Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: salvation

Devotional For October 1, 2023

Encouragement

Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him,
‭‭Luke‬ ‭8‬:‭1‬

Jesus traveled through every city and village, preaching the good news of the kingdom of God. As His disciples, we are called to share this same message with the world. The kingdom of God represents His reign, His love, and His salvation offered to all.

The presence of the twelve disciples with Jesus is significant. It underscores the idea that discipleship involves a close, personal relationship with the Master Teacher. They walked with Him, learned from Him, and shared in His mission work.

Being a disciple consists of being a learner or student. The disciples spent time with Jesus, not just for the sake of companionship but to absorb His teachings and witness His actions. To follow Jesus means to learn from Him and seek to reflect His character.

Discipleship isn’t just about personal growth; it’s about sharing the good news. We are called to bring the glad tidings of God’s kingdom to those around us. Just think about how you could brighten someone’s day just by sharing the good news of Jesus with them.

Are you actively learning from Jesus and sharing the good news of His kingdom with others? Are you walking closely with Him, seeking to become more like Him in character and purpose? May today’s verse inspire you to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and embrace the call to be His disciple.

    Pray

    Lord, thank You for the example of discipleship found in Your ministry. Help me to follow You more closely everyday. May I be true disciple, reflecting Your love and grace in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

    Devotional For September 30, 2023

    Encouragement

    My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you,
    ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭4‬:‭19‬

    Paul’s words reflect the heart of a spiritual parent who cares deeply for the spiritual development of his “children” in the faith. It reminds us that in our journey as believers, we should not only focus on our personal growth but also invest in the growth of others.

    The phrase “labor in birth again” underscores the idea that spiritual growth is a process. Just as a woman goes through labor pains to bring a child into the world, nurturing spiritual growth can be challenging and requires much effort. It’s journey consisting of teaching, guiding, and discipling.

    The ultimate goal of spiritual growth is for “Christ to be formed in you.” This means that our lives should increasingly reflect the character, love, and nature of Jesus. It’s about becoming more like Him in our thoughts, actions, and attitudes.

    It’s essential to recognize that this transformation doesn’t happen through our own efforts alone. It is through our relationship with Christ. We depend on His grace, guidance, and the work of the Holy Spirit to mold us into His image.

    Consider your role in nurturing spiritual growth, both in your own life and in the lives of those around you. Like Paul, may we be committed to seeing Christ formed in us and in others, recognizing that it is a labor of love guided by our deep faith in Christ.

      Pray

      Lord, help me to be diligent in becoming more like You. Help me to encourage others in their growth in faith. Let Your love shine through me each and every day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

      Devotional For September 28, 2023

      Encouragement

      Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
      ‭‭I Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬

      In this verse, the Apostle Peter provides us with valuable wisdom and guidance on how to navigate the spiritual battles we face in life. He urges us to be both sober and vigilant, and he likens our adversary, the devil, to a roaring lion on the prowl.

      Peter encourages us to be sober, not just in the sense of abstaining from alcohol, but also in our spiritual lives. Sobriety means being clear-minded and not clouded by the distractions or temptations of this world. It’s about maintaining spiritual clarity so that we can discern the enemy’s tactics.

      Being vigilant implies being watchful and alert. We are called to watch over our hearts and minds. The devil is constantly seeking opportunities to lead us astray, so we must remain vigilant in our faith, prayer, and devotion to God.

      Peter reminds us that the devil is our adversary, and he is relentless in his efforts to devour our faith, joy, and peace. Understanding the nature of our spiritual enemy is crucial. He often operates through deception, temptation, and discouragement.

      While the devil may be an adversary, we have the ultimate protector in God. Through prayer, faith, and reliance on God’s Word, we can resist the schemes of the enemy. God provides us with the armor of faith to stand firm.

      As you go about your day, stay rooted in your relationship with God, and you’ll find the strength to overcome the challenges that come your way.

      Pray

      Lord, thank You for the guidance and wisdom found in your Word. Help me to be sober and vigilant in my faith, guarding my heart against the schemes of the enemy. Strengthen me with Your Spirit so that I may stand firm in my faith and find refuge in Your loving arms. In Jesus’ name, amen.