Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: God

Devotional For November 23, 2023

Encouragement

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭100‬:‭4‬

Happy Thanksgiving!

As we gather around the table with family and friends, let us reflect on what God has done with an attitude of gratitude. Our gratitude is not based on circumstances but on the character of our God. He deserves our praise because of who He is.

Psalm 100 reminds us to approach God with joy, worship, and thanksgiving. It calls us to recognize the Lord as our Creator and Shepherd, acknowledging our dependence on Him. In the midst of the busyness of life, it’s important to pause and reflect on His goodness, faithfulness, and enduring love.

May this Thanksgiving be a time of deep reflection, heartfelt gratitude, and joyful worship as we celebrate the goodness of our Lord who is worthy of all praise. May His love and faithfulness continue to guide us in the days to come.

Pray

Lord, I thank You for Your loving kindness and faithfulness. I thank You for the gift of family and friends. Open my eyes to the opportunities to share Your love and blessings with others. Thank You for the gift of salvation and eternal life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For November 22, 2023

Encouragement

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?
‭‭I Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭19‬

As followers of Christ, our lives are intertwined with the lives of those we influence. Paul cherished the Thessalonian believers as his hope and joy, recognizing that their spiritual journey was not merely an individual pursuit. In the same way, our faithfulness can become a source of joy for others and a testament to God’s transformative power.

Consider the three facets Paul mentions: hope, joy, and crown of rejoicing:

  1. Hope: Our hope is not just a distant wish; it is a living expectation anchored in Christ. The hope Paul speaks of here is the anticipation of sharing eternity with fellow believers. Our lives, lived in faith, contribute to this shared hope.
  2. Joy: The joy Paul experiences is not based on circumstances but on the spiritual well-being of those he has influenced. As we invest in the spiritual growth of others, their flourishing becomes a source of enduring joy.
  3. Crown of Rejoicing: Picture a victor’s crown bestowed upon faithful athletes. In a similar way, our crown of rejoicing is the culmination of a life dedicated to Christ and the joy found in the spiritual victories of those we’ve guided in their faith.

Whose spiritual journey are you influencing? Let us live with the anticipation that our faithful living will lead to eternal rejoicing in the presence of our Lord.

Pray

Lord, help me to be mindful of the influence my words and actions have on those around us. Let my hope in You be a beacon of light for others, drawing them closer to the warmth of Your love. Fill me with a joy that surpasses circumstances, a joy rooted in the transformative power of Your grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For November 21, 2023

Encouragement

For our God is a consuming fire.
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭29‬

In the context of this verse, the unknown author is emphasizing the awe-inspiring nature of God, highlighting His holiness and power. We must approach our relationship with Him with reverence and humility.

The reality of God being a consuming fire should transform our perspective. Fire refines and removes any impurities that don’t belong. His refining fire can purify your heart and refine your character. Sometimes we need to be cleansed and made new again.

Just as fire consumes, let God’s presence consume any distractions, doubts, or sin in your life. Come before the throne of God with awe and reverence. Let God do His mighty work in you today.

Pray

Lord, I come before You acknowledging Your consuming fire. May Your holiness ignite a passion for righteousness within me. Burn away anything in my life that hinders my walk with You. Help me to approach You with reverence and awe. In Jesus’ name, amen.