Pastor Stephen Dedman

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.

Devotional For December 26, 2023

I will stand my watch And set myself on the rampart, And watch to see what He will say to me, And what I will answer when I am corrected.
‭‭Habakkuk‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬

The prophet Habakkuk expresses a posture of waiting and anticipation. He positions himself to listen for God’s guidance and remains open to correction. After Christmas, when the festivities have quieted, this verse invites us to reflect on the past season and look forward to what God may reveal to us in the days ahead.

As we stand on the “rampart” of our lives, let’s take a moment to review the messages and experiences of the Christmas season. What have we learned about God’s love, grace, and our purpose in Christ? Like Habakkuk, let’s watch and listen for what God may be saying to us through the celebrations, challenges, and moments of quiet reflection.

Furthermore, Habakkuk’s readiness for correction encourages us to be open to God’s guidance as we move forward. Whether it’s making adjustments in our priorities, relationships, or spiritual walk, let’s approach the coming days with humility and a willingness to align our lives with God’s purposes.

Pray

Lord, I am listening for Your voice and guidance. Help me today to reflect on everything I have heard and seen in the last few days. Give me wisdom to discern Your ways. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Merry Christmas!

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬

This is the heart of Christmas—the joyous proclamation of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The angel’s announcement to the shepherds signifies the fulfillment of prophecy and the beginning of God’s redemptive plan.

The significance is profound: the long-awaited Messiah, foretold by prophets, has come. He is not just a king or a teacher but a Savior—the One who rescued us from sin and reconciled us to God. The use of “Christ the Lord” emphasizes Jesus’ divine nature and supreme authority.

Christmas is a celebration of hope and joy. In the midst of the festivities, let’s remember the birth of Jesus, our Savior. As we exchange gifts with loved ones, may we reflect on the greatest gift ever given: the gift of eternal life through faith in Christ.

This Christmas, may the joy of knowing Jesus as our Savior fill our hearts with gratitude and inspire us to share the message of His love with others. Let’s take a moment to worship the newborn King and embrace the transformative power of His presence in our lives.

May the peace, love, and joy that Christ brings be with you and your loved ones this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas!

Pray

Lord, thank You for saving me from my sins. Let me remember that today is all about You. Fill my heart with joy as I celebrate with others. In Jesus’ name, amen.