Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Devotional For July 10, 2023

Encouragement

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬

The moment we come to faith in Christ, we experience a transformative encounter with the grace and love of God. We receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, surrendering our lives to His lordship and entrusting ourselves to His care. It is a moment of new birth, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God.

Paul reminds the church that receiving Christ is the beginning of a lifelong journey. He urges the Colossians—and us—to continue walking in Him, living in a way that reflects our relationship with Jesus. This ongoing journey of faith involves daily surrender, obedience, and dependence on Christ.

To walk in Christ means to align our thoughts, attitudes, and actions with His teachings and commands. It involves abiding in His Word and seeking His presence through prayer. It is a deliberate choice on our behalf to live in fellowship with Him.

We are called to be rooted in Christ. This means building our lives on the solid foundation of His truth and love. It means seeking His wisdom and guidance in every decision, trusting in His promises.

As we walk in Christ, our faith becomes deeply rooted. We are transformed into His likeness, bearing the fruit of love, joy, peace, and righteousness. Our lives become a testimony to the life-changing power of Jesus Christ.

It is a daily discipline walk in Christ. Allow the grace and love of Christ to shape and guide your daily walk and watch how you become closer to God in fellowship.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the blessing me with the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Help me to walk in Him, day by day. Teach me to abide in Your Word, to seek Your presence, and to live in obedience to Your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For July 9, 2023

Encouragement

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭17‬-‭18‬

In Psalm 34, David expresses his heart in praise and gratitude to the Lord. As he prayerfully considers his experiences of difficulties and deliverances, he shares a profound discovery about the character and love of God. Sometimes it is in the midst of suffering that we experience God in a profound way.

Life will often leave us feeling overwhelmed and burdened. It is in those moments that we are encouraged to cry out to the Lord, for He hears our prayers and delivers us from all our troubles. As the righteous cry out to Him, we can be certain that God hears us and is working on our behalf.

The way God works on our behalf may not always be what we expect, but we can trust that God’s faithfulness and power are at work. He is our source of help and rescue in every situation.

Verse 18 reveals to us that the Lord draws near to those who have a broken heart. He is actively present in our difficulties. When our spirit is crushed and we feel the weight of suffering, God is near. His love and grace bring us hope and peace.

God is always present in our pain. He cares for us and is always aware of what bothers us. In our brokenness, we can find hope in the fact that the Lord sees, understands, and walks alongside us in our journey toward healing and restoration.

Are you burdened with troubles or suffering a broken heart? Just know that the Lord is near. He hears your prayers and is working on your behalf. Trust in His love and rest in His presence.

Pray

Lord, thank You for hearing my prayers and caring for what burdens me. I cry out to You, knowing that You know my troubles will deliver me. Help me to be humble and restore my heart with joy. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Devotional For July 8, 2023

Encouragement

As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭18‬:‭30‬

Take a moment and really take this verse in. There is much power and truth to this verse. Read it about three times and read it slowly.

In Psalm 18, King David is pouring his heart out to God for His faithfulness and deliverance. Specifically I n verse 30, David proclaims a powerful truth about God: His way is perfect and His Word is proven.

God’s way is perfect. He orchestrates every detail and guides us according to His sovereign plan. Even in situations where we may not fully understand or see the purpose, we can trust that God’s way is always perfect. He sees the bigger picture and His ways lead to ultimate good.

Not only is God’s way perfect, but His Word is proven. Throughout history, the Scriptures have stood the test of time and have been proven reliable and trustworthy. The promises, principles, and teachings found in the Word of God provide guidance, wisdom, and comfort in every season of life. As we align our lives with God’s Word, we can walk in confidence, knowing that His truth is unchanging and that His Word will not fail.

When you face times of uncertainty, trust that God’s plan is unfolding, even if you can’t see the outcome. Find peace and comfort in the power of His Word. When you place your trust in Him, you will experience His presence as protection and strength.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the perfect way in which You lead and guide me by Your Spirit. Help me to trust in Your wisdom, even when I don’t understand. Strengthen my faith as I rely on Your proven Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.