Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For April 19, 2024

And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He makes both the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭7‬:‭37‬

In Mark 7:31-37, Jesus heals a deaf and mute man. Some people brought the man to Jesus, begging Him to heal him. Jesus took the man aside, touched his ears and tongue, looked up to heaven, sighed deeply, and said, “Ephphatha,” which means “Be opened.” Immediately, the man’s ears were opened, and his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plainly. The people were amazed at this miraculous healing, acknowledging that Jesus indeed does all things well.

This account of Jesus healing the deaf and mute man teaches us some valuable lessons:

  1. Jesus Is Compassionate: Jesus’ response to the man’s condition reveals His deep compassion for the suffering. He takes the time to personally attend to the man’s needs, showing that He cares about every aspect of our lives, including our physical ailments.
  2. Jesus Is Powerful: The miraculous healing of the deaf and mute man demonstrates Jesus’ authority over sickness and infirmity. His mere touch and spoken word are enough to bring about complete restoration and wholeness. This reminds us that there is nothing too difficult for Jesus, and He has the power to overcome any obstacle in our lives.
  3. Jesus Is Worthy Of Praise: The people’s response to the miraculous healing is one of astonishment and praise. They recognize that Jesus has done all things well and acknowledge His greatness. As believers, we are called to praise the Lord, acknowledging God’s wonderful works in our lives and giving Him the glory He deserves.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your miraculous works. I praise You for Your compassion and power to heal and restore. Help me to have faith, knowing that You are able to do all things well. I give You the praise and glory You deserve. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For April 17, 2024

For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭11‬:‭36‬

In this single verse, the apostle Paul expresses the scope of God’s reign over all creation. It serves as a beautiful reminder of our place in God’s grand design and calls us to respond with awe, reverence, and adoration.

This verse affirms that everything originates from God, finds its sustenance in Him, and ultimately returns to Him. Every aspect of creation, every event in history, every moment of our lives is under His sovereign control and authority. Nothing exists apart from Him, and nothing happens outside of His divine purpose.

As we meditate on this truth, we are invited to surrender ourselves to the sovereign will of God. We are reminded that our lives are not our own but belong to the One who created us and sustains us. In times of uncertainty and difficulty, we can take comfort in knowing that God is in control and that He works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).

Recognizing that all things are from Him and through Him leads us to respond with gratitude and praise. Every blessing we receive, every provision we enjoy, is a gift from the hand of our Heavenly Father. In moments of joy and abundance, may we lift our voices in thanksgiving, acknowledging the source of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17).

As we contemplate that all things are to Him, we are reminded of our ultimate purpose: to bring glory to God.

Pray

Lord, I am in awe of Your sovereignty and majesty, for of You and through You and to You are all things. Help me to surrender to Your will and to trust in Your goodness and faithfulness. May I bring glory to Your name, as I acknowledge You as the source and sustainer of all things. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For April 16, 2024

And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.
‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭25‬

John concludes his gospel with a statement that summarizes the magnitude of Jesus’ earthly ministry. John acknowledges that the accounts of Jesus’ words and deeds recorded in the Gospel represent only a fraction of His miracles. The sheer volume of Jesus’ works is so vast that the world itself could not contain all the books that could be written about them.

This verse invites us to ponder the limitless nature of Jesus’ impact on the world. Throughout His time on earth, Jesus performed countless miracles, taught profound truths, and demonstrated boundless love and compassion. From healing the sick to raising the dead, from feeding the hungry to calming the stormy seas, Jesus’ works transcended the boundaries of human comprehension.

This verse challenges us to consider the implications for our own lives. If the world itself cannot contain all the works of Jesus, how much more is there to discover and experience in our relationship with Him? How much more is there for us to learn, to explore, and to be transformed by?

As we journey with Jesus, may we approach Him with a sense of wonder and humility, recognizing that His works are beyond our comprehension. May we continue to seek Him earnestly, knowing that there is always more of His love, His grace, and His power to discover. And may we be inspired to live lives that bear witness to the limitless works of Jesus in the world.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the limitless works You performed during Your time on earth. Help me to grasp the depth of Your love and the magnitude of Your power. Open my eyes to see the wonders of Your works and to experience Your presence in my life each day. May my life be a reflection of Your boundless grace and compassion. In Your name, amen.