Pastor Stephen Dedman

May 2, 2025

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.
‭‭Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭38‬

Jesus taught His followers the importance of giving. It is a powerful reminder that the act of giving opens up the floodgates of blessings. Jesus isn’t just referring to material possessions; He is talking about a generous and compassionate attitude towards others.

As followers of Christ, we are called to give, whether it’s our time, resources, or talents. The beauty of this spiritual discipline lies not only in what we give, but also in what we receive.

Jesus promises that when we give, it will be given back to us in good measure. Our heavenly Father delights in blessing His children, and He uses the act of giving as a conduit for blessing us.

It’s important to note that the measure we use in giving determines the measure of blessings we will receive. If we give sparingly, we limit the flow of blessings into our lives. But if we give with a cheerful heart, with a spirit of abundance and generosity, we position ourselves to receive an abundance. 

This teaching extends beyond material possessions. When we give forgiveness, we receive forgiveness in return. When we show kindness, we experience kindness from others. When we offer love, we are embraced with love. It’s a divine economy where the more we give, the more we receive.

What measure do you use in giving? Are you giving out of obligation or with a joyful heart? Are you holding back or sowing generously? Challenge yourself to adopt a spirit of generosity, knowing that as you give, God will faithfully pour blessings into your life.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your love and always providing for me. Teach me to be generous. Open my eyes to opportunities where I can sow seeds of kindness and generosity. In Jesus’ name, amen.

May 1, 2025

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭22‬-‭23‬

Some mornings greet us with joy. Others meet us with the weight of yesterday’s failures, unanswered prayers, or simply the fatigue of endurance. But in the midst of whatever we carry, God offers us a reset. Not just once, but every single day.

Jeremiah wrote Lamentations during one of the darkest times in Israel’s history. Jerusalem had fallen. The people were exiled. The pain was deep. And yet, in the middle of his sorrow, Jeremiah speaks one of the most hope-filled truths in all of Scripture: God’s mercies are new every morning.

The word “mercy” in Hebrew points to God’s steadfast love, His kindness, and His deep compassion. Even when we are at our lowest, God’s love doesn’t wear out. It doesn’t run dry. It’s fresh each day, like the morning dew.

This passage also declares: “Great is Your faithfulness.” That means God is consistent even when we’re not. We may fall short, we may doubt, but He remains faithful to His promises.

And finally, Jeremiah makes a choice: “The Lord is my portion.” In other words, God is enough. When everything else is stripped away, when we’re uncertain about tomorrow, we can still say, “I have all I need in Him.” That’s why our hope isn’t just wishful thinking. It’s anchored in the unchanging character of God.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the mercy You’ve given me today. Even when I don’t feel worthy, You remain faithful. Help me rest in Your compassion and trust that I have all I need in You. Teach me to wake up each day with fresh hope, knowing that Your love never fails. In Jesus’ name, amen.

April 30, 2025

And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
‭‭II Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬

Paul presents a concise but powerful message from the to his brother in Christ, Timothy. In this analogy, Paul uses the image of an athlete and underscores the importance of following the rules in order to receive the reward of victory. 

The Christian journey is much like a race or a competition, and in this race, we must adhere to God’s principles. Just as an athlete must follow the rules to attain victory, believers are called to live according to the commandments of God’s Word. It’s not merely about reaching the finish line but doing it with integrity, obedience, and a commitment to God’s standards.

In your spiritual race, be mindful of the rules set forth in Scripture. Living a life aligned with God’s principles not only honors Him but also positions you to receive blessings. The race may be challenging, with obstacles and trials, but our focus on running according to God’s rules ensures that we are on the path to victory.

As a Christian, we have victory in Jesus, so go fight and win today with a clear conscience. 

Pray

Lord, thank You for the wisdom found in Your Word. Give me strength and discernment to live according to Your rules and Your plans. Keep me focused on righteousness, and guide me in every step of of the journey. In Jesus’ name, amen.