Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: grace

Devotional For July 23, 2023

Encouragement

The Lord has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭8‬:‭11‬ ‭

Have you ever been swayed by the opinions and fears of those around you? Have you been talked out of doing something because someone said you wouldn’t be successful? Negative thought can control your actions.

When God set Isaiah apart to be his spokesman, He told him, “Don’t think like everyone else does.” God wanted the actions of Isaiah to be led by His instructions and insight.

As followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard of thinking. Our minds are to be guided by the truths of God’s Word and not by public opinion. We must always resist the temptation to get entangled in fear-driven narratives and be led by the promises of God.

Paul writing to the Philippians said, “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬)

If we want to fix our thoughts so that we don’t think like everyone else, we have to think about the things that are excellent and worthy of praise. We must have the mindset of Christ.

Are your thoughts true and honorable? Do you have admirable and lovely thoughts? Is your mindset the mindset of Christ?

Pray

Lord, help me to take captive all of my thoughts. When the devil makes me think evil, help me to overcome such negativity. Strengthen my faith so my mind and actions will be controlled by Your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For July 22, 2023

Encouragement

As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬

As followers of Christ, we are called to safeguard and uphold the purity of the Gospel message, resisting any deviation or distortion of the Gospel that may arise from false teachings or worldly influences. What is our role in doing so?

  1. Reject False Teachings: We must discern and reject any teachings that stray from the core message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. We must be diligent to examine the beliefs and doctrines we encounter, ensuring they align with the teachings of the Bible.
  2. Stay Rooted in God’s Word: In order to identify false teachings, it is vital to be well-grounded in the Scriptures. Regular study and meditation on God’s Word will equip us with discernment.
  3. Guard the Gospel: The Gospel is the cornerstone of Christianity. We are entrusted with safeguarding this precious message and passing it on faithfully to generations to come. We must resist the temptation to modify it to conform to our society or personal preferences.
  4. Avoid Compromise: The world may pressure Christians to compromise in our beliefs to be accepted or avoid conflict. Compromising the Gospel is not an option. Instead, we are called to stand boldly for Christ and His teachings.
  5. Seek Unity in Truth: When we all hold firm to the truth of the Gospel, we can stand together as a strong and unified community, bearing witness to God’s love and grace.

Are you anchoring yourself in God’s Word? Are you boldly proclaiming the truth of the Gospel? There is someone needing hope and redemption and you might just be the one who reveals the need of salvation to them.

Pray

Lord, thank You for giving me illumination to the truth of Your Word. Help me to boldly protect against false teachings. Give me discernment to recognize when teachings do not align to the Bible. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For July 21, 2023

Encouragement

By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God,
‭‭I John‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬

John provides a clear distinguishing fact to recognizing the Spirit of God—the confession that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. It is important that we discern between the Spirit of God and false spirits.

The confession that Jesus Christ came in the flesh is at the heart of our Christian faith. It affirms the profound truth that Jesus took on human form to dwell among men. This essential belief distinguishes the Spirit of God from the spirits of the devil.

As believers, it is crucial to have discernment in our daily journey. There are various voices and influences grabbing our attention and claiming to be from God. John tells us to test the spirits (1 John 4:1) and consider their source.

The confession of Jesus Christ coming in the flesh speaks of God’s love and grace reaching out to humanity. It reveals Jesus as the Messiah and the only mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). A false spirit will not glorify Jesus.

As we encounter various teachings and beliefs, let us hold fast to the truth of Jesus Christ coming in the flesh. Let us align our hearts and minds with the Spirit of God. We can grow in discernment through studying the Word of God and prayer.

Are you paying careful attention to what is grabbing your attention? Discern if it is the Spirit of God or a false spirit that is deceiving you.

Pray

Lord, I thank You for sending Jesus to be my mediator. Grant me discernment to recognize the Spirit of God in a world filled with various voices. Strengthen me to share the truth of Your love with others, that they too may come to know the salvation found in Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.