Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: jesus

Devotional For November 17, 2023

Encouragement

Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your name forever and ever.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭145‬:‭2‬

David expressed his commitment to daily praise. This verse encourages us to cultivate a lifestyle of continuous praise and worship. David’s words inspire us to make praise a daily rhythm, not confined by circumstances but based on the unchanging character of God.

Consider the beauty of David’s commitment – not just occasional praise, but a deliberate act woven into the fabric of each day. It challenges us to recalibrate our perspective, shifting from gratitude to a posture of praise. In the busyness of life today, let’s echo David’s resolve, allowing every moment to be an opportunity to praise the Lord.

Are you ready to praise the Lord today? As you go through the day, make a purposeful attempt to praise God for all the things He has done for you.

Pray

Lord, I am stirred to make praise a daily practice. May my heart be continuously in a melody of gratitude, offering praise that honors You. Your name is worthy of eternal worship, and I commit to bless You every day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For November 16, 2023

Encouragement

Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭12‬:‭34‬

Jesus presents a powerful message about the connection between our hearts and our words. He addressed the Pharisees, calling them a “brood of vipers” and challenged them to examine the source of their speech. The message is clear: our words are not just utterances but reflections of the condition of our hearts.

The heart, in biblical terms, is the core of our being, containing our thoughts, emotions, and intentions. It serves as the wellspring from which our words flow. Jesus’ words remind us that the condition of our heart influences the content and nature of our speech. Just as a fountain cannot produce both fresh and bitter water at the same time, our heart cannot produce both good and evil speech.

As believers, we are called to guard our hearts diligently because our words have the power to build up or tear down, to encourage or discourage, to speak life or death. When we align our hearts with God’s truth and invite Him to shape our words, our speech will glorify Him.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, may we cultivate hearts that reflect the love and grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ. May the words that flow from our mouths be a testimony to the transformative work God is doing within us, for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.

Pray

Lord, help my heart be a reflection of Your heart. Empower me to speak words that bring glory and honor to Your name. Strengthen my heart to guard against evil. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For November 14, 2023

Encouragement

This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.
‭‭I John‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬

This verse guides us toward the pure nature of God. He is light and in Him there is no darkness at all. As we reflect on this truth, we are reminded that in His light, there is no room for shadows or deception.

In low light, objects that are not real can be perceived as real. But when the light is bright, the truth is revealed. The light of God reveals the truth. Jesus is the light of the world.

Today, let’s embrace the transformative power of God’s light. In the brilliance of His truth, let’s lay bare our hearts, allowing His light to illuminate every corner, exposing any darkness that may linger.

It’s a journey of authenticity and vulnerability, acknowledging that God’s light not only reveals but also purifies, bringing healing to the broken places within.

Pray

Lord, in the light of Your presence, I come before you with open hands and an open heart. Illuminate every area of my life with Your truth, dispelling any darkness that seeks to overshadow Your love. May Your light be a guiding force, shaping my thoughts, actions, and relationships. In this journey of transparency, may Your light bring healing and renewal, making me more like You each day. In Jesus’ name, amen.