Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: jesus

Devotional For October 26, 2023

Encouragement

So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us,
‭‭Acts‬ ‭15‬:‭8‬

In the book of Acts, we find a profound truth that should bring comfort and assurance to our hearts: God’s perfect plan has always been in motion. Acts 15:18 reminds us that God has known all His works from eternity. This means that every event, every twist and turn in our lives, and the entire course of human history are within His divine knowledge and control.

Often, we may question why certain things happen, or we may struggle with uncertainty about the future. In these moments, Acts 15:18 serves as a reminder that God’s understanding is far beyond our own. He has seen all things in existence from beginning to end, and every part, no matter how seemingly insignificant, plays a part in His masterful design.

As we reflect on this verse, it’s an invitation to trust in God’s wisdom and sovereignty. Even when we cannot comprehend the reasons behind our circumstances, we can rest assured that God’s plan is unfolding perfectly. Our role is to have faith, to seek His guidance, and to align our lives with His purposes.

So, take a moment to pray and surrender your worries, doubts, and uncertainties to the One who knows the end from the beginning. Trust that God’s plan is far greater than anything we can fathom, and His ways are always perfect. May this truth bring you peace and confidence in your journey of faith.

Pray

Lord, in times of uncertainty and when I cannot see the full picture, help me to trust in Your sovereignty. I surrender my worries and doubts to You, knowing that You know all things from eternity. Thank you for being a God who holds the future and for loving me unconditionally. 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.