Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: salvation

Devotional For August 31, 2023

Encouragement

And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt.
‭‭Daniel‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬

Daniel 12:2 gives us a glimpse into the promise of resurrection and the reality of eternal life. This verse invites us to reflect on the choices we make in this life and the hope we have in Christ for the life beyond. Our earthly lives are temporary compared to the eternal reality that lies ahead.

The imagery of those who “sleep in the dust shall awake” underscores the hope of resurrection. Just as sleep is temporary, death is not the end for believers. Through faith in Christ, we anticipate the ultimate awakening to everlasting life.

There are two possible outcomes: everlasting life or shame and contempt. This emphasizes the importance of the choices we make in this life and their eternal implications. Faith in Christ leads to the promise of eternal life, while rejecting Him leads to spiritual separation.

Today’s verse serves as a call to reflect the preciousness of life and the need to embrace the hope of eternity through our faith and relationship with God. It prompts us to evaluate our faith, our priorities, and our actions, considering the eternal consequences they hold.

The promise of eternal life is a source of comfort and motivation to live faithfully and intentionally, aligning our lives with God’s purposes.

Are you living with the perspective of eternity in mind? Your choices and priorities in this life have eternal implications.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Help me to live with a perspective of eternity, making choices that honor You and reflect the hope I have in You. Help me to embrace the truth of Your Word as I journey towards heaven. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Devotional For August 30, 2023

Encouragement

But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you.
‭‭Luke‬ ‭14‬:‭10‬

In Luke 14, Jesus teaches us a valuable lesson about humility and exaltation. This verse invites us to reflect on our attitude towards recognition and honor, urging us to approach life with humility and a heart that seeks to honor others.

We live in a world that often values prestige and recognition, but Jesus encourages a different perspective. He advises us to choose the lowest place, demonstrating humility rather than seeking attention or prominence.

When we humble ourselves, God notices. He sees our heart’s posture and willingness to put others before ourselves. Just as the host at a banquet may invite someone to a higher seat, God exalts those who display genuine humility.

Choosing the lowest place requires contentment and a secure sense of self-worth. It’s a recognition that our value isn’t solely determined by our position or status but by our identity in Christ.

Choosing the lowest place is also an act of honoring others. It reflects a heart that values relationships over status and seeks to serve rather than to be served.

Are there any areas in your life where you can choose the lowest place? Are you demonstrating humility and honoring others in your interactions with others?

Pray

Lord, teach me the beauty of humility. Help me to choose the lowest place, recognizing that true value comes from my identity in You. May my actions reflect a heart that seeks to honor and serve others, as I trust in Your exaltation in due time. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Devotional For August 29, 2023

Encouragement

Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭7‬:‭25‬

There is such a beautiful truth in today’s verse that brings comfort and assurance to every believer’s heart. It reminds us that Jesus Christ, our Savior and High Priest, not only saved us but continues to intercede on our behalf. His intercession is a testament to His eternal love and care for His children.

As our Savior, Jesus accomplished the work of redemption on the cross, providing salvation for all who come to God through Him. As our Intercessor, He continues to stand before the Father on our behalf, representing us and advocating for us.

The assurance that Jesus is able to save us provides us with great comfort. His salvation isn’t limited by time, circumstances, or the depth of our sins. His grace reaches to the depth of our need, offering complete and everlasting salvation.

What a powerful statement—Jesus always lives to make intercession for us. His ministry of intercession isn’t occasional or sporadic; it’s constant and unending. His presence before the Father is a reminder that we are never alone, and His prayers on our behalf are always present.

The concept of intercession speaks to the oneness between the Son and the Father. Jesus, who knows us intimately, intercedes for us personally. His prayers are specific to our needs, fears, and aspirations.

Let this wonderful truth impact your perspective on your relationship with God through Jesus Christ. How can you lean into the comfort of His intercession in your daily life?

Pray

Lord, I’m grateful for the assurance that You always intercede for me. Thank You for Your unending love and care. Help me to draw closer to You, knowing that my prayers are heard by You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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