Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: grace

Devotional For October 27, 2023

Encouragement

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
‭‭James‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬

James gives us a wonderful description of the wisdom that comes from above, from God Himself. This wisdom from above is a reflection of God’s character and His heart for His children. Let’s dive into this description of wisdom.

First, it is “pure.” God’s wisdom is untainted by impurities or selfish motives. It seeks what is right and just, reflecting His holy nature.

Second, it is “peaceable.” This wisdom promotes peace and harmony, not strife or discord. It encourages reconciliation and unity among people.

Third, it is “gentle.” It is marked by kindness and tenderness, not harshness or cruelty. It considers the feelings and needs of others.

Fourth, it is “willing to yield.” God’s wisdom is open to reason and does not insist on its own way. It is teachable and flexible, recognizing that we can learn from others.

Fifth, it is “full of mercy and good fruits.” This wisdom is characterized by compassion and a desire to do good. It is not judgmental but extends grace and bears the fruit of righteousness.

Sixth, it is “without partiality.” God’s wisdom does not show favoritism. It treats all people with equity and fairness, regardless of their background or status.

Seventh, it is “without hypocrisy.” It is genuine and sincere, not marked by deceit or insincerity. It aligns with the truth and does not pretend to be something it is not.

By embracing this wisdom, we can be instruments of God’s love, peace, and grace in a world in need of His truth. Ask God for His wisdom and the strength to live it out in your daily walk.

Pray

Lord, I come before You, seeking Your wisdom from above. Help me to embrace a wisdom that is pure, peaceable, gentle, and filled with mercy. Guide my heart to live without partiality and hypocrisy, that I may be a vessel of Your grace and goodness in this world. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For October 25, 2023

Encouragement

Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance,
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬

John the Baptist gives a powerful message about the significance of true repentance. His words encourage us to not only acknowledge our need for forgiveness but also to demonstrate that change in our lives through the fruits of our repentance.

John the Baptist preached repentance to a people who didn’t think they needed to change. Once people heard his message, they realized how far they had fallen short and how badly they needed to repent. They were baptized with water as an expression of how their hearts had been changed.

Repentance isn’t just about confessing your wrongdoing; it’s about a genuine transformation of your heart and actions. It’s about turning away from sin and turning towards God, resulting in a life that reflects this change.

Consider the quality of your own repentance. Are you simply asking for forgiveness, or are you bearing the fruits worthy of repentance in your life? Are you actively seeking to live in a way that aligns with God’s will and reflects the change in your heart?

Pray

Lord, I come before You with a humbled and repentant heart. Help me to bear fruit worthy of repentance in my life. Give me strength to turn away from my sins and to seek Your forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For October 24, 2023

Encouragement

Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭58‬

Jesus reveals to us a profound truth about His identity. He doesn’t just claim to be older than Abraham; He declares His divinity with the words “I AM.” This phrase harkens back to God’s revelation of Himself to Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3:14. It’s a declaration of eternality and deity.

As we reflect on this truth, we are reminded of the timeless nature of Christ, the “I AM.” He existed before Abraham, before time itself, and He continues to exist as the eternal God.

In our own lives, we often face situations that seem insurmountable, challenges that test our faith, and uncertainties that weigh heavily on our hearts. In those moments, we can find peace in knowing that the great “I AM” is with us. Jesus, who is before all things, is by our side, offering His guidance, comfort, and strength.

When we face our doubt and fears, we can trust in Jesus to give us what we need to endure all things. He is unchanging and eternal.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the assurance of Your presence in my life. Grant me strength to trust in You, the great “I AM,” and to find refuge in Your everlasting love. I pray for wisdom to follow Your teachings and the courage to live out Your example in my daily walk. In Jesus’ name, amen.