Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: grace

Devotional For September 26, 2023

Encouragement

Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness!
‭‭Romans‬ ‭11‬:‭12‬

In Romans 11, the apostle Paul discusses the relationship between the Jewish people and Gentiles in God’s plan of salvation. Verse 12 presents a profound truth: the temporary “fall” or rejection of Israel had a purpose – it brought riches to the world and blessings to the Gentiles. But there’s even more to come – the fullness of Israel’s restoration will bring even greater blessings.

This verse reminds us that God’s plans are intricate and purposeful. Even when it may seem like a setback or failure, God can work it out for good. Israel’s rejection opened the door for the Gentiles to hear the Gospel, leading to the salvation of countless souls. This is a reminder of God’s redemptive power, using unexpected circumstances to accomplish His divine purposes.

As believers, we can take comfort in knowing that God’s plan for our lives is similarly purposeful. Even in our setbacks and failures, He can use these moments to bring about blessings, growth, and transformation. We should also eagerly anticipate the “fullness” of God’s blessings in our lives, trusting that He has even greater things in store.

In your prayer today, thank God for His sovereign plan. Ask Him to help you see the purpose in both your successes and challenges. Pray for a heart filled with anticipation, trusting that God’s blessings will continue to unfold in your life, just as He has promised.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your sovereign plan and wisdom. Help me to trust in Your purpose even when I face setbacks or failures. Let me see the blessings in all the unexpected places. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Devotional For September 23, 2023

Encouragement

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭1

Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved and comforting passages in the Bible. It has brought solace and strength to countless individuals throughout history.

“The Lord is my shepherd.” These five words convey a profound message of faith and trust. In describing the Lord as a shepherd, King David, the author of this psalm, draws upon imagery that was familiar to the people of his time. Shepherds were responsible for guiding, protecting, and providing for their sheep. In the same way, the Lord takes on the role of a caring and attentive shepherd in our lives.

  1. Guidance: Just as a shepherd leads his sheep to green pastures and still waters, the Lord leads us in the paths of righteousness. His guidance is perfect, and He knows the way that is best for us. Sometimes, life can feel uncertain and confusing, but we can take comfort in knowing that the Lord is leading us every step of the way.
  2. Protection: Shepherds protected their sheep from danger, whether it was from wild animals or treacherous terrain. Similarly, the Lord is our protector. He shields us from the spiritual and emotional dangers that threaten us. Even in the face of life’s challenges, we need not fear, for He is with us.
  3. Provision: “I shall not want.” The Lord, our Shepherd, provides for our every need. Just as a shepherd ensures that his flock lacks nothing, God supplies us with all that is necessary for our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. We can trust in His abundant provision.

In our daily lives, it is easy to become anxious about our needs and uncertainties. However, Psalm 23:1 reminds us to shift our focus from our worries to our Shepherd. We can find comfort and security in the fact that the Lord is our guide, protector, and provider.

Pray

Lord, thank You for being my Shepherd. Help me to shift my focus from worrying and place my full trust in You. Give me peace and comfort knowing You are my Guide, Protector, and Provider. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For September 22, 2023

Encouragement

Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.
‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭27‬

In this verse from the Gospel of John, Jesus provides us with a profound and timeless message about the priorities of life. He tells us not to labor solely for the temporary and perishable things of this world, such as material wealth, fame, or pleasures. Instead, He urges us to seek after something far more valuable – the food that endures to everlasting life.

What is this enduring food? It is the spiritual nourishment that comes from a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Bread of Life (John 6:35), and in Him, we find sustenance for our souls that goes beyond the physical needs of our bodies.

This verse reminds us that our primary focus in life should be on our relationship with God and the eternal treasures He offers. While it’s essential to work for our daily bread and fulfill our responsibilities, we must never lose sight of the greater purpose of our existence – to know, love, and serve God.

Jesus further emphasizes that God the Father has set His seal on Him. This seal signifies God’s divine approval and authority over Jesus. It reminds us that Jesus is the way to everlasting life because He is the Son of God, the one whom the Father has chosen to reveal His plan of salvation to humanity.

As you go about your daily life, remember the wisdom in Jesus’ words. Prioritize your spiritual journey and seek the enduring food that leads to eternal life. Invest your time and energy in cultivating a close relationship with Christ, for in Him, you will find the true riches and abundant life that surpasses all earthly possessions.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of salvation. Help me to prioritize my spiritual well-being and seek a deeper relationship with You. Help me to labor for the eternal treasures that come from knowing and loving You. In Jesus’ name, amen.