Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: jesus

Devotional For August 9, 2023

Encouragement

For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭8‬

As believers, our ultimate purpose is to honor, glorify, and serve the Lord. Whether we experience life or face death, our existence finds meaning in our Creator. We are created for a wonderful purpose.

This truth invites us to live with intention, recognizing that every moment is an opportunity to offer our actions, thoughts, and decisions to God. It encourages us to live life to the fullest. It also gives comfort in times of hardship, assuring us that even in death, we remain secure in our Heavenly Father’s care.

Our identity and purpose are found in our relationship with the Lord. As we draw close to the Lord, He will reveal to us His will. As we fulfill our purpose, God is glorified and we are filled with joy and gladness. Is your heart filled with joy?

As you face the good and bad today, remember that you belong to the Lord. Your actions will directly reflect your commitment to Him. No matter the circumstances you face today, you can find purpose, joy, and solace in the boundless love of our Creator.

Pray

Lord, thank You for giving me a purpose for living. Even when I die, You still have a purpose and plan for me in heaven. Give me courage to honor You in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Devotional For August 6, 2023

Encouragement

It is eleven days’ journey from Horeb by way of Mount Seir to Kadesh Barnea. Now it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moses spoke to the children of Israel according to all that the Lord had given him as commandments to them,
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭3‬

The Israelites’ journey from Horeb to the Promised Land is a story that mirrors our own journey of faith. In today’s verses, we gain valuable insights into this journey and how it can shape our perspective on following God’s path for our lives.

Imagine planning for an eleven-day trip and finding yourself wandering for forty years. The distance between Horeb and Kadesh Barnea could have been covered in a relatively short time, but due to disobedience and lack of faith, the Israelites found themselves stuck in a cycle of aimless wandering. This serves as a reminder that our journey of faith can be prolonged if we fail to trust God and obey His commands.

The forty-year delay wasn’t without purpose. It provided the Israelites with lessons in humility and complete dependence on God. Sometimes, God’s delays in our lives are opportunities for growth and dependency.

God’s timing is often different from ours. While the Israelites may have wondered why their journey took so long, God had a specific plan in mind. When we find ourselves impatient, we must remember that God’s timing is perfect. Our role is to trust Him completely, even when the path seems unclear or the journey seems prolonged. Just as God led the Israelites through the wilderness, He is guiding us step by step toward His promises.

Pray

Lord, help me to trust in Your timing and to obediently follow Your commands. Grant me wisdom to learn from the times of waiting. Guide me toward the purposes You have for me. In Jesus’ name, amen

Devotional For August 5, 2023

Encouragement

But He needed to go through Samaria.
‭‭John‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬

John chapter 4 begins with a story of Jesus meeting a lonely Samaritan woman who was drawing water at noonday. The essence of the story is about repentance, although the word “repent” is never mentioned. It’s a testimony of someone whose life was dramatically altered the day she met the Messiah.

The woman went to draw water from the well at midday to avoid the other women. Because of her lifestyle, she was considered an outcast. Immediately after she encountered Jesus, she deeply desired to invite others to come to Jesus. We can observe two changes in this woman’s life. She changed her mind and she changed her direction.

After meeting Jesus, she quickly went to the people who shunned her and told them about her encounter with the Messiah. She went to the well seeking physical water but left her bucket at the well after she received the living water. Her purpose and priority was permanently changed.

Repentance is a change of mind and change of direction. When we truly repent we change our mind about the sin we committed and turn away from that sin. If you have sin that you have not changed your mind about or turned from, you have not repented.

A relationship with Jesus ignites a repentant heart. When the Holy Spirit comes into our lives, our sins are illuminated, encouraging us to make a change. This change happens when we experience the love of God. Repentance comes after our heart has been transformed.

Reflect on your journey since encountering Jesus. Has His presence caused you to change your lifestyle? Is there a noticeable redirection of paths that dishonor God? Allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen you to make the necessary adjustments.

Pray

Lord, thank You for encountering me and allowing me to receive salvation. Help me to embrace the power of repentance. Give me the courage and strength to change my perspectives and paths. In Jesus’ name, amen.