Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: salvation

Devotional For October 25, 2023

Encouragement

Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance,
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬

John the Baptist gives a powerful message about the significance of true repentance. His words encourage us to not only acknowledge our need for forgiveness but also to demonstrate that change in our lives through the fruits of our repentance.

John the Baptist preached repentance to a people who didn’t think they needed to change. Once people heard his message, they realized how far they had fallen short and how badly they needed to repent. They were baptized with water as an expression of how their hearts had been changed.

Repentance isn’t just about confessing your wrongdoing; it’s about a genuine transformation of your heart and actions. It’s about turning away from sin and turning towards God, resulting in a life that reflects this change.

Consider the quality of your own repentance. Are you simply asking for forgiveness, or are you bearing the fruits worthy of repentance in your life? Are you actively seeking to live in a way that aligns with God’s will and reflects the change in your heart?

Pray

Lord, I come before You with a humbled and repentant heart. Help me to bear fruit worthy of repentance in my life. Give me strength to turn away from my sins and to seek Your forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For October 24, 2023

Encouragement

Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭58‬

Jesus reveals to us a profound truth about His identity. He doesn’t just claim to be older than Abraham; He declares His divinity with the words “I AM.” This phrase harkens back to God’s revelation of Himself to Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3:14. It’s a declaration of eternality and deity.

As we reflect on this truth, we are reminded of the timeless nature of Christ, the “I AM.” He existed before Abraham, before time itself, and He continues to exist as the eternal God.

In our own lives, we often face situations that seem insurmountable, challenges that test our faith, and uncertainties that weigh heavily on our hearts. In those moments, we can find peace in knowing that the great “I AM” is with us. Jesus, who is before all things, is by our side, offering His guidance, comfort, and strength.

When we face our doubt and fears, we can trust in Jesus to give us what we need to endure all things. He is unchanging and eternal.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the assurance of Your presence in my life. Grant me strength to trust in You, the great “I AM,” and to find refuge in Your everlasting love. I pray for wisdom to follow Your teachings and the courage to live out Your example in my daily walk. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For October 23, 2023

Encouragement

Say to those who are fearful-hearted, “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, With the recompense of God; He will come and save you.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭35‬:‭4‬

The world can be a frightful place, and it’s easy to become “fearful-hearted.” But in Isaiah 35:4, we are reminded of a powerful message of hope and reassurance from God.

First, we are encouraged to “be strong” and not to give in to fear. This strength doesn’t come from our own abilities, but from the divine source of strength – God Himself. It is a call to trust in His power and promises.

The verse goes on to proclaim that God will come with vengeance and recompense. This is a reminder that justice ultimately belongs to Him, and He will set things right. The injustices we see in the world will not go unnoticed or unpunished.

Most importantly, the verse concludes with the beautiful promise that the Lord will come and save us. No matter how dire our circumstances may appear, God is our ultimate savior. He is with us in our trials, and His salvation is our ultimate hope.

Let this verse be a source of strength and a reminder of God’s unwavering love and commitment to His people. We can take refuge in His promise to save us, knowing that we are never alone in our journey. So, be strong, do not fear, and trust in the God who is our Savior and Redeemer.

Pray

Lord, thank You for being my Savior and Redeemer. Give me strength and courage to overcome any fear I may face today. I trust Your promises. In Jesus’ name, amen.