Pastor Stephen Dedman

June 24, 2025

The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭11‬:‭2‬

This verse unveils the nature of the Holy Spirit’s work in the life of a Christian. As we open our hearts to Him, we experience the richness of His wisdom and understanding. In moments of uncertainty, the Spirit provides divine counsel, guiding us with supernatural insight. His might empowers us to face challenges with strength beyond our own, while the knowledge He imparts deepens our connection with God.

Let us invite the Spirit of the Lord into every aspect of our lives, allowing His wisdom to govern our decisions, His understanding to bring clarity to our minds, His counsel to direct our paths, and His might to sustain us in every season. In embracing the Spirit’s work, we cultivate a reverence for the Lord, acknowledging His sovereignty and aligning our hearts with His purpose.

As we journey through life, may the Spirit of the Lord manifest in us, shaping us into vessels of wisdom, understanding, and strength. Let our lives be a testimony to the transformative power of His presence, drawing others to experience the fullness of life found in the Spirit of the living God.

Pray

Lord, I humbly come before You, grateful for the power of the Holy Spirit in my life. May Your Spirit of wisdom and understanding dwell richly within me, guiding my thoughts and actions. Grant me the grace to seek Your counsel in all matters, relying on Your might to face challenges with unwavering strength. In Jesus’ name, amen.

June 23, 2023

Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭100‬:‭2‬

To serve with gladness is an invitation to infuse every act of service with a spirit of joy. As we go about our daily tasks, we are to carry with us a glad spirit, knowing that our service is never in vain.

The call to come before His presence with singing is an acknowledgment that our worship is not confined to a designated time or space; rather, it is a continual melody that accompanies our journey. Everyday is an opportunity to worship. 

The joy of the Lord becomes our strength (Nehemiah 8:10), and as we serve with gladness, we tap into a wellspring of strength that sustains us in every season. It transforms mundane tasks into offerings and ordinary moments into encounters with the extraordinary.

Our service and worship are interconnected movements. Serving with gladness becomes an act of worship that reaches the ears of our Heavenly Father. So, let your service be an expression of joy, your worship a sweet melody rising from the depths of a grateful heart.

Pray

Lord, let my service and worship to You be worthy and acceptable. Fill my heart with joy that allows me to serve with gladness. Help me to balance service and worship and glorify Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

June 22, 2025

The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭29‬:‭25‬

This is a short but profound verse. It warns us of the danger of allowing the fear of others to control our lives and the importance of placing our trust in God.

Fear is a powerful force that can control our decision-making process and prevent us from experiencing the abundant life that God has planned for us. When we worry about what others think or say about us, we become trapped in a snare of insecurity and self-doubt. The fear of man will paralyze us and prevent us from stepping out in faith to pursue God’s calling on our lives.

However, God invites us to trust in Him. When we place our trust in God, we are assured of His faithfulness, His wisdom, and His protection. Trusting in the Lord means that we have an assurance that God is with us every step of the way.

Trusting in the Lord empowers us to live boldly and courageously. When we trust in God, we are kept safe in His loving arms, shielded from the damaging effects of fear.

Are you allowing the fear of man to control your life? Are you seeking the approval of others, rather than placing your trust in God?

Fully trusting God will remove all fear!

Pray

Lord, I place my full trust in You. I trust You will keep me safe and protected from all evil. Help me to resist the thoughts of fear and anxiety that keep me from living the abundant life you have planned for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.