forgiven of my sins. Keep me anchored in Your love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For October 16, 2023

Encouragement

For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭22‬

The Apostle Paul paints a vivid picture of a world in anticipation, eagerly awaiting its redemption. The imagery of creation groaning and laboring with birth pangs gives a sense of longing and hope. We too yearn for the fullness of God’s promises to be realized in our lives.

The world is filled with both beauty and brokenness. As believers, we are not exempt from brokenness. We experience suffering, grief, and the weight of our own shortcomings. But Romans 8:22 reassures us that we are not alone in our longing for redemption.

This verse serves as a reminder that our hope is not in vain. We have the assurance that God is working to bring about the redemption of all things. In the midst of our struggles and the world’s brokenness, we can look forward with hope, knowing that a day of restoration is coming.

We can also find purpose in this process. Just as creation groans and labors, we too can be agents of change, spreading God’s love and working toward the restoration of His creation.

Today, trust in God’s promise of restoration, and seek to be a light of hope and love in a world that groans for redemption.

Pray

Lord, I acknowledge the brokenness in this world. I long for the day of redemption. Help me to find hope and purpose in my role of spreading Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.