Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: faith

Devotional For November 18, 2023

Encouragement

Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭23‬

Jesus provides us with a profound promise that invites us into an intimate relationship with God. It’s a promise of divine companionship.

The verse begins with a condition: “If anyone loves Me.” Love, in this context, is not merely an emotion; it’s a force that compels action. Jesus is speaking of a love that propels us beyond a feeling and into a life characterized by obedience to His Word.

Jesus declares, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word.” Our love for Christ is demonstrated and authenticated by our obedience to His teachings. It’s a love that manifests in a lifestyle marked by the pursuit of holiness and alignment with the principles found in God’s Word.

The promise unfolds further: “My Father will love him.” The obedience born out of our love for Jesus doesn’t go unnoticed by the Father. It invites the love of the Creator Himself, a love that surpasses our understanding and transforms our very existence.

Yet, the climax of this promise lies in the profound statement that follows: “We will come to him and make Our home with him.” The Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—longs not only for our obedience but for an abiding, close relationship. The Creator of the universe desires to make His dwelling within the hearts of those who love and obey Him.

Imagine the significance of this truth! The Almighty God, who spoke the cosmos into existence, desires to make His home within you. This is a permanent residence, a continual indwelling that brings comfort, guidance, and a profound sense of belonging.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your presence in my life and desiring to be with me. Help me to reciprocate the love You have for me and be obedient to Your Word. Thank You for the comfort and guidance You provide for me to live with much joy and peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For November 17, 2023

Encouragement

Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your name forever and ever.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭145‬:‭2‬

David expressed his commitment to daily praise. This verse encourages us to cultivate a lifestyle of continuous praise and worship. David’s words inspire us to make praise a daily rhythm, not confined by circumstances but based on the unchanging character of God.

Consider the beauty of David’s commitment – not just occasional praise, but a deliberate act woven into the fabric of each day. It challenges us to recalibrate our perspective, shifting from gratitude to a posture of praise. In the busyness of life today, let’s echo David’s resolve, allowing every moment to be an opportunity to praise the Lord.

Are you ready to praise the Lord today? As you go through the day, make a purposeful attempt to praise God for all the things He has done for you.

Pray

Lord, I am stirred to make praise a daily practice. May my heart be continuously in a melody of gratitude, offering praise that honors You. Your name is worthy of eternal worship, and I commit to bless You every day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For November 15, 2023

Encouragement

I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭30‬:‭19‬

In today’s verse, God places before us a profound reality: the power to choose life or death, blessing or cursing.

The invitation to choose life is displayed throughout the pages of the Bible. God gives us the freedom to shape our destiny within the boundaries of His divine will. Every decision we make contributes to the overall purpose He has for our lives.

The context of this verse is Moses addressing the Israelites, urging them to obey God’s commandments and to choose life that they and their descendants may live. Similarly, in our journey of faith, God invites us to align our choices with His will, to walk in obedience, and to embrace the abundant life He offers.

Choosing life involves more than just the continuation of our physical existence; it involves the fullness of life that God desires for us. It’s a life marked by love, joy, peace, and purpose.

What does it mean for us to choose life today? It means seeking God’s guidance in our decisions, aligning our choices with His principles, and trusting in His promises. It’s a daily surrender of our will to His, acknowledging that He knows what is best for us. In every crossroad, big or small, we have the opportunity to choose the path that leads to life.

Heaven and earth bear witness to our choices, and God, our loving Father, beckons us to choose life. In doing so, we not only experience the richness of His blessings but also become channels of His life-giving love to those around us.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of choice. Help me to choose life in every decision I make. May my heart be aligned to Your will, and may I walk in obedience to Your Word. Grant me the wisdom to discern the paths that lead to life. In Jesus’ name, amen.