Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: grace

Devotional For November 12, 2023

Encouragement

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬

What does it mean to rejoice always? It is a joy that is not controlled by circumstances. The source of this joy is not found in the pleasures of the world but rather in the character of our Lord. As we survey this verse, let’s explore three aspects that encourage us to rejoice.

1. Rejoice in the Lord: Our joy is anchored in the Lord Himself. Regardless of the storms that may rage around us, the foundation of our joy remains in Him. It’s not contingent on our situations but on the unchanging nature of God. We can rejoice because God is always good.

2. Always: The command to rejoice always is not a suggestion but a call to a consistent attitude of rejoicing. It means rejoicing when times are good and when times are not so good. The “always” challenges us to see beyond the immediate circumstances and trust that God’s sovereignty is at work.

3. Rejoice Again: Paul underscores the importance of joy by repeating the command – “Again, I will say, rejoice!” It’s as if he wanted to emphasize that the call to rejoice is not a one-time event but a continuous lifestyle of a Christian. Even when challenges threaten to steal our joy, we are reminded to return to the source, to rejoice again in the Lord who is our strength and refuge.

Are you rejoicing in the Lord today?

Pray

Lord, thank You for being the source of joy for me. Help me to cultivate a spirit of joy, anchored in a close relationship with You. Help me to continually find joy in your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For November 11, 2023

Encouragement

Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬

Paul describes a powerful truth about the victory achieved through Christ. This verse states the triumphant work of Jesus on the cross and the defeat of the evil forces that seek to hold us captive.

As believers, we stand victorious and secured with Christ. Every chain that once bound us has been loosed, and the forces of darkness have been disarmed. Satan has no grip on us as believers.

It doesn’t mean that we will no longer face the fiery darts of the devil. It means we have the power through Jesus Christ to overcome. In our daily challenges, let’s draw strength from the reality that we face each battle as conquerors, not victims.

Seek the help and power of the Lord to fight your battles and to fight against temptations. Have faith and know that you already have victory in Jesus.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the victory on the cross. Grant me a deeper understanding of the freedom I now possess and the authority bestowed upon me as a believer. Help me remember to face each challenge from a stance of victory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For November 4, 2023

Encouragement

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
‭‭John‬ ‭17‬:‭17‬

In John 17, we hear a prayer from Jesus, often referred to as the “High Priestly Prayer.” In this prayer, Jesus intercedes on behalf of His disciples and all future believers, asking that they be sanctified by the truth.

Sanctification involves being set apart for a holy purpose. Jesus desires that we be set apart and by the truth. He identifies God’s Word as the source of that truth. God’s Word is the ultimate standard of truth, a guide for our lives, and a revelation of God’s character and will.

It is very important that we immerse ourselves in God’s Word. The Bible not only informs us of the truth but also has the power to change us. It corrects our misconceptions, convicts us of sin, guides our decisions, and shapes our character to align with God’s holiness.

Make a commitment to seeking and living out the truth found in God’s Word. As you do, you will be progressively sanctified and set apart for God’s purposes. May His truth touch your heart and direct your actions.

Pray

Lord, I thank You for the truth found in Your Word. Help me to cherish and immerse myself in it, so that I can be continually sanctified and set apart for Your holy purposes. May Your Word shape my thoughts, decisions, and actions. In Jesus’ name, amen.