Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: salvation

Devotional For August 9, 2023

Encouragement

For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭8‬

As believers, our ultimate purpose is to honor, glorify, and serve the Lord. Whether we experience life or face death, our existence finds meaning in our Creator. We are created for a wonderful purpose.

This truth invites us to live with intention, recognizing that every moment is an opportunity to offer our actions, thoughts, and decisions to God. It encourages us to live life to the fullest. It also gives comfort in times of hardship, assuring us that even in death, we remain secure in our Heavenly Father’s care.

Our identity and purpose are found in our relationship with the Lord. As we draw close to the Lord, He will reveal to us His will. As we fulfill our purpose, God is glorified and we are filled with joy and gladness. Is your heart filled with joy?

As you face the good and bad today, remember that you belong to the Lord. Your actions will directly reflect your commitment to Him. No matter the circumstances you face today, you can find purpose, joy, and solace in the boundless love of our Creator.

Pray

Lord, thank You for giving me a purpose for living. Even when I die, You still have a purpose and plan for me in heaven. Give me courage to honor You in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Devotional For August 8, 2023

Encouragement

being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬

In our journey of faith, we often find parallels between our physical experiences and our spiritual insights. For example, an insightful analogy emerged from a recent trip to the eye doctor, shedding light on the truth that Jesus wants us to grasp: that we should be developing in our spiritual walk every day.

For years, each visit to the eye doctor has brought the same verdict: my vision has slowly worsened. However, a recent check-up held an unexpected surprise – my eyesight has stabilized. This prompted me to contemplate my spiritual journey. Just as I had witnessed a halt in my eyesight’s deterioration, I pondered whether my spiritual insight was experiencing a similar pattern. Was my spiritual sight getting clearer, or had it plateaued?

Just as our eyesight requires care and attention to maintain its clarity, our spiritual insight demands an ongoing commitment to growth. Let us heed Jesus’ call to strive for development in our spiritual walk every day. With each step we take, with each prayer we offer, with each act of love we extend, we move closer to a deeper, more profound understanding of our faith. As we journey onward, may we be reminded that just as the eyes of our body are a window to the world, the eyes of our spirit are a gateway to the divine.

Jesus’ teachings remind us that our faith is a dynamic process. He calls us to embark on a journey of continuous growth, urging us to cultivate our spiritual insight. Just as we undertake daily steps to preserve our physical health, we must adopt intentional practices to nurture our spiritual well-being. Through prayer, meditation, studying scripture, and acts of kindness, we lay the groundwork for spiritual insight to flourish.

Each day presents an opportunity to deepen our relationship with God, to gain a clearer understanding of His word, and to perceive His guidance more acutely. As we commit ourselves to this journey, we begin to notice that our spiritual sight does indeed improve. Like the patient who finds their eyesight stabilizing, we see the fruits of our efforts manifest in our actions, attitudes, and interactions.

Pray

Lord, thank You for opening my eyes to Your truth. Help me to improve my spiritual insight each day. Deepen my faith as I trust You for all things. In Jesus’ name, amen

Devotional For August 6, 2023

Encouragement

It is eleven days’ journey from Horeb by way of Mount Seir to Kadesh Barnea. Now it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moses spoke to the children of Israel according to all that the Lord had given him as commandments to them,
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭3‬

The Israelites’ journey from Horeb to the Promised Land is a story that mirrors our own journey of faith. In today’s verses, we gain valuable insights into this journey and how it can shape our perspective on following God’s path for our lives.

Imagine planning for an eleven-day trip and finding yourself wandering for forty years. The distance between Horeb and Kadesh Barnea could have been covered in a relatively short time, but due to disobedience and lack of faith, the Israelites found themselves stuck in a cycle of aimless wandering. This serves as a reminder that our journey of faith can be prolonged if we fail to trust God and obey His commands.

The forty-year delay wasn’t without purpose. It provided the Israelites with lessons in humility and complete dependence on God. Sometimes, God’s delays in our lives are opportunities for growth and dependency.

God’s timing is often different from ours. While the Israelites may have wondered why their journey took so long, God had a specific plan in mind. When we find ourselves impatient, we must remember that God’s timing is perfect. Our role is to trust Him completely, even when the path seems unclear or the journey seems prolonged. Just as God led the Israelites through the wilderness, He is guiding us step by step toward His promises.

Pray

Lord, help me to trust in Your timing and to obediently follow Your commands. Grant me wisdom to learn from the times of waiting. Guide me toward the purposes You have for me. In Jesus’ name, amen