Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For November 12, 2024

He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭29‬

Have you had those days when you lost all hope and you didn’t know how you would get through? We all have. Isaiah 40 gives us some hope. 

Isaiah unveils a profound truth – our God is the source of unwavering strength. He graciously bestows power upon the weary, breathing hope into the exhausted soul.

When we feel overwhelmed by the challenges before us, we can turn to the Almighty, for He is not only aware of our weaknesses but delights in granting strength to His children. His power is not limited by our inadequacies; rather, it is magnified in our dependence upon Him.

Is there an area of your life that you feel weak? Acknowledge this weakness before the Lord and ask for His strength to carry you and lean on His power and might. 

Pray

Lord, today I seek Your strength. Thank You for the promise that You give power to the weak and increase strength to those who have none. Empower me to face each day with the assurance that Your strength is more than sufficient for every circumstance. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For November 11, 2024

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭13

On this Veterans Day, we pause to honor those who have served and sacrificed for the freedoms and peace we enjoy. Veterans are individuals who have answered a call, displaying courage, discipline, and a willingness to serve even when it required great personal sacrifice. Their commitment to protecting and serving others mirrors the love and selflessness taught by Christ.

In John 15:13, Jesus speaks of the ultimate form of love—the willingness to lay down one’s life for others. He exemplified this love on the cross, bearing the ultimate sacrifice for all of humanity. While most of us may not face this exact call, the verse speaks to our everyday opportunities to lay down our own lives, figuratively or literally, for others.

Veterans live out this verse daily. They put aside personal comfort, safety, and sometimes their lives to serve a greater cause. Their sacrifice reminds us of the sacrificial love Jesus displayed and challenges us to consider ways we, too, can serve and protect those around us. We may not wear uniforms or serve on a battlefield, but we are each called to serve others in meaningful ways—whether by showing kindness, standing up for justice, or sharing in others’ burdens.

Take time today to reflect on the sacrifices made by veterans, and express gratitude for the freedoms their service has safeguarded. Embrace the call to live sacrificially, not only in large ways but in small acts of love, patience, and kindness.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the courageous men and women who have served this great country, sacrificing so much to protect and preserve the freedoms I enjoy. Thank You for their willingness to put others before themselves, and I ask You to bless them with peace, healing, and the support they need. Teach me to serve others with humility and grace, and guide me to be a source of comfort and gratitude for all who have served. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For November 10, 2024

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭13‬

In this passage, the Apostle Paul is writing to the Romans, emphasizing the role of God as the source of hope. He encouraged believers to trust in God, anticipating that through this trust, they will experience joy, peace, and an overflow of hope through the Holy Spirit.

Is God your source of hope, joy and peace? Of course, when things are going good it is easy to trust God’s plan. But what about during our challenging times?

In challenging times, this verse is our reminder to anchor our hope in God. Trusting in Him brings inner joy and peace that transcends circumstances. The overflow of hope is not dependent on our strength but is a result of God’s power working within us.

Pray

Lord, I place my trust in You, the God of hope. Fill me with joy and peace as I navigate life’s challenges. May the Holy Spirit empower me to overflow with hope, knowing that my confidence rests in Your unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, amen.