Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Devotional For August 31, 2023

Encouragement

And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt.
‭‭Daniel‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬

Daniel 12:2 gives us a glimpse into the promise of resurrection and the reality of eternal life. This verse invites us to reflect on the choices we make in this life and the hope we have in Christ for the life beyond. Our earthly lives are temporary compared to the eternal reality that lies ahead.

The imagery of those who “sleep in the dust shall awake” underscores the hope of resurrection. Just as sleep is temporary, death is not the end for believers. Through faith in Christ, we anticipate the ultimate awakening to everlasting life.

There are two possible outcomes: everlasting life or shame and contempt. This emphasizes the importance of the choices we make in this life and their eternal implications. Faith in Christ leads to the promise of eternal life, while rejecting Him leads to spiritual separation.

Today’s verse serves as a call to reflect the preciousness of life and the need to embrace the hope of eternity through our faith and relationship with God. It prompts us to evaluate our faith, our priorities, and our actions, considering the eternal consequences they hold.

The promise of eternal life is a source of comfort and motivation to live faithfully and intentionally, aligning our lives with God’s purposes.

Are you living with the perspective of eternity in mind? Your choices and priorities in this life have eternal implications.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Help me to live with a perspective of eternity, making choices that honor You and reflect the hope I have in You. Help me to embrace the truth of Your Word as I journey towards heaven. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Devotional For August 27, 2023

Encouragement

And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God:
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭28‬:‭2‬

Today’s verse reminds that obedience to God’s voice is the key to unlocking these blessings that overflow and overtake our lives. God desires to bless His children for their continued obedience. It is out of the goodness f His heart that He shows us what great things He can do.

Imagine blessings that don’t just trickle in but flow forth in abundance. God’s promise in Deuteronomy 28:2 is that His blessings will not only come upon you but overtake you. He doesn’t hold back; His desire is to lavish His goodness upon us.

There is a connection between obedience and blessings. When we align our lives with God’s commands and listen to His voice, we position ourselves to receive the blessings He has prepared for us. Obedience reflects our trust in His plans.

The many types of blessings mentioned in Deuteronomy 28 encompass a wide range—physical, material, and spiritual. These blessings give us a glimpse into the heart of a loving Father who desires to provide for His children in every aspect of their lives.

The idea of blessings overtaking us highlights God’s initiative in showering us with His grace. As we walk in obedience, blessings chase after us. It’s a beautiful reminder that God’s favor is not contingent on our efforts alone but on His boundless love.

Can you say that you are blessed with the goodness of God? Are there areas where obedience to God’s voice can bring about His blessings in greater measure? Consider how aligning with His will can lead to an overflow of blessings.

Pray

Lord, I’m grateful for Your desire to bless me. Help me to listen to Your voice and obey Your commands. Help me walk in alignment with Your will and experience the overflow of blessings that come from living in Your ways. Thank You for Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Devotional For August 26, 2023

Encouragement

Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”
‭‭John‬ ‭11‬:‭32‬

In John 11:32, we witness a profound moment of vulnerability and raw emotion as Mary, grieving the loss of her brother Lazarus, falls at the feet of Jesus. Her words echo the questions that can sometimes fill our hearts in times of pain and confusion.

Mary’s journey to Jesus was undoubtedly filled with a mix of emotions—grief, hope, and perhaps even a tinge of disappointment. She knew that if Jesus had been present, her brother might have been spared from death. In her sorrow, Mary’s response is an authentic pouring out of her heart.

Mary’s action of falling at Jesus’ feet illustrates the beautiful truth that our Savior is a safe place for our pain. He invites us to bring our questions, doubts, and grief to Him. He understands the depth of our emotions and invites us to lay them at His feet.

Mary’s words reveal her honest conversation with Jesus. God desires us to approach Him with our unfiltered thoughts and emotions. When we express our heartache, we create space for God to respond with comfort, understanding, and the assurance of His presence.

At the feet of Jesus, we learn the power of surrender. Mary’s words, while expressing her desire for a different outcome, also demonstrate her willingness to place her trust in Jesus’ sovereignty. Her posture teaches us to surrender our control and entrust our circumstances to Him.

Reflect on moments when you’ve felt like Mary—overwhelmed by grief, confusion, or disappointment. How can you cultivate an authentic dialogue with Jesus in those moments? Consider how falling at His feet can be an act of surrender and an invitation for His comfort.

Pray

Lord, in times of grief and confusion, I thank You for being a safe place for my pain. Help me to bring my raw emotions to You, knowing that You understand and care for my heart. Teach me to surrender my control and trust in Your sovereignty, even when circumstances are difficult. In Jesus’ name, amen.