Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: jesus

Devotional For July 6, 2023

Encouragement

But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
‭‭II Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭17‬

In his closing statements, Paul shares a powerful testimony of the Lord’s faithfulness and presence in times of trial and trouble. Despite facing persecution, Paul finds comfort and strength in the knowing that the Lord stood beside him.

Paul acknowledges that in the face of challenges, the Lord stood with him, providing strength, encouragement, and protection. This divine presence enabled Paul to boldly proclaim the message of the Gospel and fulfill his calling as a faithful servant of Christ.

Paul’s experience is a reminder that the Lord is not distant in our struggles. He stands by us empowering us to carry out His purposes. In moments of weakness, we can find strength and courage in the presence of our loving God.

Just as the Lord stood by Paul, He stands by us today. We will face situations that may seem overwhelming to us. We find confidence in knowing that the same God who stood by Paul stands by us, ready to strengthen and equip us for the work He has called us to do.

Seek His presence, guidance, and strength in your struggles today. Be encouraged to keep going, knowing that He will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

Pray

Lord, thank You for the assurance that You stand by me in every circumstance. Strengthen and empower me to fulfill the tasks You have entrusted to me to do. Help me to lean on Your presence and rely on Your strength, knowing that You are with me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For July 5, 2023

Encouragement

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬

Prayer is not merely a ritual or a religious duty; it is a personal conversation with our Heavenly Father. It is an opportunity to pour out our hearts to God and experience His presence that sustains us through every season of life.

With the busyness of our daily activities, it can be easy to overlook the power of prayer. However, when we embrace prayer as a part of our spiritual walk, we open ourselves to a world of divine connection and supernatural possibilities.

First, prayer is an act of surrender. It is an acknowledgment that we cannot go through life on our strength alone. Prayer humbles us before God and allows us to release our burdens, fears, and anxieties.

Through prayer, we invite God into all the details of our lives. We bring before Him our desires, knowing that He listens attentively to every word we speak.

As we spend time in prayer, we allow God to align our hearts with His will. In return, we receive wisdom, guidance, and discernment. Our perspectives change as we gain God’s perspective, and we begin to see life’s circumstances through the lens of faith.

Do you make prayer a priority in your life? Do you find strength and direction as you pour out your heart before God. Always remember that prayer is powerful and is a conversation with the Creator of the universe.

Pray

Lord, thank You for giving me the gift of prayer. I come before You ready to pour out my heart. Help me to surrender my burdens to You and to find comfort in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.

A Daily Devotional For July 2, 2023

Encouragement

So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬

This is the last church that Jesus speaks to in his letters to the seven churches. His message is to the church at Laodicea. He addresses their lukewarmness and calls for them to renew a passion for Him. The metaphorical language used in this verse portrays a humbling message—one that challenges us all to examine the condition of our hearts.

Lukewarmness represents a spiritual indifference, complacency, and lack of genuine devotion. It is a dangerous condition that can slowly creep into our lives, causing us to lose sight of the power of our relationship with Christ. When we are neither cold nor hot, we find ourselves in spiritual stagnation, lacking the zeal to be effective for Christ.

Jesus warned the Laodicean church to wake-up. It should be a warning to us as well that Jesus distastes a half-hearted devotion and a lukewarm attitude. He desires a genuine, passionate relationship that is always ready to do His good work.

It is crucial that we evaluate the state of our own hearts and the spiritual health of our walk with Christ. Are we modeling a Christ-like faith? Are we cultivating a passion for Jesus and a hunger for His presence?

Can you identify if you have allowed complacency, negativity, or the busyness of this world to dull your spiritual walk? Have you become too focused on routine religious activities and neglected the seriousness of your relationship with Christ? If so, it is essential that you realign your heart with God’s Word and seek the leading of His Spirit.

Pray

Dear Lord, forgive me for any areas of lukewarmness in my walk with You. Reveal to me where complacency has taken root and reignite a passion for serving You. Fill me with the joy of Your Holy Spirit and let my life be an example of what You desire. In Jesus’ name, amen.