Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: grace

Devotional For July 7, 2023

Encouragement

For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.
‭‭Philemon‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬

In the short but powerful letter of Philemon, the apostle Paul expresses his gratitude and joy for the love and faith demonstrated by Philemon, a beloved brother in Christ. Philemon’s love and generosity was a source of joy for Paul and a means of refreshing the hearts of fellow believers.

The world we live in pushes self-centeredness and personal gain. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to a different standard. We are called to love one another as Christ has loved us (John 13:34). Philemon’s actions exemplified the love of Christ and it encouraged the people around him.

When we demonstrate Christ-like love and extend kindness to others, we not only bless them but we aLao experience the joy that comes from obeying God’s commandments. Our acts of love become a testimony to the transforming power of the Gospel in our lives.

As believers, we are part of a larger family and our actions impact one another. When we demonstrate love, we contribute to the well-being and spiritual refreshment of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Take a moment today and reflect on your effectiveness Christ-like love. Are you seeking opportunities to demonstrate love and kindness to those around you? Are you refreshing the hearts of fellow believers?

May our love be a source of joy, bringing refreshment to the weary and pointing others to the love and grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Pray

Lord, thank You for loving me and giving me eternal life. Fill my heart with joy that I may bless others with kindness. Give me an opportunity to express Christ-like love to someone who needs to be encouraged today.

Devotional For July 3, 2023

Encouragement

“Can anyone hide himself in secret places, So I shall not see him?” says the Lord; “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” says the Lord.
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭23‬:‭24‬

It may be a frightful thought but no one can escape God’s watchful eye or hide their actions from His sight. There is no secret or hidden place beyond His awareness. God knows all things, sees everything, and is everywhere.

The Lord says, “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” These words reveal the magnitude of God’s presence. He is not confined to a specific location or limited by time and space. There is no place where He is not.

This truth holds great significance for us as believers. It reminds us that we are never alone or forgotten. In our joys and victories, God is present. In our struggles and sorrows, He is with us. He sees us in our private moments, knows the thoughts of our hearts, and understands the complexities of our lives.

The omnipresence of God brings comfort, accountability, and a sense of awe. It assures us that we can turn to Him in every situation, knowing that He is near and attentive to our needs. It also serves as a reminder that our actions have consequences, for we cannot hide our deeds from the all-seeing eyes of our Heavenly Father.

Knowing that God is omnipresent, we are called to live with integrity. We can take comfort in knowing that even in the most challenging circumstances, God sees us and is working on our behalf. He hears our cries and understands our hearts.

Is there something you are trying to hide from God? Don’t be deceived by the false notion that you can hide anything from God or live in ways contrary to His will. Know that God is with you, guiding and directing your steps. Allow His presence to lead you to worship and honor Him in all that you do.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your omnipresence. Help me to grasp the depth of this truth and to live in constant awareness of Your presence in my life. Guide me to walk in integrity and to honor You in every area of my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

A Daily Devotional For July 2, 2023

Encouragement

So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬

This is the last church that Jesus speaks to in his letters to the seven churches. His message is to the church at Laodicea. He addresses their lukewarmness and calls for them to renew a passion for Him. The metaphorical language used in this verse portrays a humbling message—one that challenges us all to examine the condition of our hearts.

Lukewarmness represents a spiritual indifference, complacency, and lack of genuine devotion. It is a dangerous condition that can slowly creep into our lives, causing us to lose sight of the power of our relationship with Christ. When we are neither cold nor hot, we find ourselves in spiritual stagnation, lacking the zeal to be effective for Christ.

Jesus warned the Laodicean church to wake-up. It should be a warning to us as well that Jesus distastes a half-hearted devotion and a lukewarm attitude. He desires a genuine, passionate relationship that is always ready to do His good work.

It is crucial that we evaluate the state of our own hearts and the spiritual health of our walk with Christ. Are we modeling a Christ-like faith? Are we cultivating a passion for Jesus and a hunger for His presence?

Can you identify if you have allowed complacency, negativity, or the busyness of this world to dull your spiritual walk? Have you become too focused on routine religious activities and neglected the seriousness of your relationship with Christ? If so, it is essential that you realign your heart with God’s Word and seek the leading of His Spirit.

Pray

Dear Lord, forgive me for any areas of lukewarmness in my walk with You. Reveal to me where complacency has taken root and reignite a passion for serving You. Fill me with the joy of Your Holy Spirit and let my life be an example of what You desire. In Jesus’ name, amen.