Pastor Stephen Dedman

Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach,
‭‭Mark‬ ‭3‬:‭14‬

Just as Jesus chose twelve ordinary men, He extends an invitation to each of us today. In the midst of our busy lives, responsibilities, and distractions, He calls us to spend time with Him daily. He desires to be our constant companion, guiding us, comforting us, and revealing the truths of His kingdom.

Being with Jesus allows us to witness firsthand His compassion for the broken, His wisdom in handling challenges, and His unwavering faith in God the Father. As we walk with Him, we learn invaluable lessons, not just for ourselves but also to share with others.

We have a special purpose as disciples of Christ. We are not called to walk alone or merely perform tasks in our own strength. We are called to be with Him, to abide in His love, and to allow His truth to shape every aspect of our lives.

Have you responded to Jesus’ invitation wholeheartedly? It is a privilege to be one of His followers.

Pray

Lord, thank You for calling me to be one of Your followers. Help me to embrace Your presence so that I will grow close to You. Give me the courage to follow You wholeheartedly. In Jesus’ name, amen.

He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭29‬

Have you had those days when you lost all hope and you didn’t know how you would get through? We all have. Isaiah 40 gives us some hope. 

Isaiah unveils a profound truth – our God is the source of unwavering strength. He graciously bestows power upon the weary, breathing hope into the exhausted soul.

When we feel overwhelmed by the challenges before us, we can turn to the Almighty, for He is not only aware of our weaknesses but delights in granting strength to His children. His power is not limited by our inadequacies; rather, it is magnified in our dependence upon Him.

Is there an area of your life that you feel weak? Acknowledge this weakness before the Lord and ask for His strength to carry you and lean on His power and might. 

Pray

Lord, today I seek Your strength. Thank You for the promise that You give power to the weak and increase strength to those who have none. Empower me to face each day with the assurance that Your strength is more than sufficient for every circumstance. In Jesus’ name, amen.

So the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.
‭‭Jonah‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬

The story of Jonah is one of rebellion, repentance, and redemption—a story that resonates with us on many levels. Like Jonah, we often find ourselves running from God’s call, seeking to escape His presence and evade His will for our lives. Yet, no matter how far we may stray, God’s pursuit of us never wavers.

In Jonah’s moment of desperation, trapped within the belly of the great fish, he cries out to God for mercy. His prayer, recorded in Jonah 2, is an expression of repentance and surrender—a turning point in his journey back to God. And in response to Jonah’s cry, God intervenes miraculously, commanding the fish to vomit Jonah onto dry land.

God’s deliverance of Jonah serves as a powerful reminder of His unfailing love and faithfulness towards His children. Even in our moments of disobedience and rebellion, God is always ready to extend His hand of mercy and rescue us from the depths of despair. His grace knows no bounds, and His desire is for all to come to repentance and experience His salvation.

Today, let us reflect on God’s deliverance of Jonah and the lessons it holds for us. May we recognize our own need for repentance and surrender, acknowledging our dependence on God’s mercy and grace. And may we respond with obedience and faithfulness, trusting in God’s faithfulness to lead us on the path of righteousness and fulfill His purposes in and through us.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your mercy and grace that reaches down to rescue me from the depths of despair. Help me to recognize the need for repentance and surrender, and to trust in Your unfailing love. May I respond with obedience and faithfulness to Your call. In Jesus’ name, amen.