Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Devotional For August 13, 2023

Encouragement

Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭7‬:‭1

Our acceptance by God is on the basis of grace through faith. We can’t earn it and we definitely don’t deserve it. God offers His righteousness so that we may be accepted through His Son, Jesus Christ. That’s grace!

Paul told the Philippian jailer, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved…” (Acts 16:31) There was nothing that he needed to do but believe and receive. Grace secures our position in Christ as being right with God. 

Paul ultimately says in today’s verse, “Since we have been given grace we work toward complete holiness because we desire to honor God.” We honor God when we pursue holiness. Holiness isn’t about achieving perfection, it’s about aligning our life with God’s standards.

As we embrace this call to holiness, let’s remember that God’s promises empower us to overcome the pull of worldly influences. The more we focus on His promises and rely on His strength, the more we’ll be able to cleanse ourselves from the filthiness that hinders our spiritual growth.

Are you pursuing holiness today? Can you see the visible changes in your life since you’ve received the righteousness of Jesus Christ?

Pray

Lord, thank You for the promises that motivate me to pursue holiness. Help me to identify and remove anything that hinders my relationship with You. Fill me with a deep reverence for Your presence and an unwavering desire to live in a way that reflects Your character. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Devotional For August 12, 2023

Encouragement

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6

How well do you manage your stress? God knows that we are going to face stressful situations so He teaches us how to manage it. When Christ is the center of our lives, we experience supernatural strength to push through and accomplish a life of more peace.

Paul was writing to encourage believers to endure. However, he was under great stress for preaching the Gospel. You would think God would have changed his circumstances, but instead God strengthened Paul to endure with grace. In today’s verse Paul gives us three practical steps to successfully manage our stress.

Don’t Worry – Paul encourages us to not worry. Worrying is like pouring gasoline on a fire. It makes every situation worse. Instead of worrying, trust that God is in control. 90% of the things we worry about never happen. So why worry?

Pray – If we spend more time praying to the One who can solve our problems, we would have less stress. The problem sometimes is we spend more time worrying than we do praying. Pray about everything!

Give thanks – Have you ever thanked God for your problems? God gives us strength and knowledge to overcome. We should be thankful that God is giving us what we need to make our situation better.

Pray

Lord, help me not to worry so much about the things that You already have control over. Give me strength to push through the difficulties that I am facing today. Thank You for the grace that sustains my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Devotional For August 7, 2023

Encouragement

Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭6‬

Today’s verse encourages us that we are to share our blessings with the ones who teach and instruct God’s word to us. It is important to express an attitude of gratitude and support for those who invest their time, effort, and spiritual insight into our lives.

Our appreciation reflects a heart that recognizes the spiritual significance of the knowledge we acquire and the guidance we receive. By sharing our blessings, we participate in God’s divine economy of love and provision.

We are reminded that every good thing comes from the Father above, and our willingness to share is an acknowledgment of His abundant grace in our lives. In doing so, we demonstrate our understanding of the oneness of the body of Christ, where each member plays a crucial role in nurturing the spiritual growth of the whole.

As we ponder the words of Galatians 6:6, let us cultivate a heart of gratitude and generosity. Let us actively seek ways to bless and support those who guide us in our spiritual journey, whether through prayer, encouragement, or tangible means.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the teachers and mentors You have placed in my life. Help me to recognize the value of their guidance and the wisdom they impart. Teach me to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and generosity, for everything I have comes from You. In Jesus’ name, amen.