Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: salvation

Devotional For August 24, 2023

Encouragement

God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭47‬:‭8‬

As we meditate on this verse, we are reminded of the greatness of our God and the assurance that He is in control. God sovereignly rules over all the nations of the earth from His holy throne.

“God reigns over the nations.” This declaration serves as a comforting reminder in a world filled with uncertainty. God’s reign remains constant and unchanging. His authority extends beyond borders, cultures, and circumstances.

The image of God sitting on His holy throne evokes a sense of majesty and power. It reminds us that His rule is not only over physical realms but also extends into the spiritual realm. His throne represents a place of divine justice, wisdom, and grace.

In times of global turmoil, knowing that God reigns can bring peace to our hearts. His sovereignty assures us that He is aware of every situation and is working all things according to His perfect plan. We can trust in His goodness and providence.

As we think about this verse, our hearts are drawn to worship. The truth of God’s sovereignty invites us to praise Him for His power and authority. It encourages us to surrender our concerns to Him and find rest in His capable hands.

Are there areas in your life where you need to trust His rule more fully? Thank God that He reigns over all nations and situations?

Pray

Lord, I am grateful that You reign over the nations and sit on Your holy throne. I find comfort in Your sovereignty. Help me to trust Your perfect plan and surrender my worries to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Devotional For August 23, 2023

Encouragement

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭19‬:‭14‬

This verse invites us to reflect on the significance of our thoughts and speech, and to seek God’s guidance in ensuring they are pleasing to Him. The psalmist recognizes the intimate connection between the “meditation of the heart” and the “words of the mouth.” Our words stem from an overflow of what’s in our hearts. When our hearts are filled with love, grace, and godly intentions, our words will reflect that beauty.

The core desire is for our words and the meditation of our hearts to be pleasing to God. This plea emphasizes our longing to bring glory to God through our thoughts and speech. We seek to live in a way that resonates with His character.

The verse concludes with a reminder of God’s role in our lives as our “strength and Redeemer.” Our dependence on Him is crucial for the transformation of our hearts and the refinement of our words. With God’s strength, we can choose words of encouragement, wisdom, and love.

Living out this verse requires us to be intentional and to have a surrendered heart. It’s about consistently seeking God’s guidance in our thoughts and interactions. When we invite the Holy Spirit to shape our innermost being, our words will naturally align with God’s will.

Do your thoughts and words align with the desires of God? How can you ensure that your heart’s meditation and your spoken words honor God? Spend time in prayer, inviting God to guide your thoughts and speech.

Pray

Lord, I pray that the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart would be pleasing in Your sight. Help me to align my thoughts and speech with Your wisdom and grace. Strengthen me to choose words that build up and encourage others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Devotional For August 22, 2023

Encouragement

Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭9‬:‭23‬

We live in a world that often esteems human wisdom, strength, and wealth. Jeremiah 9:23 invites us to examine our hearts and priorities, recognizing what truly matters in the eyes of the Lord.

It’s easy to find identity in the things that our society values—intellectual skills, physical strength, and material wealth. Yet, God’s perspective challenges us to consider whether these pursuits are worthy of our boast.

Human wisdom is limited and will quickly fade away in the face of life’s complexities. No matter how knowledgeable we may be, our understanding is still subject to limitations. True wisdom begins with acknowledging our need for God’s guidance and seeking His truth above all else.

Strength and power can deceive us into believing we are self-sufficient. However, our strength is vulnerable to weakness and can be humbled in a moment. The Lord invites us to lean on His strength, recognizing that our true security lies in Him.

Wealth provides comfort and security, yet it too can vanish like the wind. The pursuit of riches can blind us to the eternal treasures that come from a relationship with Christ. Our ultimate wealth is found in His presence and the inheritance we have in Christ.

True worth and value come from knowing and understanding God—the source of unwavering love, righteous judgment, and abounding grace.

Are there areas in your life where you’ve put your confidence in wisdom, strength, or wealth? Consider how you can redirect your focus towards boasting in the Lord and growing in your knowledge of Him.

Pray

Lord, help me align my priorities with Your perspective. Remind me that true wisdom, strength, and riches come from knowing and understanding You. Help me to grow in my relationship with You each day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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