Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Devotional For August 2, 2023

Encouragement

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭30‬

One of the blessings we have as a believer in Christ is that we have been sealed with the Holy Spirit of God. It is our identity as children of God. In today’s verse, Paul urges us not to grieve the Holy Spirit but to embrace Him with joy and gratitude.

When a person accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior, the Spirit comes to dwell within their heart. This divine seal is an assurance of salvation and a promise to protect and guide us until the day we meet Jesus face to face.

When we yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit, we produce the fruits of His presence in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Our actions and attitudes should reflect the presence of the Spirit living within us.

However, we must be careful not to grieve the Holy Spirit through acts of sin and disobedience. Deliberate sin grieves the very presence of God dwelling within us. The only way to break the rebellion is to repent and turn back to God. The Holy Spirit will not let us go until we confess and repent.

When we repent of our sin, God is faithful and just to forgive us. This is the amazing grace that we are given through the righteousness of Jesus Christ. We should be encouraged to keep a close walk and fellowship with Lord to keep from grieving His presence. We will not live perfectly, but we can experience the power of His presence in our life.

Can you say that you are experiencing the power of a close fellowship with our Heavenly Father? If so, keep enjoying the blessings. But if not, I invite you to repent and allow the Spirit of God to comfort you and renew a right spirit with in you. It’s your decision.

Pray

Lord, thank You for sealing me with the presence of the Holy Spirit. Help me to walk in alignment with Your will, yielding to the guidance of the Spirit. May Your Spirit’s seal be a constant encouragement and reminder of Your faithfulness in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For July 28, 2023

Encouragement

So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1‬:‭27‬

In Genesis 1, we witness the account of God’s creation, where every element of the universe was formed by His majestic hand. On the sixth and final day of creation, mankind is created and set apart from all creation in the image of God.

God intentionally designed us in His image. We are purposefully crafted by the Creator Himself. This truth carries profound implications for our understanding of human value and purpose.

As beings made in God’s image, we possess inherent value. Every individual, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or background, carries the imprint of the Divine. This truth is a reminder that each person is precious and deeply loved by God. It compels us to treat one another with respect, kindness, and compassion.

Understanding that we are created in God’s image also gives us a glimpse into our purpose. We are called to reflect God’s character and attributes to the world around us. Just as a mirror reflects an image, our lives are meant to mirror the love, grace, mercy, and justice of our Heavenly Father. We fulfill our purpose when we live in obedience to His Word and walk in alignment with His will.

Today, there seems to be a lot of confusion about God’s design of mankind. If you reject your gender, you reject your value and purpose. God has a purpose for you to be who He created you to be. God did not make a mistake.

Pray

Lord, thank You for creating me in Your image. Help me to grasp the profound truth of my inherent worth and value. Guide me to fulfill my purpose by reflecting Your character and attributes in all that I do. Let Your image be evident in my life, drawing others closer to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For July 20, 2023

Encouragement

holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭16‬

In the letter to the Philippians, Paul encourages believers to hold fast to the word of life. This call reminds us that our lives should be lived with purpose and dedication.

The “word of life” that Paul refers to is the Gospel, the message of salvation and hope found in Jesus Christ. In a world full of despair and uncertainty, our faith, in Christ, should draw others towards the source of true life.

Being a light in the world is not always easy. Challenges, distractions, and the many temptations that surround us, dim our spiritual glow. The enemy seeks to make us think that our labor is in vain.

It is in these moments that Paul’s challenge becomes even more critical. To “hold fast” implies a firm grip, a strong commitment to the truth of the Gospel, and a deep devotion to Christ.

By holding fast to the word of life, we position ourselves with God’s purposes and find joy in knowing that our efforts are not in vain. Our lives take on eternal significance when we become faithful stewards of the Gospel, spreading its message through both words and actions.

Examine yourself to see if you are truly holding fast to the word of life. Are you living in a way that reflects the light of Christ? Are your actions, attitudes, and words drawing others closer to Jesus?

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your word, which brings life and hope into my soul. Help me to hold fast to the Gospel, to remain committed in my faith. Make my life to be a testimony to your goodness and grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.