Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: jesus

Devotional For July 25, 2023

Encouragement

Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.
‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭7‬

In this passage of Scripture, Jesus was preparing His disciples for His departure from this world. He promised to send the Helper, the Holy Spirit, who will be an ever-present source of strength, guidance, and comfort for all who believe.

Imagine what the disciples were thinking as they heard Jesus speak about leaving. They had walked with Him, witnessed countless miracles, and found joy being in His presence. Jesus assured them that His departure would not be a loss but a gain. It was to their advantage because, through His departure, the Helper would come.

Today, we have an advantage because the very presence of the Almighty abides within us. Through the Holy Spirit, we experience an intimate relationship with God. This promise is not limited to the disciples; it is a gift for all who call upon the name of Jesus.

In our moments of sorrow, we have the Holy Spirit with us as the Comforter, offering peace that surpasses all understanding. When we face uncertainty, we have the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth, giving us illumination, inspiration and revelation of the Word.

As we yield our lives to the Holy Spirit’s leading, He transforms our hearts, aligning our desires with God’s will. The Helper convicts us of sin, urging us to repent and walk in righteousness. He enables us to love sacrificially, forgive unconditionally, and serve others selflessly.

It is your choice to seek His guidance, trust His leading, and rely on His power. With the Holy Spirit, you can confidently face life’s challenges, knowing that you have the greatest advocate and companion in your journey of faith.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the promise of the Holy Spirit. Help me to yield to His leading, that I may walk in Your truth. Empower me to love, serve, and forgive others with the same love and grace You have shown me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For July 24, 2023

Encouragement

This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬

The Apostle Paul carefully explains that the righteousness of God is not attained through our good works or efforts, but through faith in Jesus Christ. It is a righteousness that comes from God Himself and is made available to all who believe.

Living by faith is an ongoing journey of trust and dependence on God’s love and grace. From the moment we place our faith in Christ, we embark on a life-long experience of growing in God’s righteousness.

The phrase, “through faith a righteous person has life,” comes from the Old Testament book of Habakkuk (Habakkuk 2:4). Both Paul and Habakkuk affirm the significance of living a life that is grounded in faith.

Living by faith requires surrendering our desire for control and humbly acknowledging our need for God’s guidance. It involves trusting God, even when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging. As we walk by faith, God’s righteousness transforms our hearts, minds, and actions.

In our journey of faith, there will be moments of doubt and struggles. Yet, when we fix our eyes on Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), we find the strength to persevere. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are continually being conformed into the image of Christ, reflecting His righteousness to the world around us.

Today devote yourself to trusting in God’s righteousness and walking in obedience to His Word. As you grow in faith, you will experience the abundant life that comes from knowing and following Jesus Christ.

Pray

Lord, help me to live by faith and be guided by Your Spirit. Strengthen my faith as I face doubts and difficulties. Transform me daily into the likeness of Your Son, that I may reflect Your righteousness to those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For July 23, 2023

Encouragement

The Lord has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭8‬:‭11‬ ‭

Have you ever been swayed by the opinions and fears of those around you? Have you been talked out of doing something because someone said you wouldn’t be successful? Negative thought can control your actions.

When God set Isaiah apart to be his spokesman, He told him, “Don’t think like everyone else does.” God wanted the actions of Isaiah to be led by His instructions and insight.

As followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard of thinking. Our minds are to be guided by the truths of God’s Word and not by public opinion. We must always resist the temptation to get entangled in fear-driven narratives and be led by the promises of God.

Paul writing to the Philippians said, “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬)

If we want to fix our thoughts so that we don’t think like everyone else, we have to think about the things that are excellent and worthy of praise. We must have the mindset of Christ.

Are your thoughts true and honorable? Do you have admirable and lovely thoughts? Is your mindset the mindset of Christ?

Pray

Lord, help me to take captive all of my thoughts. When the devil makes me think evil, help me to overcome such negativity. Strengthen my faith so my mind and actions will be controlled by Your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.