Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For December 29, 2023

I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭25‬

In the words of Isaiah, God reveals His divine nature as a forgiving and merciful God. God’s forgiveness is not motivated by our works or efforts but stems from His character. God forgives because that’s who He is.

He chooses to blot out our sins, not for our sake, but for His own. His mercy and grace are expressions of His love and faithfulness. He forgives because He loves us.

As we reflect on this truth, let us find assurance and confidence that our sins are forgiven. God not only forgives but chooses not to remember our sins. In this divine forgetfulness, we find freedom from guilt and shame.

Today, let us embrace the forgiveness offered by our Heavenly Father. As we receive His mercy, may it inspire gratitude and a desire to live according to His will. Let the awareness of His forgiveness shape our identity, allowing us to walk in the light of His love and grace.

Pray

Lord, thank You for forgiving my sins and removing the shame and guilt that binds me in the flesh. Help me to forget the past and move forward in pleasing You. Give me freedom that only comes from You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For December 28, 2023

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.

Devotional For December 27, 2023

The nobleman said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies!” Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way.
‭‭John‬ ‭4‬:‭49‬-‭50‬

In the urgency of our troubles and trials, we often cry out to the Lord for His immediate help. A desperate father implored Jesus to come and heal his sick and dying child. This man’s plea echoes our own cries in times of distress, seeking immediate relief.

Jesus responded in a way that challenges our understanding of divine intervention. Instead of physically going with the man, He speaks a powerful word of healing: “Go your way; your son lives.” This moment captures the essence of faith — believing in the unseen and trusting the words of Christ.

In our journey of faith, we encounter situations that demand trust beyond what our eyes can perceive. Jesus invites us to believe in His promises, even when circumstances seem dire. The nobleman embraced this faith, and as he walked away, his belief in Jesus’ word transformed his desperate plea into a victory.

Today, let’s approach our challenges with active faith, remembering that the One who speaks life into our situations is worth trusting. Through faith, our circumstances can be transformed by the living word of Jesus. Believe his words!

Pray

Lord, help my faith to grow and help me to trust Your word. In every circumstance, let me see Your promise of assurance that You are near. Give me courage to walk in faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.