Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: grace

Devotional For July 26, 2023

Encouragement

My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
‭‭I John‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬

As children of God, we are called to love one another not merely with empty words or expressions, but through genuine actions and sincere truth. In today’s verse, we can take away three truths that will shape the way we demonstrate love toward others.

  1. Love is Evidenced Through Action: John challenges us to show love through our actions. Love seeks to meet the needs of others. Whether it is lending a helping hand, showing kindness, or offering encouragement, our love becomes a powerful force when put into practice and not just passed along with words.
  2. Love is Rooted in Truth: True love is firmly grounded in truth. It seeks to uplift and empower, recognizing the value of every individual. We are challenged to be genuine and honest in our interactions, allowing love to flow from a heart that sincerely cares for others.
  3. Love is a Choice, Not just a Feeling: Love is not solely based on emotions but is a conscious decision to act on the well-being of others. It is a choice that goes beyond our comfort zone. When we imitate the love of Christ, we learn to love even when it is challenging or inconvenient.

As you seek to love others in deed and truth, you will become a living testimony of Christ’s transformative love, shining His light into a world in need of authentic compassion and grace.

Pray

Dear Lord, thank You for Your perfect example of love demonstrated through Jesus Christ. Help me to love others not just in words but through actions that reflect Your love. Give me the strength to choose love even when it is a challenge. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For July 25, 2023

Encouragement

Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.
‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭7‬

In this passage of Scripture, Jesus was preparing His disciples for His departure from this world. He promised to send the Helper, the Holy Spirit, who will be an ever-present source of strength, guidance, and comfort for all who believe.

Imagine what the disciples were thinking as they heard Jesus speak about leaving. They had walked with Him, witnessed countless miracles, and found joy being in His presence. Jesus assured them that His departure would not be a loss but a gain. It was to their advantage because, through His departure, the Helper would come.

Today, we have an advantage because the very presence of the Almighty abides within us. Through the Holy Spirit, we experience an intimate relationship with God. This promise is not limited to the disciples; it is a gift for all who call upon the name of Jesus.

In our moments of sorrow, we have the Holy Spirit with us as the Comforter, offering peace that surpasses all understanding. When we face uncertainty, we have the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth, giving us illumination, inspiration and revelation of the Word.

As we yield our lives to the Holy Spirit’s leading, He transforms our hearts, aligning our desires with God’s will. The Helper convicts us of sin, urging us to repent and walk in righteousness. He enables us to love sacrificially, forgive unconditionally, and serve others selflessly.

It is your choice to seek His guidance, trust His leading, and rely on His power. With the Holy Spirit, you can confidently face life’s challenges, knowing that you have the greatest advocate and companion in your journey of faith.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the promise of the Holy Spirit. Help me to yield to His leading, that I may walk in Your truth. Empower me to love, serve, and forgive others with the same love and grace You have shown me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For July 24, 2023

Encouragement

This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬

The Apostle Paul carefully explains that the righteousness of God is not attained through our good works or efforts, but through faith in Jesus Christ. It is a righteousness that comes from God Himself and is made available to all who believe.

Living by faith is an ongoing journey of trust and dependence on God’s love and grace. From the moment we place our faith in Christ, we embark on a life-long experience of growing in God’s righteousness.

The phrase, “through faith a righteous person has life,” comes from the Old Testament book of Habakkuk (Habakkuk 2:4). Both Paul and Habakkuk affirm the significance of living a life that is grounded in faith.

Living by faith requires surrendering our desire for control and humbly acknowledging our need for God’s guidance. It involves trusting God, even when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging. As we walk by faith, God’s righteousness transforms our hearts, minds, and actions.

In our journey of faith, there will be moments of doubt and struggles. Yet, when we fix our eyes on Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), we find the strength to persevere. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are continually being conformed into the image of Christ, reflecting His righteousness to the world around us.

Today devote yourself to trusting in God’s righteousness and walking in obedience to His Word. As you grow in faith, you will experience the abundant life that comes from knowing and following Jesus Christ.

Pray

Lord, help me to live by faith and be guided by Your Spirit. Strengthen my faith as I face doubts and difficulties. Transform me daily into the likeness of Your Son, that I may reflect Your righteousness to those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.