Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: salvation

Devotional For October 3, 2023

Encouragement

You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭7‬:‭23‬

Before you were saved, you were held captive, bound by chains of sin and separated from God’s grace. You were enslaved to your own desires, living a life of spiritual poverty. But then, the Savior came and redeemed you.

Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price on the cross to redeem you, to purchase your freedom with His own blood. You were bought with the price of Christ’s sacrifice, and in that transaction, you were set free.

You are no longer bound by the chains of sin and death. You are no longer enslaved to the world’s expectations or the demands of others. You belong to Christ, and in Him, you find true freedom.

However, as Paul reminds us, this freedom comes with a responsibility: “do not become slaves of men.” While we have been set free from sin, we must be cautious not to exchange one form of slavery for another. It’s easy to become entangled in the expectations and opinions of others, allowing their judgments and demands to dictate our actions and decisions.

Instead, we are called to live as free individuals in Christ. This means making choices that align with God’s will, not out of compulsion or fear of what others may think, but out of a deep love for our Savior and a desire to honor Him.

As you go about your day, remember the price that was paid for your freedom. Live in the liberty of Christ, making choices that reflect your identity as a child of God. Seek His guidance in all things, and do not allow the expectations or judgments of others to enslave you once again.

Pray

Lord, I thank You for the incredible price You paid to set me free from sin and bondage. Help me to live in the freedom that You provided. Give me the strength to resist the pressures and expectations of the world and to make choices that honor You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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.