Pastor Stephen Dedman

Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭31‬:‭28‬

Who are the mothers or mother figures that have impacted your life? Motherhood is far more than biological maternity. It’s a reflection of a nurturing, sacrificial love that can be found in many relationships and roles.

Proverbs 31 paints a beautiful picture of a woman who embodies the qualities of a nurturing caregiver. She speaks with wisdom, provides guidance and instruction, and diligently cares for her household. Her children and husband rise up to honor and bless her, recognizing the invaluable role she plays in their lives.

This biblical description of a godly mother serves as a model for women who aspire to live out their faith in practical ways within their families and communities. It emphasizes the importance of character, integrity, and faithfulness in fulfilling the role of a mother and nurturer.

On this Mother’s Day, take time to express your gratitude and love for all those who have nurtured and cared for you. Whether it’s through a simple thank-you note, a thoughtful gesture, or spending quality time together, let us take the opportunity to honor the mothers and mother figures in our lives.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of motherhood and the mothers who have blessed me. Help me to honor and appreciate the mothers and mother figures in my life, recognizing their invaluable contributions. Help me to grow in Your likeness and extend grace to those who may need a blessing as well. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭12‬:‭7‬

The story of Peter’s miraculous deliverance from prison illustrates the incredible power of prayer in times of trouble. Despite the seemingly hopeless situation, the church fervently prayed for Peter, trusting in God’s faithfulness and ability to intervene on his behalf. Their prayers were answered in a miraculous way, as an angel of the Lord intervened, freeing Peter from his chains and leading him to safety.

This account reminds us that, as believers, we serve a God who hears and answers prayer. When we face trials, challenges, or persecution, we can turn to God in prayer, confident that He is able to work in ways beyond our understanding. Like the church in Acts, we can unite in prayer, seeking God’s intervention and trusting in His faithfulness to deliver us according to His perfect will.

The example of Peter’s deliverance should challenge us to prioritize prayer in our lives, especially in times of trouble or adversity. Instead of relying solely on our own strength or understanding, let us turn to God in prayer, seeking His wisdom, guidance, and intervention. Whether facing personal struggles, challenges in our communities, or global crises, prayer is a powerful weapon that can move mountains and bring about God’s purposes.

Additionally, let us cultivate a lifestyle of prayer, continually seeking God’s presence and aligning our hearts with His will. Through prayer, we can experience intimacy with God, find peace in the midst of turmoil, and witness His miraculous intervention in our lives and the world around us.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of prayer and the assurance that You hear and answer my cries for help. Teach me to pray with faith and persistence, trusting in Your power to intervene in my life and circumstances. May I never underestimate the power of prayer to bring about Your purposes and glorify Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.

For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭12‬:‭37‬

As followers of Christ, we are called to choose our words wisely, recognizing their potential to shape our relationships, influence others, and honor God. Our speech should be characterized by love, grace, and truth, reflecting the character of Christ and bringing glory to His name.

In today’s passage, Jesus emphasizes the significance of our words and the accountability we have for them. He underscores the power of speech to reveal the condition of our hearts and ultimately determine our judgment.

Our words reflect the state of our heart and reveal our true character. Jesus’ statement reminds us that our words carry weight and consequences. They have the power to build up or tear down, to encourage or discourage, to bring life or death.

Let us ask God to help us cultivate a heart that overflows with words of kindness, encouragement, and edification. May we be mindful of the impact of our words and strive to speak life-giving truths that honor God and build up others.

Additionally, we need to monitor the words that we allow into our hearts and minds. Just as our speech reflects the condition of our hearts, the words we consume can influence our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Let us choose to saturate ourselves with the truth of God’s Word, allowing it to shape our speech and transform our lives.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of speech and the power of words. Help me to steward this gift wisely, using my words to honor You and build up others. Guard my tongue from speaking words that bring harm or dishonor to You. Fill my heart with Your truth and grace, that my speech may reflect Your character and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.