Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For April 18, 2024

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭15‬

It’s easy to get caught up in our daily routines and forget to pause and reflect on the many blessings that surround us. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving, recognizing that every good and perfect gift comes from our Heavenly Father.

In today’s verse, Paul is referring to the ultimate gift of God’s grace and salvation through Jesus Christ. It is a gift so profound, so extraordinary, that words alone cannot fully express its magnitude.

As we reflect on this verse, let us consider three key aspects of God’s indescribable gift:

  1. The Gift of Grace: The gift that Paul refers to is none other than the gift of God’s grace extended to us through Jesus Christ. It is a gift that we could never earn or deserve, yet God freely offers it to us out of His great love and mercy. Through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, we are forgiven of our sins and reconciled to God, receiving the gift of eternal life.
  2. The Gift of Salvation: In addition to grace, God’s indescribable gift includes the gift of salvation. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we are saved from the power of sin and death, and we are adopted into God’s family as His beloved children. This salvation is not just for this life but extends into eternity, offering us hope and assurance for the future.
  3. The Gift of Relationship: Ultimately, God’s indescribable gift is the gift of relationship with Him. Through Jesus Christ, we are invited into a deep and intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father. We are able to experience His presence, His love, and His peace in our lives, knowing that we are never alone.

As we contemplate the indescribable gift of God’s grace and salvation, let us respond with overflowing thanks and praise. May our hearts be filled with gratitude for the incredible blessings that God has bestowed upon us, and may we seek to live lives that reflect the depth of His love and the richness of His grace.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your indescribable gift of grace and salvation. Help me to never take for granted the profound sacrifice that was made on my behalf. Fill my heart with gratitude and thanksgiving, and may I live each day in response to Your amazing love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Happy Easter

For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth;
‭‭Job‬ ‭19‬:‭25

In the book of Job, we find a man who faced unimaginable suffering and loss, yet maintained his faith and trust in God. In the midst of his trials, Job expresses his confidence in the reality of his Redeemer, who he knows will ultimately bring him to a place of restoration and redemption.

As we celebrate Easter today, the hope and assurance we have in the resurrection of Jesus Christ gives us the confidence in the victory of over sin and death.

Easter morning marks the culmination of God’s redemptive plan, as Jesus Christ rises from the dead, conquering the power of sin and death once and for all. In the resurrection of Jesus, we find the fulfillment of God’s promise to bring new life and hope to all who believe in Him.

Just as Job looked forward to the day when his Redeemer would stand on the earth, so too do we eagerly anticipate the return of Christ, when He will establish His kingdom in its fullness and bring about the ultimate restoration of all things. In the resurrection of Jesus, we see a glimpse of the future glory that awaits us as children of God.

Today, fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. Be filled with gratitude and joy as you remember His victory over sin and death, and be inspired to live in faith and hope in the power of His resurrection.

He is risen!

Pray

Lord, thank You for the hope and assurance in the resurrection. Help me to fix my eyes on You, the author and finisher of faith. May I be filled with gratitude and joy as I celebrate this wonderful Resurrection Day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Consider Grace

To me (Paul), though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
Ephesians 3:8

Paul understood the grace of God. When he discovered that Jesus was the Messiah his eyes were opened to the grace of God. Despite his murderous past and hatred of Christians, Paul was chosen by God to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

After his conversion, Paul was a total different person. He called himself “small Paul”. He was not one of the twelve disciples who followed Jesus, nor was he baptized by John unto repentance. Paul wasn’t among the men who received the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost but God chose to use him greatly.

Because Paul was made new in Christ, he had a great understanding of salvation. He gives us understanding of God’s grace through his personal experience. It is not surprising that Paul could only refer to himself as the very least of all the saints.

More importantly, he referred to God’s grace as “the unsearchable riches of Christ.” For someone who deeply knows that he has been forgiven and freed of the bondage of sin, he can preach the Good News of Jesus Christ. 

The moment we fully realize the fullness of God’s grace is the moment that we will bel sold-out for Christ. Reflect upon the grace that has been given to you.

Pray

Lord, I praise You for the unfathomable, unsearchable, boundless riches that I have received by grace through faith. I have every right to be condemned but instead You lifted me up into the courts of a heavenly royalty. Thank You for saving me from the depths of hell.