Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: salvation

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.

Devotional For September 27, 2023

Encouragement

…for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬

In today’s verse, the Apostle Paul highlights two essential aspects of our relationship with God.

1. God’s Divine Will: The verse acknowledges that God desires us to align our will with His divine purpose. His will is always perfect and in our best interest. When we earnestly seek His will, we open the door for His guidance and blessings in our lives.

2. God’s Empowering Grace: Not only does God invite us to follow His will, but He also empowers us to do so. This empowerment comes through the Holy Spirit, who works within us, transforming our desires and enabling us to carry out His plans.

As we seek God’s will in our lives, we may face moments of uncertainty or doubt. But God’s Spirit guides and enlightens our hearts, helping us understand His purpose for us.

When we encounter difficulties or obstacles in following God’s will, His empowering grace equips us with the strength and resilience needed to overcome them.

God’s empowerment allows us to live purposefully, fulfilling His good pleasure. When we align our will with His, our lives take on deeper meaning and significance.

Philippians 2:13 reminds us that God is actively at work within us, enabling us to desire and fulfill His divine will. As we seek His guidance and rely on His empowering grace, we can live a life that brings Him glory and aligns with His perfect plan for us.

Pray

Lord, I am so grateful for Your invitation to follow Your will and for the empowering grace of Your Holy Spirit. Help me to seek Your guidance in all aspects of my life and to align my desires with Your purpose. Help me to trust in Your empowerment to fulfill Your good pleasure. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Devotional For September 23, 2023

Encouragement

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭1

Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved and comforting passages in the Bible. It has brought solace and strength to countless individuals throughout history.

“The Lord is my shepherd.” These five words convey a profound message of faith and trust. In describing the Lord as a shepherd, King David, the author of this psalm, draws upon imagery that was familiar to the people of his time. Shepherds were responsible for guiding, protecting, and providing for their sheep. In the same way, the Lord takes on the role of a caring and attentive shepherd in our lives.

  1. Guidance: Just as a shepherd leads his sheep to green pastures and still waters, the Lord leads us in the paths of righteousness. His guidance is perfect, and He knows the way that is best for us. Sometimes, life can feel uncertain and confusing, but we can take comfort in knowing that the Lord is leading us every step of the way.
  2. Protection: Shepherds protected their sheep from danger, whether it was from wild animals or treacherous terrain. Similarly, the Lord is our protector. He shields us from the spiritual and emotional dangers that threaten us. Even in the face of life’s challenges, we need not fear, for He is with us.
  3. Provision: “I shall not want.” The Lord, our Shepherd, provides for our every need. Just as a shepherd ensures that his flock lacks nothing, God supplies us with all that is necessary for our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. We can trust in His abundant provision.

In our daily lives, it is easy to become anxious about our needs and uncertainties. However, Psalm 23:1 reminds us to shift our focus from our worries to our Shepherd. We can find comfort and security in the fact that the Lord is our guide, protector, and provider.

Pray

Lord, thank You for being my Shepherd. Help me to shift my focus from worrying and place my full trust in You. Give me peace and comfort knowing You are my Guide, Protector, and Provider. In Jesus’ name, amen.