Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: grace

Devotional For October 22, 2023

Encouragement

“Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭9‬:‭50‬

Salt is a simple and common substance, and in today’s verse it serves as a powerful metaphor reminding us of our role as a follower of Christ. Jesus speaks on the significance of preserving our faith and living in harmony with others.

Jesus acknowledged the goodness and usefulness of salt. Salt was a precious commodity in the ancient world, used not only to preserve food but also to enhance its flavor. As followers of Christ, we are called to bring a positive influence to the people around us. Our faith, like salt, should be a force for good.

However, Jesus warned against losing our flavor. Just as salt, when it loses its taste, becomes worthless, so too does our faith when it loses its vitality. We must continually nurture our relationship with God, guard against complacency, and ensure that our faith remains fresh and impactful.

Jesus goes on to encourage us to “have salt in yourselves.” This means that our faith and character should be seasoned with the values and teachings of Christ. It’s not enough to merely carry the label of a Christian; we must live out the principles of love, grace, humility, and compassion.

The verse concludes with the call to “have peace with one another.” Just as salt enhances the flavor of food, our Christ-like lives should bring harmony and peace to our relationships. Our faith should manifest as acts of love, forgiveness, and a willingness to resolve conflicts.

Does your faith have a positive influence on others?

Pray

Lord, I ask you to strengthen my faith so that I live Christ-like. Let my faith bring encouragement to those who are close to me. Help me to be seasoned with Your presence so that I bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For October 20, 2023

Encouragement

Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭9‬:‭29‬

The New Testament is rich with accounts of the miraculous works of Jesus, displaying His power to heal, restore, and transform lives. Matthew 9:29 captures a powerful moment when Jesus encountered two blind men. Their story serves as a profound reminder of the role faith plays in experiencing God’s miracles.

In the narrative, Jesus extended His divine touch to the blind men. It’s important to note that His touch was directly linked to their faith. He declared, “According to your faith, let it be to you.” This statement reveals a timeless truth – our faith is the key that unlocks God’s miraculous interventions in our lives.

Faith is not merely a wishful thought or a casual belief. It’s a deep trust in God’s power and goodness. Faith is both an acknowledgment of God’s ability to do the impossible and a surrender to His will. It is the force that connects our needs to God’s abundant supply.

Just as Jesus invited the blind men to believe, He invites each one of us to have faith in Him. Regardless of our circumstances, we can come to Jesus with our needs and trust that He is more than able to meet them. He does not require perfect faith but a willingness to believe and trust in His divine provision.

The phrase “let it be to you” reflects the principle that God’s response matches the measure of our faith. When we approach God with a small measure of faith, we may receive a small blessing. But when we come to Him with wholehearted faith, we open the door for extraordinary miracles.

Remember that faith is the key that unlocks the door to God’s miraculous interventions in your life. Your Heavenly Father is waiting for you to come to Him with a heart full of faith, ready to receive the blessings and transformations He has in store for you. Trust Him, for according to your faith, let it be to you.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your divine power in my life. Help me to approach You with a heart full of faith ready to receive Your miraculous blessings. Give me courage to trust in Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For October 18, 2023

Encouragement

…keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
‭‭Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭21‬

This is a simple, yet profound verse that calls us to anchor our lives in the love of our Heavenly Father. It’s not only a command but also a promise that is vital for our spiritual journey.

To “keep” suggests an active effort on our behalf. It involves making deliberate choices to remain close to God, to cherish His love, and to live in accordance with His will. Keeping ourselves in the love of God means consistently nurturing our relationship with Him through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking His presence in our daily lives.

Jude encourages us to look for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the midst of a troubled world, the mercy of Christ offers us hope, forgiveness, and salvation. As we face the challenges of life, we can trust in the unchanging and boundless mercy of our Savior.

The ultimate promise in this verse is the hope of eternal life. By the love and grace of our Heavenly Father we have the promise of life eternal in the presence of our Lord.

Do you consistently seek His mercy and grace? Make an intentional effort to deepen your connection with Him through prayer, worship, and studying the Scriptures. In doing so, you will find strength, hope, and the assurance of eternal life.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of eternal life. By Your mercy and grace I know I am forgiven of my sins. Keep me anchored in Your love. In Jesus’ name, amen.