Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Devotional For September 2, 2023

Encouragement

The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you;
‭‭Numbers‬ ‭6‬:‭24‬-‭25‬

In these two verses from the book of Numbers, we are presented with a beautiful and timeless blessing that the Lord instructed Aaron and his sons to pronounce upon the children of Israel. This blessing is an expression of God’s love and care for His people, and it continues to hold great significance for us today.

“The Lord bless you and keep you”: This part of the blessing reminds us that God desires to bless us abundantly. His blessings are not merely material, but they encompass every aspect of our lives. He longs to provide for our needs, protect us from harm, and guide us along the path of righteousness. As we reflect on this, let us trust in His provision and rely on His unfailing protection.

“The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you”: This portion of the blessing is a reminder of God’s grace and favor. When God’s face shines upon us, it symbolizes His pleasure and delight in us. His grace, freely given, is a gift beyond measure. It reminds us that we are not deserving of His love, yet He showers it upon us.

These verses also point to the personal nature of our relationship with God. He desires to bless us individually and to be intimately involved in our lives. His desire is not only to bless and keep us but to shine His face upon us and be gracious to us personally.

As you go about your day, know that the Lord desires to bless you, keep you, shine His face upon you, and be gracious to you. May this knowledge bring you comfort, confidence, and a deeper connection with our loving and gracious God.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your love and grace that You pour upon me. Let Your blessings remind me of how You desire to show Your love. Help me to bless others as You have blessed me. In Jesus’s name, amen.

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Devotional For August 19, 2023

Encouragement

Teach me Your way, O Lord, And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭11‬

God invites us to learn from Him, humbly acknowledging that He knows the best way for us to enjoy a peaceful life. The psalmist sought the Lord for wisdom and understanding in his journey. Submitting to God’s way ensures a life filled with joy.

“Teach me Your way, O LORD” is an acknowledgment of a desire for divine guidance. In a world full of opinions, we need a trustworthy compass to guide and direct us. God’s way is right and our way of living needs to align with His character, wisdom, and love.

The psalmist’s desire for a “smooth path” is not a plea for an easy life, but a prayer for God’s grace to help make it through life’s bumpy roads. When we entrust our journey to the Lord, He guides us along paths that, though not always devoid of obstacles, are accompanied by His peace and presence.

The “enemies” the psalmist mentions represent the various forms of opposition—doubts, fears, temptations, or external pressures. In the face of such adversaries, with the Lord’s guidance, He directs us in ways we can find strength to stand firm.

Consider the paths you’ve taken lately and the decisions you’ve made. Are you under the guidance of the Holy Spirit of God? Are you trusting God to lead you on the right paths, which might not always be easy, but are marked by His unfailing love and grace?

Pray

Lord, as I journey through life, I recognize my need for Your guidance. Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in the midst of challenges and uncertainties. Help me to trust that Your way is the best way, and to find strength and refuge in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Devotional For August 17, 2023

Encouragement

They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus.
‭‭Mark‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

A paralyzed man’s friends went to great lengths to bring him to Jesus for healing. When they encountered obstacles, they didn’t give up; instead, they displayed a faith that moved mountains. This story illustrates the power of faith and determination.

Jesus was in a crowded house, making it nearly impossible to reach Him. Yet, the friends refused to give up. They were determined to bring him to the Healer. When they couldn’t find a way in, they found a way to overcome the obstacles before them.

The friends’ actions reveal a bold faith. They didn’t let the crowd, the roof, or inconvenience stop them. Their faith propelled them to take extraordinary measures. Their actions demonstrate a faith that goes beyond mere belief; it leads to action that reflects trust in God’s power.

These friends went above and beyond by digging a hole in the roof. Their actions reflect a willingness to inconvenience themselves for the sake of another’s well-being. This selflessness aligns with the heart of Jesus.

Once they opened the roof, the friends lowered the paralyzed man down to Jesus. Their actions reflected a profound trust in Jesus’ ability to heal. They had confidence that Jesus would definitely heal him.

This story challenges us to examine our own faith. Are we willing to go to great lengths to help those in need? Are we prepared to deal with obstacles and dig through barriers to bring others closer to Jesus?

As you reflect on Mark 2:4, consider the role of faith in your own life. Are there obstacles you’ve encountered that require audacious faith and determined action? Let this story inspire you to approach challenges with a faith that is bold, selfless, and unyielding—a faith that moves mountains and draws you closer to Jesus.

Pray

Lord, teach me to have a determined faith. Help me overcome obstacles and barriers that stand in the way of bringing others closer to You. Give me compassion to care for the needs of others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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