Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Devotional For August 23, 2023

Encouragement

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭19‬:‭14‬

This verse invites us to reflect on the significance of our thoughts and speech, and to seek God’s guidance in ensuring they are pleasing to Him. The psalmist recognizes the intimate connection between the “meditation of the heart” and the “words of the mouth.” Our words stem from an overflow of what’s in our hearts. When our hearts are filled with love, grace, and godly intentions, our words will reflect that beauty.

The core desire is for our words and the meditation of our hearts to be pleasing to God. This plea emphasizes our longing to bring glory to God through our thoughts and speech. We seek to live in a way that resonates with His character.

The verse concludes with a reminder of God’s role in our lives as our “strength and Redeemer.” Our dependence on Him is crucial for the transformation of our hearts and the refinement of our words. With God’s strength, we can choose words of encouragement, wisdom, and love.

Living out this verse requires us to be intentional and to have a surrendered heart. It’s about consistently seeking God’s guidance in our thoughts and interactions. When we invite the Holy Spirit to shape our innermost being, our words will naturally align with God’s will.

Do your thoughts and words align with the desires of God? How can you ensure that your heart’s meditation and your spoken words honor God? Spend time in prayer, inviting God to guide your thoughts and speech.

Pray

Lord, I pray that the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart would be pleasing in Your sight. Help me to align my thoughts and speech with Your wisdom and grace. Strengthen me to choose words that build up and encourage others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Devotional For August 22, 2023

Encouragement

Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭9‬:‭23‬

We live in a world that often esteems human wisdom, strength, and wealth. Jeremiah 9:23 invites us to examine our hearts and priorities, recognizing what truly matters in the eyes of the Lord.

It’s easy to find identity in the things that our society values—intellectual skills, physical strength, and material wealth. Yet, God’s perspective challenges us to consider whether these pursuits are worthy of our boast.

Human wisdom is limited and will quickly fade away in the face of life’s complexities. No matter how knowledgeable we may be, our understanding is still subject to limitations. True wisdom begins with acknowledging our need for God’s guidance and seeking His truth above all else.

Strength and power can deceive us into believing we are self-sufficient. However, our strength is vulnerable to weakness and can be humbled in a moment. The Lord invites us to lean on His strength, recognizing that our true security lies in Him.

Wealth provides comfort and security, yet it too can vanish like the wind. The pursuit of riches can blind us to the eternal treasures that come from a relationship with Christ. Our ultimate wealth is found in His presence and the inheritance we have in Christ.

True worth and value come from knowing and understanding God—the source of unwavering love, righteous judgment, and abounding grace.

Are there areas in your life where you’ve put your confidence in wisdom, strength, or wealth? Consider how you can redirect your focus towards boasting in the Lord and growing in your knowledge of Him.

Pray

Lord, help me align my priorities with Your perspective. Remind me that true wisdom, strength, and riches come from knowing and understanding You. Help me to grow in my relationship with You each day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Devotional For August 20, 2023

Encouragement

Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?
‭‭Luke‬ ‭17‬:‭18‬

In Luke 17, Jesus miraculously healed ten lepers who cried out to Him. He instructed them to show themselves to the priests, and as they went, they are cleansed. And one of them, a foreigner, returned to express heart felt gratitude. This moment captures a heart’s response to God’s grace.

The foreigner recognized the divine healing of God. He couldn’t merely accept the healing as chance or coincidence; he attributed it to the goodness of God. This recognition set him apart from the other lepers.

The foreigner’s response of gratitude wasn’t a simple “thank you”—it was genuine and heartfelt. It was an overflow of his heart. His encounter with Jesus had touched him so deeply that he couldn’t help but return to express his thankfulness.

Gratitude is a form of worship. It’s a way of acknowledging God’s goodness and the way He works in our lives. When we give glory to God, we’re not just acknowledging His actions; we’re bowing before His majesty and offering our praise. The foreigner’s act of returning to give glory was an act of worship.

It’s worth noting that the one who expressed gratitude was a foreigner—a person considered as an outsider. This reminds us that God’s grace and blessings are not limited to a specific group. God’s work is for everyone, and it’s often those who come from unexpected places who respond with the deepest gratitude.

Are there moments when you’ve experienced His goodness and grace, and didn’t take the time to return in gratitude? Consider the things that God has brought you through or kept you from and let Him know from your heart how blessed you are.

Pray

Lord, I want my gratitude to be more than just words—I want it to flow from a heart that recognizes Your work in my life. Help me to sense Your presence and action, even in the midst of challenges. May my gratitude be an authentic response that honors You and glorifies Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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