Pastor Stephen Dedman

Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.
‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭49‬

Jesus promised His disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit. He told them to wait in Jerusalem until they were “endued with power from on high.” This empowering by the Holy Spirit is not just for the early disciples but for all believers throughout history. 

The empowering of the Holy Spirit equips us to live out our faith, share the Gospel, and face life’s challenges with divine strength.

Just as the disciples had to wait for the Holy Spirit, we too need to seek the Lord’s timing and be patient in our journey of faith. We can find comfort and confidence in knowing that God’s power is available to us through the Holy Spirit, enabling us to fulfill His purposes in our lives. 

Let’s embrace this promise and rely on the Spirit’s guidance and strength to live out our calling as disciples of Christ.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the promise of the Holy Spirit, the source of divine power. Just as You empowered the early disciples, I ask for a fresh outpouring of Your Spirit in my life. Grant me the wisdom to wait on Your timing and the strength to fulfill the calling You’ve placed in my heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.”
‭‭John‬ ‭13‬:‭8‬

In this verse, we witness Peter’s initial resistance to Jesus washing his feet. Peter thought it was beneath the Messiah’s dignity to perform such a humble task. However, Jesus’ response is profound. He tells Peter that unless he allows Him to wash his feet, he cannot have a part with Him. This statement goes beyond the physical act; it represents the spiritual cleansing and humility required to follow Jesus.

Just as Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, He desires to cleanse us from our sins and pride. We must be willing to let go of our self-reliance and allow Jesus to cleanse our hearts. It is through this act of humility and surrender that we can truly have a part with Him and experience the fullness of His grace and love in our lives.

Pray

Lord, I come before You with a humble heart. I acknowledge my need for spiritual cleansing and the removal of pride. I ask for Your forgiveness and to make me pure and holy. In Jesus’ name, amen.

A man’s steps are of the Lord; How then can a man understand his own way?
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭20‬:‭24‬

This proverb reminds us that our steps are ultimately directed by the Lord, and His divine plan often surpasses our own understanding.

It reminds us that God is the ultimate guide of our lives. Our human nature often leads us to make plans, set goals, and try to understand every detail of our path. While planning is important, we must always remember that God’s wisdom and sovereignty far exceeds our own. He knows the best way for us, even when we can’t understand it.

It’s a challenge to relinquish control and trust in God’s guidance, especially when we face uncertainty or difficulty. However, we are encouraged to release our grip on our own understanding and lean on God’s wisdom and providence. It’s an invitation to place our trust in the One who knows the end from the beginning.

Pray

Lord, I acknowledge that my steps are ultimately directed by You. Help me to trust in Your guidance and sovereignty, even when I can’t comprehend the path before me. Grant me the wisdom to seek Your will in all that I do, knowing that Your plan is far greater than my own. In Jesus’ name, amen.