Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: grace

Devotional For August 8, 2023

Encouragement

being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬

In our journey of faith, we often find parallels between our physical experiences and our spiritual insights. For example, an insightful analogy emerged from a recent trip to the eye doctor, shedding light on the truth that Jesus wants us to grasp: that we should be developing in our spiritual walk every day.

For years, each visit to the eye doctor has brought the same verdict: my vision has slowly worsened. However, a recent check-up held an unexpected surprise – my eyesight has stabilized. This prompted me to contemplate my spiritual journey. Just as I had witnessed a halt in my eyesight’s deterioration, I pondered whether my spiritual insight was experiencing a similar pattern. Was my spiritual sight getting clearer, or had it plateaued?

Just as our eyesight requires care and attention to maintain its clarity, our spiritual insight demands an ongoing commitment to growth. Let us heed Jesus’ call to strive for development in our spiritual walk every day. With each step we take, with each prayer we offer, with each act of love we extend, we move closer to a deeper, more profound understanding of our faith. As we journey onward, may we be reminded that just as the eyes of our body are a window to the world, the eyes of our spirit are a gateway to the divine.

Jesus’ teachings remind us that our faith is a dynamic process. He calls us to embark on a journey of continuous growth, urging us to cultivate our spiritual insight. Just as we undertake daily steps to preserve our physical health, we must adopt intentional practices to nurture our spiritual well-being. Through prayer, meditation, studying scripture, and acts of kindness, we lay the groundwork for spiritual insight to flourish.

Each day presents an opportunity to deepen our relationship with God, to gain a clearer understanding of His word, and to perceive His guidance more acutely. As we commit ourselves to this journey, we begin to notice that our spiritual sight does indeed improve. Like the patient who finds their eyesight stabilizing, we see the fruits of our efforts manifest in our actions, attitudes, and interactions.

Pray

Lord, thank You for opening my eyes to Your truth. Help me to improve my spiritual insight each day. Deepen my faith as I trust You for all things. In Jesus’ name, amen

Devotional For August 6, 2023

Encouragement

It is eleven days’ journey from Horeb by way of Mount Seir to Kadesh Barnea. Now it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moses spoke to the children of Israel according to all that the Lord had given him as commandments to them,
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭3‬

The Israelites’ journey from Horeb to the Promised Land is a story that mirrors our own journey of faith. In today’s verses, we gain valuable insights into this journey and how it can shape our perspective on following God’s path for our lives.

Imagine planning for an eleven-day trip and finding yourself wandering for forty years. The distance between Horeb and Kadesh Barnea could have been covered in a relatively short time, but due to disobedience and lack of faith, the Israelites found themselves stuck in a cycle of aimless wandering. This serves as a reminder that our journey of faith can be prolonged if we fail to trust God and obey His commands.

The forty-year delay wasn’t without purpose. It provided the Israelites with lessons in humility and complete dependence on God. Sometimes, God’s delays in our lives are opportunities for growth and dependency.

God’s timing is often different from ours. While the Israelites may have wondered why their journey took so long, God had a specific plan in mind. When we find ourselves impatient, we must remember that God’s timing is perfect. Our role is to trust Him completely, even when the path seems unclear or the journey seems prolonged. Just as God led the Israelites through the wilderness, He is guiding us step by step toward His promises.

Pray

Lord, help me to trust in Your timing and to obediently follow Your commands. Grant me wisdom to learn from the times of waiting. Guide me toward the purposes You have for me. In Jesus’ name, amen

Devotional For August 5, 2023

Encouragement

But He needed to go through Samaria.
‭‭John‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬

John chapter 4 begins with a story of Jesus meeting a lonely Samaritan woman who was drawing water at noonday. The essence of the story is about repentance, although the word “repent” is never mentioned. It’s a testimony of someone whose life was dramatically altered the day she met the Messiah.

The woman went to draw water from the well at midday to avoid the other women. Because of her lifestyle, she was considered an outcast. Immediately after she encountered Jesus, she deeply desired to invite others to come to Jesus. We can observe two changes in this woman’s life. She changed her mind and she changed her direction.

After meeting Jesus, she quickly went to the people who shunned her and told them about her encounter with the Messiah. She went to the well seeking physical water but left her bucket at the well after she received the living water. Her purpose and priority was permanently changed.

Repentance is a change of mind and change of direction. When we truly repent we change our mind about the sin we committed and turn away from that sin. If you have sin that you have not changed your mind about or turned from, you have not repented.

A relationship with Jesus ignites a repentant heart. When the Holy Spirit comes into our lives, our sins are illuminated, encouraging us to make a change. This change happens when we experience the love of God. Repentance comes after our heart has been transformed.

Reflect on your journey since encountering Jesus. Has His presence caused you to change your lifestyle? Is there a noticeable redirection of paths that dishonor God? Allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen you to make the necessary adjustments.

Pray

Lord, thank You for encountering me and allowing me to receive salvation. Help me to embrace the power of repentance. Give me the courage and strength to change my perspectives and paths. In Jesus’ name, amen.