Pastor Stephen Dedman

February 18, 2025

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭12‬:‭22‬

In Proverbs 12, Solomon provides wisdom on various aspects of life, including the importance of honesty and integrity in our words and actions. In verse 22, he contrasts lying with the delight that God takes in those who walk in truth.

As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His character in every aspect of our lives, including our speech and conduct. Lying and deceit are not only morally wrong but are also an insult to God, who is the embodiment of truth and righteousness.

In a world where dishonesty and deception are often normalized or even celebrated, the call to walk in truth stands in contrast to popular culture. As Christians, we are called to be people of integrity, whose words can be trusted and whose actions are consistent with our beliefs. Our commitment to truthfulness not only honors God but also serves as a powerful witness to those around us.

Let’s examine our own hearts and lives, asking God to reveal any areas where we may be tempted to compromise our integrity. May we strive to be people of honesty and integrity in all that we do, knowing that our commitment to truthfulness brings delight to the heart of our Heavenly Father.

Pray

Lord, forgive me for any dishonesty or deceitfulness. Help me to walk in truth and integrity, honoring You with my life. Let my commitment to honesty bring delight to Your heart and draw others to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

February 17, 2025

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.

February 16, 2025

For great is Your mercy toward me, And You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭86‬:‭13‬

These words from the psalmist invite us to join in the praise of thanksgiving for the mercy and grace that God has extended toward us, His children.

There is an acknowledgment of the greatness of God’s mercy that reminds us that we stand on holy ground when we consider that which we have been rescued and redeemed from. It is a mercy that reaches into our souls, lifting us from death and delivering us into the light of His grace.

We find peace that God’s mercy reaches the darkest corners of our existence. It is a mercy that surpasses our shortcomings, offering redemption and renewal.

Let us anchor our hearts in the assurance of God’s enduring mercy. In the face of trials, let Psalm 86:13 be a a declaration of victory over adversity. For in acknowledging the greatness of His mercy, we find strength, hope, and refuge.

Pray

Lord, I bow before You with a heart of gratitude for the great mercy You have bestowed upon me. Your compassion has rescued me from death, and Your love has delivered my soul. May Your mercy be a guiding light, illuminating my path and filling my life with the brilliance of Your grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.