Pastor Stephen Dedman

March 20, 2025

Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power,
‭‭II Thessalonians‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬

The apostle Paul’s prayer in 2 Thessalonians 1:11 expresses a deep desire that God would count us worthy of the divine calling placed upon our lives. 

This prayer unveils a profound truth — that our calling is not a random occurrence, but a purposeful design crafted by God Himself. As we navigate the twists and turns of life, Paul’s prayer encourages us to seek worthiness in our response to this divine calling.

God’s goodness plays a pivotal role in this journey. It is His goodness that propels us forward, guiding us along the path of righteousness. The fulfillment of God’s good pleasure is closely connected to the work of faith. As we exercise faith in Him, His power is unleashed, enabling us to live out the calling with strength and purpose.

Today, let us embrace this prayer as our own, seeking worthiness in our response to God’s calling. May His goodness guide our steps, and may the work of faith in our lives be accompanied by His mighty power. As we align ourselves with His purpose, we discover the true fulfillment that comes from living out our calling with God’s divine strength.

Pray

Lord, help me to embrace Your goodness in my life. Thank You for loving me and guiding me by Your power. Give me wisdom to fully understand the plans You have for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

March 19, 2025

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
‭‭II Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬

The Apostle Paul wrote to instruct and encourage Timothy, his beloved disciple and fellow laborer in the ministry. The letter was short, yet powerful. His message was one of encouragement, empowerment, and a reminder of the divine source of strength.

Paul’s words begin with a tender address, emphasizing the close relationship they share as co-workers in Christ. It’s a reminder that we are not alone in our journey of faith; we have a spiritual family to support and uplift us.

Paul directed Timothy to find his strength not in his own abilities but in God’s grace. Grace is God’s undeserved favor. We are called to rely on God’s grace for everything we do, knowing that in our weakness, His grace is more than sufficient.

The source of this grace is found in Christ Jesus. He is the source of all our spiritual blessings and the example of perfect strength in weakness. By remaining connected to Him through prayer, Scripture, and a deepening relationship, we can access the abundant grace available to us.

As Christians, we are called to be strong, not in our own might, but in the immeasurable grace that flows from our Savior. When we face trials, temptations, or moments of weakness, we can turn to Jesus, confident that His grace will carry us through.

So, today, draw strength from the well of God’s grace, understanding that it is sufficient for every challenge you will face. As you do so, you will find the endurance and empowerment needed to walk faithfully in the footsteps of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Pray

Lord, I come before Your throne of grace, humbly asking for strength and endurance. No matter what I face today, I know You stand with me. Fill me with Your strength. In Jesus’ name, amen.

March 18, 2025

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
‭‭I John‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬

Prayer is a powerful gift that God has given to His children. It’s a direct line of communication with the Creator of the universe. The apostle John invites us into a deeper understanding of prayer, emphasizing the confidence we can have in approaching God with our requests.

Our confidence in prayer lies in our relationship with God. As His children, we have the assurance that He hears us when we pray. Our Heavenly Father hears the hearts of His children and He delights in meeting our needs according to His perfect will.

However, John specifies a crucial condition for our prayers to be answered: they must be according to God’s will. This does not mean that we cannot ask for our desires or needs, but rather that our requests should align with God’s purposes and His character. When our prayers are in harmony with His will, we can have confidence that He will answer them according to His wisdom and goodness.

As you approach God in prayer, know that He hears you and delights in answering according to His will. Seek to align your heart with His purposes, trusting in His wisdom. And rest in the assurance that our Heavenly Father always desires what is best for His children.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of prayer and the assurance that You hear my heart. Help me to align my heart with Your will. Help me approach You with confidence, knowing that You always desire what is best for me, and You are faithful to fulfill Your promises. In Jesus’ name, amen.