Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: grace

Devotional For July 13, 2023

Encouragement

Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me,
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭46‬:‭9‬

Living in a world that is constantly changing, it is comforting to know that our God will never change. Let’s meditate on this verse so we can find strength and encouragement in God’s unchanging nature.

  1. Remember the former things of old: The Lord encourages us to remember His past works and faithfulness. All throughout history, He has proven His power and faithfulness to His chosen one’s time and time again. He delivered the Israelites from Egypt, provided all of their needs while in the wilderness, and revealed so many promises to them. Remembering the former things strengthens our faith and reminds us that the same God who was faithful then is faithful today.
  2. I am God, and there is no other: God is the one and only true God. He stands alone in His power, wisdom, and authority. There is none equal to our God. Idols of this world may try to our lure the hearts of mankind, but they are nothing compared to the Creator. We can rest assured that our God is above all.
  3. I am God, and there is none like Me: God sets Himself apart from all false gods. His character is unmatched, His love is unfathomable, and His mercy knows no end. He is compassionate and full of grace. His thoughts are higher than ours. When we encounter challenges or uncertainties, we can turn to our Heavenly Father, who is unlike anyone or anything we could ever find in this world.

In a world that is constantly changing and shifting, we have an anchor for our souls. The same God who held the universe in place yesterday is holding it today and will continue to hold it for eternity. His promises remain, His love endures, and His faithfulness extends to everyone.

When you start to doubt or fear, remember the former things of old. Meditate on knowing that He is God, and there is no other that can compare. Surrender your concerns and uncertainties to the One who is in control of all things.

Pray

Lord, I praise You for Your unchanging nature. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. When I have uncertainty, anchor my heart in Your unchanging nature. Thank You for being the God who is above all and who holds all things in Your hands. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For July 12, 2023

Encouragement

So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.
‭‭I Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬

In the letter to the Thessalonians, Paul expresses his deep care and love for the believers in Thessalonica. He reminds them of the genuine love and sacrificial devotion he and his companions showed them while they were serving Christ together.

Paul’s ministry was characterized by a deep sense of love and grace. He and his fellow workers didn’t merely preach the gospel; they also invested into their lives. They shared the good news and then embraced the believers as family, helping them mature in their faith.

When we encounter people who are in need of Christ’s saving grace, our responsibility is not only to share the message of the gospel with them but also to accompany it with genuine acts of love and support.

As followers of Christ, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves. We are to walk alongside them, sharing not only the gospel but our very lives. This means investing time and effort in building meaningful connections, listening intentionally, and meeting physical needs.

Are you sharing both the message of the gospel and investing your time and energy into others? Do you extend yourself in acts of kindness, hoping it creates an opportunity for others to encounter Christ’s love?

Pray

Lord, teach me to love others as You love me. Help me to build relationships rooted in Your love, so that through my life and testimony, others may encounter Your grace and compassion. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For July 11, 2023

Encouragement

For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
Matthew 16:25

Jesus teaches a truth in Matthew 16:25 that challenges the very core of our human nature. He calls us to let go of our selfish desires and to surrender our lives entirely to Him. This truth is the key to experiencing the abundant life that Christ has promised us.

We are compelled to prioritize our own comforts and pleasures above everything else. However, Jesus invites us to a higher way of living, one that leads us into a life filled with purpose, meaning, and eternal significance.

To “save our lives” implies holding tightly to our own agenda and desires. It means placing our own will above God’s will and seeking our own happiness without considering the consequences. But Jesus warns that this path only leads to emptiness and loss.

On the other hand, Jesus calls us to “lose our lives” for His sake. This does not mean we are called to live in misery or sacrifice for the sake of sacrifice. Instead, it means surrendering ourselves completely to Him, aligning our will with His divine purpose, and dedicating every aspect of our existence to the advancement of His Kingdom.

When we follow Christ entirely, we find true meaning and purpose in Him. It is in losing ourselves that we truly find ourselves. In surrendering to Jesus, we gain a life that is more fulfilling, more joyful, and more abundant than we could ever obtain on our own.

However, surrendering our lives to Christ requires a radical change in our mindset and priorities. It means letting go of the worldly things that promote self-gratification. It involves daily dying to our selfish desires, taking up our cross, and following Jesus.

In order to live in this manner that is pleasing to God we must remember that Jesus is our ever-present help and source of strength. As we yield ourselves to Him, He empowers us with His Holy Spirit, equipping us to live out His purpose and enabling us to experience the fullness of life in Him.

Pray

Lord, I come before You today, acknowledging my need for a renewed perspective on surrendering my life to You. Help me to let go of my selfish desires and ambitions. Grant me the strength and courage to align my will with Yours and to embrace a life lived for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.