Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: God

Devotional For November 26, 2023

Encouragement

And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14‬:‭14‬

In the compassion of Jesus, we find the source of comfort, healing, and restoration. The Gospels are filled with instances where Jesus’s compassion touched and changed lives. It’s the compassion of Christ that draws us close to Him.

Jesus encountered a large crowd and instead of turning them away, He had compassion on them. This compassion was an abiding concern for the well-being of those before Him. It moved Him to action, and in this case, to heal their sickness.

The compassion of Christ is a theme throughout the Gospels. We see it when He weeps for the mourning, when He feeds the hungry, and when He heals the diseased. His compassion is not limited by circumstance, social status, or past mistakes. It is given to all who come to Him.

Consider the leper who approached Jesus, the woman caught in adultery, or the blind Bartimaeus crying out for mercy. In each instance, Jesus responded with compassion. He didn’t merely address their physical needs but reached into the depths of their souls, offering forgiveness, restoration, and a renewed sense of purpose.

As recipients of Christ’s compassion, we find peace in His understanding of our struggles, pains, and fears. His compassion is cure for our wounded hearts, a light in our moments of darkness, and a promise of hope in our times of despair.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the compassion You demonstrated during Your earthly ministry. In moments of weakness, pain, and uncertainty, help me turn to you, knowing that Your compassionate heart understands my every need. Teach me to love as You love, to see with Your eyes, and to reach out with Your hands of mercy. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For November 25, 2023

Encouragement

But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.
‭‭I Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬

Peter begins by acknowledging that “the end of all things is at hand.” This serves as a wake-up call for believers. While the exact timing of the end is known only to God, Peter emphasizes the need to be ready. The awareness of the return of Christ should shape the way we live each day.

The call to be “serious and watchful in your prayers” underscores the importance of an active prayer life. In times of uncertainty, prayer becomes a lifeline connecting us to God’s guidance, strength, and peace. It is in prayer that we align our hearts with God’s will and seek His wisdom for the journey ahead.

Living with purpose means being intentional in our relationship with Christ. It involves prioritizing prayer, not as a ritual but as a genuine conversation with our Heavenly Father. As we face the challenges of life, let us be watchful in prayer, recognizing that God’s presence is our source of strength.

Consider the life of Jesus, who, in the face of overwhelming difficulties, sought the Father in constant prayer. In the garden of Gethsemane, He prayed earnestly, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Our prayers align us with God’s purposes and empower us to face whatever may come with confidence.

Pray

Dear Lord, thank you for the reminder that the end of all things is at hand. Help me to live with a sense of urgency, recognizing the importance of my relationship with you. May my prayers be serious and watchful, aligning my heart with your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For November 24, 2023

Encouragement

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a one day event, it can be an ongoing attitude of rejoicing in the heart of every believer. Christians ought to be the most joyful people on the planet. We should be the most encouraged and the most encouraging people.

As we journey through life, we are to be filled with a joy that surpasses circumstances, a joy rooted not in fleeting moments, but in the eternal promises of God.

Our source of joy is a person – the God of hope. In His love, joy finds its truest expression. When life’s challenges threaten to steal our joy, we can turn to the promises of God, for in trusting Him, we become vessels for the overflow of joy and peace.

Are you rejoicing in the Lord today? Does your joy fill the room with the Light of Jesus? If not, God awaits the opportunity to fill your heart with joy the surpasses all understanding. Ask and you will receive.

Pray

Lord, thank You for being the source of joy and hope. As I journey through life, may Your joy continuously fill my heart. Grant me the wisdom to trust in Your promises, that I may overflow with hope by the power of your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.