Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For March 24, 2024

The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭14‬:‭14‬

The promise given to the Israelites in Exodus 14:14 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and power to deliver His people in times of trouble. Like the Israelites, we may find ourselves facing overwhelming challenges, surrounded by enemies and obstacles that seem impossible to overcome. In these moments, we can easily slip into fear and doubt, forgetting that we serve a God who is greater than any problem we may face.

We are reminded that our battles are not ours alone but they belong to the Lord, who is mighty to save and deliver. Our role is not to rely on our own strength or wisdom but to surrender to God’s sovereignty and trust in His perfect plan and timing.

God assures us that when we entrust our battles to Him, we can experience a peace that surpasses all understanding. It is a peace that comes from knowing that we are not alone, that God is with us, fighting on our behalf.

Today, you can find strength and courage in knowing that the Lord Himself goes before you, fighting for you and leading you to victory. Hold onto peace, knowing that God is faithful to fulfill His promises and deliver you from every trial and adversity you face.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the assurance that You are fighting for me and that I need only to be still and trust in Your deliverance. Help me to surrender my battles to You and to hold onto the peace that comes from knowing You are with me. Strengthen my faith and give me courage to face whatever challenges come my way. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For March 23, 2024

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭8‬:‭3‬-‭4‬

As we contemplate the beauty and grandeur of the heavens, we are reminded of the awe-inspiring power and creativity of our Creator. The universe, with its countless stars, galaxies, and celestial wonders, stands as a testimony of God’s infinite wisdom and glory.

Despite our smallness and insignificance in comparison to all of creation, God chooses to bestow His love and attention upon us.

Today, we should echo the psalmist’s sense of wonder and gratitude for God’s love and care for us. May we be humbled by the majesty of God’s creation and His concern for our well-being. And may we respond with hearts full of praise and adoration, magnifying the name of our great and glorious Creator.

Take a moment to look up at the night sky and marvel at the beauty of God’s creation. Allow the glory of the heavens to remind you of the greatness of our Creator and His unfailing love for you. And let your heart overflow with gratitude and praise for the privilege of being known and loved by God.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the beauty and majesty of Your creation, which reflects Your glory and greatness. Help me to marvel at Your handiwork and to recognize Your love and care. Let my heart be filled with gratitude and praise for Your unfailing love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For March 22, 2024

A little leaven leavens the whole lump.
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭9‬

Paul’s warning about the influence of leaven serves as a powerful metaphor for the nature of sin and false teaching. Just as a small amount of leaven can affect the entire lump of dough, so too can even a minor compromise with sin or false doctrine have consequences in the life of a believer and the church.

It is crucial to guard against the infiltration of sin and false teaching that can undermine our faith and lead us astray. The enemy often seeks to deceive and divide God’s people through subtle lies and half-truths, enticing us to compromise our convictions and stray from the path of righteousness.

Paul’s warning challenges us to examine our own lives. Are there areas of disobedience that we have allowed to creep in our hearts? Are there false beliefs that we have embraced, without testing them against the truth of God’s Word?

As followers of Christ, we are called to be vigilant and discerning. We must immerse ourselves in God’s Word, allowing it to serve as a safeguard against deception and error. Rely on the Holy Spirit to empower you to resist temptation and stand firm in the truth.

Pray

Lord, help me to be diligent and discerning, guarding against the influence of sin and false teachings. Give me wisdom and strength to stand firm in faith, rooted and grounded in Your Word. May I be a beacon of truth and righteousness in a world filled with deception and darkness. In Jesus’ name, amen.