Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: jesus

Devotional For October 2, 2023

Encouragement

And Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬

The Israelites were standing at the banks of the Jordan River, about to cross over into the Promised Land. Before they were to witness the wonders of God, Joshua delivered a crucial message: “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”

The word “sanctify” means to set apart, to make holy. Joshua was instructing the people to prepare themselves spiritually, to set their hearts and minds on God.

We often find ourselves at crossroads, facing challenges or embarking on new adventures. Just like the Israelites, it’s essential for us to sanctify ourselves before these moments. Here are three key aspects to consider:

1. Surrender: Sanctification begins with surrender. It means letting go of our own plans, fears, and doubts and giving ourselves entirely to God. It’s an acknowledgment that we can’t do it all on our own, but with God’s guidance and strength, we can overcome any obstacle.

2. Holiness: To sanctify ourselves is to strive for holiness. It involves purifying our hearts, repenting of sin, and seeking a closer walk with God. As we draw near to Him, He draws near to us, and His presence becomes evident in our lives.

3. Expectation: Joshua told the Israelites to sanctify themselves because he knew that God was about to perform wonders among them. Similarly, when we sanctify ourselves, we do so with the expectation that God will work wonders in our lives. We trust that He will guide us, protect us, and fulfill His promises.

As you face the “Jordan Rivers” in your life—those moments of transition, challenge, or opportunity—remember Joshua’s words. Sanctify yourself. Set yourself apart for God. Surrender, seek holiness, and maintain an expectant heart. Then, just as the Israelites witnessed God’s wonders, you too will experience His marvelous work in your life.

Pray

Lord, I come before You today, desiring to sanctify myself fully to You. I surrender my plans, my fears, and my doubts into Your hands. Make me holy, Lord, and guide me as I face the challenges and opportunities ahead. I expect Your wonders in my life, knowing that with You, all things are possible. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For September 29, 2023

Encouragement

And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.
‭‭Joel‬ ‭2‬:‭28‬

This is a powerful prophecy that speaks of a future outpouring of God’s Spirit upon all people. It’s a promise of God’s presence and guidance in a remarkable way. This verse reminds us that God desires to have a close and personal relationship with each one of us.

The promise that God will “pour out His Spirit on all flesh” signifies inclusivity. It’s not limited to a particular group or age; it’s for everyone. In this promise, we see God’s desire to work in the lives of people from all backgrounds, ages, and walks of life. He wants to use both the wisdom of the old and the energy of the young.

God’s promise of pouring out His Spirit should fill our hearts with hope and expectation. It reminds us that His presence is not distant or reserved for a select few; it’s available to all who seek Him. Through the Holy Spirit, we receive guidance, empowerment, and the ability to fulfill our God-given purpose.

As you reflect on Joel 2:28, seek the Lord in prayer, spend time in His Word, and be receptive to the desires He places in your heart. Trust that His Spirit is at work, both in you and in the world around you.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the promise of Your Spirit. I open my heart to receive more of Your presence and guidance. Use me to fulfill Your purposes and to be an instrument of Your love in this world. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For September 28, 2023

Encouragement

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
‭‭I Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬

In this verse, the Apostle Peter provides us with valuable wisdom and guidance on how to navigate the spiritual battles we face in life. He urges us to be both sober and vigilant, and he likens our adversary, the devil, to a roaring lion on the prowl.

Peter encourages us to be sober, not just in the sense of abstaining from alcohol, but also in our spiritual lives. Sobriety means being clear-minded and not clouded by the distractions or temptations of this world. It’s about maintaining spiritual clarity so that we can discern the enemy’s tactics.

Being vigilant implies being watchful and alert. We are called to watch over our hearts and minds. The devil is constantly seeking opportunities to lead us astray, so we must remain vigilant in our faith, prayer, and devotion to God.

Peter reminds us that the devil is our adversary, and he is relentless in his efforts to devour our faith, joy, and peace. Understanding the nature of our spiritual enemy is crucial. He often operates through deception, temptation, and discouragement.

While the devil may be an adversary, we have the ultimate protector in God. Through prayer, faith, and reliance on God’s Word, we can resist the schemes of the enemy. God provides us with the armor of faith to stand firm.

As you go about your day, stay rooted in your relationship with God, and you’ll find the strength to overcome the challenges that come your way.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the guidance and wisdom found in your Word. Help me to be sober and vigilant in my faith, guarding my heart against the schemes of the enemy. Strengthen me with Your Spirit so that I may stand firm in my faith and find refuge in Your loving arms. In Jesus’ name, amen.