Pastor Stephen Dedman

August 29, 2025

The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭14‬:‭1‬

The denial of God, whether explicit or implicit, leads to a life disconnected from the ultimate source of morality and purpose. When people reject God, they often set their own standards, which can lead to corruption and abominable works. Without acknowledging God’s authority and guidance, human beings tend to follow their own desires, resulting in actions that are harmful to themselves and others.

Today’s verse challenges us to examine our own hearts and lives. Do we acknowledge God’s presence and sovereignty in our daily actions and decisions? Are there areas where we live as though God is not involved or does not matter? Recognizing God’s existence and His rightful place in our lives is crucial for living with integrity and righteousness.

This verse serves as a reminder to pray for those who deny God’s existence. It calls us to intercede for them, asking God to open their hearts and minds to His reality and love. Our prayers and witness can be instruments through which God reveals Himself to those who live in denial of Him.

Today, let us affirm our belief in God not only with our words but also through our actions. Let our lives reflect the reality of His existence and His influence over everything we do. In a world that often denies or ignores God, may we be shining examples of His truth, love, and righteousness.

Pray

Lord, I acknowledge that You are the true and living God. Forgive me for the times I have lived as though You do not matter or exist. Help me to recognize Your presence and sovereignty in every aspect of my life. I pray for those who deny Your existence; open their hearts and minds to Your truth and love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

August 28, 2025

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬

Paul exhorts all believers to allow the peace of God to rule in their hearts. This peace, which surpasses understanding, is not dependent on external circumstances but flows from a deep relationship with God and a posture of trust and surrender.

The peace of God is not merely the absence of conflict or turmoil; it is a deep-seated assurance that comes from knowing and trusting in God’s sovereignty and goodness. It is a peace that anchors our souls in the midst of life’s storms, enabling us to remain steadfast and secure in our faith.

But allowing the peace of God to rule in our hearts requires surrender. It means letting go of worry, fear, and anxiety, and instead, choosing to trust in God’s promises and provision. It means fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, and resting in His unfailing love and care.

As we cultivate a heart of peace, we are also called to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness. Gratitude is the natural outflow of a heart that is at peace with God and others. It shifts our focus from what is lacking to what is abundant, from what is broken to what is whole, and fills us with joy and contentment in every circumstance.

Is the peace of God ruling your heart? 

Pray

Lord, thank You for the peace that surpasses understanding. Help me to surrender all my worries and fears to You and to allow Your peace to rule in my heart. Fill me with gratitude and thankfulness for Your abundant blessings. In Jesus’ name, amen.

August 27, 2025

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭13‬

In 1 Corinthians 13, the apostle Paul describes the characteristics and importance of love in the life of a believer. In verse 13, he concludes by affirming the enduring nature of faith, hope, and love, highlighting love as the greatest. Faith, hope, and love are foundational virtues that sustain and bless our Christian life.

Faith anchors us in the promises of God, enabling us to trust in His goodness, sovereignty, and faithfulness, even when circumstances seem uncertain. It is through faith that we are justified before God, receiving salvation as a free gift through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Hope, likewise, sustains us in times of trouble, reminding us of the future glory that awaits us in Christ. It is the confident expectation of what God has promised, the assurance that His purposes will be fulfilled, and His kingdom will come in all its fullness (Romans 8:24-25).

But above all, there is love—the greatest of these virtues. Love is not merely an emotion; it is a choice, an action, a way of life. It is the selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love that God has lavished upon us through Jesus Christ, demonstrated most profoundly on the cross (1 John 4:9-10).

As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect this same love in our relationships with God and others. Love compels us to seek the good of others, to forgive as we have been forgiven, to show kindness, compassion, and grace to all, regardless of merit or deserving.

In a world that often values power, success, and self-interest, may we be known as a people who prioritize love above all else. May our lives be a reflection of God’s love, shining brightly in the darkness, pointing others to the source of all love—Jesus Christ.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the blessing of faith, hope, and love. Help me to use these virtues and to prioritize love above all else. Fill me with Your love, that I may love You with all my heart and love others as myself. May my life be a testament to Your great love and grace, drawing others into relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.