Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For January 30, 2024

O Lord, how great are Your works! Your thoughts are very deep.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭92‬:‭5‬

It shouldn’t take much for someone to see that God’s works are wonderful. Wonderful doesn’t even begin to describe how great His works are.

God made no mistakes from the time of creation nor has He held back any glorious design. Take the human body for example. How wonderful it is that the human body can heal itself. 

The human brain has the capacity to store over 74 terabytes just in the cerebral cortex alone. Imagine if we used our brains to full capacity. 

Now take creation as an example. The earth provides the perfect environment for humans to exist. The stars in the heavens remind us how small we are compared to God. The sun is just at the right distance to bless us and not burn us. God is wonderful in all His works. 

If and when you struggle in your faith or wonder if God cares, stop and consider this verse as a reference that God knows and cares. He made us with much more detail than anything else. He loves us and cares for each and everyone of us. 

When we consider His works and thoughts we may never comprehend the extent to His greatness. Maybe one day it will all be revealed to us when we get to Heaven.

If you are struggling today consider his greatest work when He sent His Son to die for you and to give you eternal life. He has prepared a way for you to spend eternity in His presence. That alone says enough.

Pray

Lord, help me to know that You deeply care about every detail of my life. As I face my struggles, give me comfort and peace that you are in control. I know you will work it all out. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For January 29, 2024

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭31‬

Hebrews 10:31 reminds us of the awe-inspiring nature of our God. While this verse may seem to evoke a sense of fear, it calls us to a deep reverence for God.

Our world often encourages a casual or indifferent view of God, downplaying His holiness and power. This verse urges us to recognize the weightiness of approaching the Creator of the universe. It’s a call to acknowledge His authority and sovereignty over our lives.

As we navigate our faith journey, let’s cultivate a profound reverence for God. Let our worship be marked by awe and humility. It’s important to recognize the privilege we have to approach the living God through Christ, while maintaining a holy fear that acknowledges His majesty.

May our hearts be filled with both love and reverence as we walk in the presence of the living God.

Pray

Lord, I come before You with reverence, acknowledging Your holiness and power. Help me to approach You with awe, recognizing the weight of falling into Your hands. May my life be a reflection of Your glory, and may my worship be marked by humility and respect. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For January 28, 2024

But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel,
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬

In life, we often encounter circumstances that we may not fully understand. Trials, setbacks, and challenges can leave us questioning the path we’re on. Yet, in Philippians 1:12, the Apostle Paul offers a powerful perspective about adversity.

Paul, writing from prison, declares that the things that happened to him, though difficult, served to advance the gospel. He saw purpose in his pain, recognizing that God can work through our trials for a greater good.

As we navigate our own challenges, let’s reflect on Paul’s words. Could our difficulties be a platform for the gospel to shine? Instead of dwelling on the hardships, let’s seek God’s perspective and trust that He can use every circumstance for His glory.

In times of adversity, remember that God is the author of a greater story. Our struggles are not in vain; they can be stepping stones for the gospel to reach others. Let’s find comfort and purpose in the midst of challenges, knowing that God is at work, even in our trials.

Pray

Lord, when I’m faced with difficulties, let my focus be on how Your gospel can shine through my experiences. Transform my struggles into opportunities to share Your love and grace with those around me. Give me the strength to persevere, knowing that You are with me every step of the way. In Jesus’ name, amen.