Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: faith

Devotional For August 12, 2023

Encouragement

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6

How well do you manage your stress? God knows that we are going to face stressful situations so He teaches us how to manage it. When Christ is the center of our lives, we experience supernatural strength to push through and accomplish a life of more peace.

Paul was writing to encourage believers to endure. However, he was under great stress for preaching the Gospel. You would think God would have changed his circumstances, but instead God strengthened Paul to endure with grace. In today’s verse Paul gives us three practical steps to successfully manage our stress.

Don’t Worry – Paul encourages us to not worry. Worrying is like pouring gasoline on a fire. It makes every situation worse. Instead of worrying, trust that God is in control. 90% of the things we worry about never happen. So why worry?

Pray – If we spend more time praying to the One who can solve our problems, we would have less stress. The problem sometimes is we spend more time worrying than we do praying. Pray about everything!

Give thanks – Have you ever thanked God for your problems? God gives us strength and knowledge to overcome. We should be thankful that God is giving us what we need to make our situation better.

Pray

Lord, help me not to worry so much about the things that You already have control over. Give me strength to push through the difficulties that I am facing today. Thank You for the grace that sustains my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Devotional For August 10, 2023

Encouragement

Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭19‬:‭9‬

In Revelation 19:9, a heavenly voice invites us to the grandest of all celebrations—the marriage supper of the Lamb. This scene paints a picture of joy, honor, and union with our Lord, Jesus Christ. Just as a wedding feast symbolizes the union of two hearts, this supper symbolizes our eternal union with the Lamb of God.

The invitation to this banquet is a mark of divine favor and grace. As believers, we are the invited guests. We are called by God’s love to share in the culmination of His redemptive plan. Our response should be one of awe and gratitude, recognizing the privilege we have to be part of this eternal celebration.

As you journey through life today, remember that your earthly struggles are temporary, and they pale in comparison to the glory that awaits us at the marriage supper of the Lamb. Let this anticipation fill your heart and mind with hope, and inspire your faith.

Are you thankful for the free gift of salvation? Are you looking forward to this wonderful celebration?

Pray

Lord, thank You for inviting me to the marriage supper of the Lamb. May the anticipation of this glorious event fill me with hope and strengthen my faith. Help me be reminded that my earthly trials are nothing compared to the eternal joy that awaits me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Devotional For August 9, 2023

Encouragement

For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭8‬

As believers, our ultimate purpose is to honor, glorify, and serve the Lord. Whether we experience life or face death, our existence finds meaning in our Creator. We are created for a wonderful purpose.

This truth invites us to live with intention, recognizing that every moment is an opportunity to offer our actions, thoughts, and decisions to God. It encourages us to live life to the fullest. It also gives comfort in times of hardship, assuring us that even in death, we remain secure in our Heavenly Father’s care.

Our identity and purpose are found in our relationship with the Lord. As we draw close to the Lord, He will reveal to us His will. As we fulfill our purpose, God is glorified and we are filled with joy and gladness. Is your heart filled with joy?

As you face the good and bad today, remember that you belong to the Lord. Your actions will directly reflect your commitment to Him. No matter the circumstances you face today, you can find purpose, joy, and solace in the boundless love of our Creator.

Pray

Lord, thank You for giving me a purpose for living. Even when I die, You still have a purpose and plan for me in heaven. Give me courage to honor You in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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