Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Devotional For August 2, 2023

Encouragement

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭30‬

One of the blessings we have as a believer in Christ is that we have been sealed with the Holy Spirit of God. It is our identity as children of God. In today’s verse, Paul urges us not to grieve the Holy Spirit but to embrace Him with joy and gratitude.

When a person accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior, the Spirit comes to dwell within their heart. This divine seal is an assurance of salvation and a promise to protect and guide us until the day we meet Jesus face to face.

When we yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit, we produce the fruits of His presence in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Our actions and attitudes should reflect the presence of the Spirit living within us.

However, we must be careful not to grieve the Holy Spirit through acts of sin and disobedience. Deliberate sin grieves the very presence of God dwelling within us. The only way to break the rebellion is to repent and turn back to God. The Holy Spirit will not let us go until we confess and repent.

When we repent of our sin, God is faithful and just to forgive us. This is the amazing grace that we are given through the righteousness of Jesus Christ. We should be encouraged to keep a close walk and fellowship with Lord to keep from grieving His presence. We will not live perfectly, but we can experience the power of His presence in our life.

Can you say that you are experiencing the power of a close fellowship with our Heavenly Father? If so, keep enjoying the blessings. But if not, I invite you to repent and allow the Spirit of God to comfort you and renew a right spirit with in you. It’s your decision.

Pray

Lord, thank You for sealing me with the presence of the Holy Spirit. Help me to walk in alignment with Your will, yielding to the guidance of the Spirit. May Your Spirit’s seal be a constant encouragement and reminder of Your faithfulness in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For August 1, 2023

Encouragement

I will never forget Your precepts, For by them You have given me life.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭93‬

Today’s verse reminds us of the power of God’s Word and the life-giving impact it has on our souls. Our lives may be challenged or shaken by circumstances but God’s Word will lift us up and strengthen us to keep going.

The psalmist declares, “I will never forget Your precepts.” God’s precepts are divine instructions and teachings that we are encouraged to abide by in our daily lives. In times of joy, we must hold onto the Word to keep us humble and grounded. In moments of sorrow, it becomes our source of hope and strength.

The second part of the verse states, “for by them, You have given me life.” The psalmist acknowledges that the very essence of his existence and purpose flows from God’s Word. When we abide by God’s precepts we gain a life more abundant.

God’s Word speaks to our hearts, reveals our deepest needs, and guides us on the path of righteousness. When we encounter God’s Word with an open heart, we are transformed by its power and presence.

Make time to read, study, and meditate on His precepts, for they are the keys to abundant life.

Pray

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Word. Help me to embrace it with a heart filled with gratitude. As I meditate on Your Word, may it empower me to live according to Your will. In Jesus’ name, amen

Devotional For July 29, 2023

Encouragement

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭7‬

Is “tithing” mentioned in the New Testament? I get this question all the time. The word “tithing” is not mentioned. However, we are given many examples as to how we are to give back to God.

In today’s verse, Paul addresses the “attitude” that giving should stem from as we honor God and bless others. Here are five “nesses” of biblical giving to keep in mind.

  1. Willingness: Our generosity should be a product of thoughtful consideration, prayer, and seeking God’s guidance. When we purposefully decide what to give, it reflects our willingness to align our hearts with God’s will.
  2. Joyfulness: Paul reminds us that God loves a cheerful giver. When we give joyfully, it reflects our gratitude for God’s blessings in our lives. Joyful giving is a response to God’s love and grace, expressing our love for Him and our concern for others.
  3. Free-Heartedness: Paul emphasizes that giving should not be forced upon us. God desires a voluntary and free-hearted response from His children. Our willingness to give out of love for God and others, brings joy to the heart of God.
  4. Abundantness: Although this is not an actual word it makes sense. Throughout the Bible, we see the theme of sowing and reaping. When we give abundantly, we open ourselves up to receive God’s blessings in abundance. Our generosity paves the way for God’s abundance in our lives.
  5. Reflectiveness: Ultimately, our giving mirrors the nature of God, who is the ultimate Giver. He gave us His Son, Jesus Christ, as a sacrifice for our salvation. When we give, we reflect God’s character and demonstrate His love to the world.

May your giving not only bless others but also deepen your relationship with God.

Pray

Lord, thank You for being a gracious and generous God. Help me to give with pure motives and a joyful heart, as an act of worship. Let my generosity be a reflection of Your love that abides in me. In Jesus’ name, amen