Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Devotional For October 26, 2023

Encouragement

So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us,
‭‭Acts‬ ‭15‬:‭8‬

In the book of Acts, we find a profound truth that should bring comfort and assurance to our hearts: God’s perfect plan has always been in motion. Acts 15:18 reminds us that God has known all His works from eternity. This means that every event, every twist and turn in our lives, and the entire course of human history are within His divine knowledge and control.

Often, we may question why certain things happen, or we may struggle with uncertainty about the future. In these moments, Acts 15:18 serves as a reminder that God’s understanding is far beyond our own. He has seen all things in existence from beginning to end, and every part, no matter how seemingly insignificant, plays a part in His masterful design.

As we reflect on this verse, it’s an invitation to trust in God’s wisdom and sovereignty. Even when we cannot comprehend the reasons behind our circumstances, we can rest assured that God’s plan is unfolding perfectly. Our role is to have faith, to seek His guidance, and to align our lives with His purposes.

So, take a moment to pray and surrender your worries, doubts, and uncertainties to the One who knows the end from the beginning. Trust that God’s plan is far greater than anything we can fathom, and His ways are always perfect. May this truth bring you peace and confidence in your journey of faith.

Pray

Lord, in times of uncertainty and when I cannot see the full picture, help me to trust in Your sovereignty. I surrender my worries and doubts to You, knowing that You know all things from eternity. Thank you for being a God who holds the future and for loving me unconditionally. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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 19, 2023

Encouragement

O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭10‬:‭23‬

It is part of our human nature that we want to be in control of our lives and tend to think that we can control our own destiny. Jeremiah recognized the problem and came to the realization that we really can’t control our lives, but we can submit our lives to God’s care and control.

We make plans, set goals, and work diligently to shape our destiny. Yet, we are not truly in control of our own paths. Our human wisdom and strength have limitations, and we need to acknowledge our dependence on God.

Jeremiah begins by humbly acknowledging that our understanding is limited and our efforts alone cannot guarantee success or fulfillment. It is God who holds the infinite wisdom, and it is His guidance that we should be seeking.

Next, he reinforces the idea that our human abilities are insufficient to navigate the complexities we encounter. We need divine direction and power to make our steps meaningful and purposeful.

Surrendering control is not about giving up responsibility; it’s about aligning our will with God’s will. It’s about trusting that His plans for us are better than our own. In doing so, we find peace.

When we allow God to direct our steps, we walk in a path illuminated by His grace and wisdom, leading to a life filled with purpose and significance.

Pray

Lord, I humbly acknowledge that I am not in control of my own path. I trust in Your wisdom and guidance. Please direct my steps and lead me in the way that is pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.