Pastor Stephen Dedman

The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬

In the opening verses of the Bible, we are transported back to the moment when God spoke creation into existence. Genesis 1:2 provides a glimpse of the earth before God began His work of shaping and filling it with life. The imagery of darkness and chaos paints a picture of formlessness and emptiness, a canvas waiting to be blessed with God’s wondrous touch.

Yet, in the midst of this formless void, we encounter the Spirit of God hovering over the face of the waters. Here, in the very beginning, we witness the presence of the Holy Spirit as the active agent of God’s creative power. The Spirit hovers and moves over the waters, ready to bring order and beauty out of the darkness.

This passage not only speaks to the creative power of the Holy Spirit but also to His presence and activity in the world today. Just as the Spirit moved over the waters at creation, He continues to move and work in our lives, bringing transformation, renewal, and new life.

May we be reminded of the Spirit’s ongoing work in our lives. In moments of chaos and uncertainty, may we take comfort in knowing that the Spirit of God is present, ready to bring order out of chaos, light out of darkness, and beauty out of emptiness.

Invite the Holy Spirit to move in your heart and life, empowering you to live a life that reflects the creative power and glory of Creator God.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the presence and power of Your Holy Spirit in my life. May Your Spirit move and work in me, bringing order out of chaos and beauty out of darkness. Fill me afresh with Your Spirit, that I may walk in step with Your will and purpose for my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭14‬

In the closing words of his second letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul prays a blessing upon the believers, invoking the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit. This triune blessing is the essence of the Christian faith.

First, Paul invokes the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace is defined as God’s undeserved favor. It is through the grace of Jesus Christ that we are forgiven, redeemed, and reconciled to God. His grace is freely given, available to all who believe, and it empowers us to live transformed lives.

Second, Paul speaks of the love of God. God’s love is unconditional, unfailing, and incomprehensible. It is a love that surpasses human understanding. It was out of love that God sent His Son into the world to save us (John 3:16), and it is His love that sustains us through every circumstance. Knowing that we are loved by God gives us strength, comfort, and assurance.

Finally, Paul mentions the communion of the Holy Spirit. Communion refers to an intimate fellowship with God, made possible through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit not only guides and empowers us but also enables us to experience a friendship with God and with one another. Through the communion of the Holy Spirit, we are united as the body of Christ, sharing in a common faith and purpose.

As we meditate on this triune blessing, may we be reminded of the richness and depth of our relationship with God. May we embrace the grace of Jesus Christ, rejoice in the love of God, and cultivate a communion with the Holy Spirit. And may this blessing be upon us all, now and forevermore.

Pray

Lord, I thank You for the triune blessing of Your grace, love, and fellowship. Help me to fully embrace the depth of Your love, to walk in the grace of Jesus Christ, and to live in agreement with Your Holy Spirit. May Your presence be with me always, guiding me, strengthening me, and filling me with Your peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord, At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭97‬:‭5‬

In nature’s majesty, we catch a glimpse of the splendor and power of our Creator. The towering mountains, with their peaks reaching towards the heavens, stand as witnesses to the greatness of God. Yet, even the most majestic mountains pale in comparison to the awe-inspiring presence of the Lord.

Psalm 97:5 paints a picture of the unmatched magnificence of God’s presence. It declares that at the mere presence of the Lord, the mountains melt like wax. This imagery conveys the overwhelming power and authority in the presence of God.

As we reflect on this verse, we are reminded of the holiness of our God. His presence is not to be taken lightly. It is a presence that demands reverence and inspires awe. It is a presence that can transform the landscape of our lives and melt away the obstacles that stand in our way.

In our daily walk, may we never lose sight of the majesty of His presence. May we approach Him with humility and awe, acknowledging His sovereignty over all creation. And may we find comfort and strength in knowing that His presence goes before us, making a way where there seems to be no way.

Pray

Lord, I stand in awe of Your majestic presence. You are the Lord of the whole earth, and nothing is impossible for You. Help me to approach You with reverence and humility, acknowledging Your sovereignty over all creation. May Your presence be my constant companion, guiding me and sustaining me each step of the way. In Jesus’ name, amen.