Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Devotional For July 28, 2023

Encouragement

So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1‬:‭27‬

In Genesis 1, we witness the account of God’s creation, where every element of the universe was formed by His majestic hand. On the sixth and final day of creation, mankind is created and set apart from all creation in the image of God.

God intentionally designed us in His image. We are purposefully crafted by the Creator Himself. This truth carries profound implications for our understanding of human value and purpose.

As beings made in God’s image, we possess inherent value. Every individual, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or background, carries the imprint of the Divine. This truth is a reminder that each person is precious and deeply loved by God. It compels us to treat one another with respect, kindness, and compassion.

Understanding that we are created in God’s image also gives us a glimpse into our purpose. We are called to reflect God’s character and attributes to the world around us. Just as a mirror reflects an image, our lives are meant to mirror the love, grace, mercy, and justice of our Heavenly Father. We fulfill our purpose when we live in obedience to His Word and walk in alignment with His will.

Today, there seems to be a lot of confusion about God’s design of mankind. If you reject your gender, you reject your value and purpose. God has a purpose for you to be who He created you to be. God did not make a mistake.

Pray

Lord, thank You for creating me in Your image. Help me to grasp the profound truth of my inherent worth and value. Guide me to fulfill my purpose by reflecting Your character and attributes in all that I do. Let Your image be evident in my life, drawing others closer to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For July 26, 2023

Encouragement

My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
‭‭I John‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬

As children of God, we are called to love one another not merely with empty words or expressions, but through genuine actions and sincere truth. In today’s verse, we can take away three truths that will shape the way we demonstrate love toward others.

  1. Love is Evidenced Through Action: John challenges us to show love through our actions. Love seeks to meet the needs of others. Whether it is lending a helping hand, showing kindness, or offering encouragement, our love becomes a powerful force when put into practice and not just passed along with words.
  2. Love is Rooted in Truth: True love is firmly grounded in truth. It seeks to uplift and empower, recognizing the value of every individual. We are challenged to be genuine and honest in our interactions, allowing love to flow from a heart that sincerely cares for others.
  3. Love is a Choice, Not just a Feeling: Love is not solely based on emotions but is a conscious decision to act on the well-being of others. It is a choice that goes beyond our comfort zone. When we imitate the love of Christ, we learn to love even when it is challenging or inconvenient.

As you seek to love others in deed and truth, you will become a living testimony of Christ’s transformative love, shining His light into a world in need of authentic compassion and grace.

Pray

Dear Lord, thank You for Your perfect example of love demonstrated through Jesus Christ. Help me to love others not just in words but through actions that reflect Your love. Give me the strength to choose love even when it is a challenge. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For July 25, 2023

Encouragement

Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.
‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭7‬

In this passage of Scripture, Jesus was preparing His disciples for His departure from this world. He promised to send the Helper, the Holy Spirit, who will be an ever-present source of strength, guidance, and comfort for all who believe.

Imagine what the disciples were thinking as they heard Jesus speak about leaving. They had walked with Him, witnessed countless miracles, and found joy being in His presence. Jesus assured them that His departure would not be a loss but a gain. It was to their advantage because, through His departure, the Helper would come.

Today, we have an advantage because the very presence of the Almighty abides within us. Through the Holy Spirit, we experience an intimate relationship with God. This promise is not limited to the disciples; it is a gift for all who call upon the name of Jesus.

In our moments of sorrow, we have the Holy Spirit with us as the Comforter, offering peace that surpasses all understanding. When we face uncertainty, we have the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth, giving us illumination, inspiration and revelation of the Word.

As we yield our lives to the Holy Spirit’s leading, He transforms our hearts, aligning our desires with God’s will. The Helper convicts us of sin, urging us to repent and walk in righteousness. He enables us to love sacrificially, forgive unconditionally, and serve others selflessly.

It is your choice to seek His guidance, trust His leading, and rely on His power. With the Holy Spirit, you can confidently face life’s challenges, knowing that you have the greatest advocate and companion in your journey of faith.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the promise of the Holy Spirit. Help me to yield to His leading, that I may walk in Your truth. Empower me to love, serve, and forgive others with the same love and grace You have shown me. In Jesus’ name, amen.