Pastor Stephen Dedman

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February 11, 2025

Encouragement

Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.”
‭‭I Samuel‬ ‭3‬:‭10‬

Samuel was just a boy when he first heard God’s voice, yet his response was one of humility and readiness: “Speak, for your servant is listening.” This moment marked the beginning of his prophetic calling and a life dedicated to serving God.

How often do we position ourselves to hear God’s voice? In our busy lives, God may be speaking, but distractions drown out His call. Samuel’s story reminds us that God desires to speak to His people. The question is—are we listening?

The Lord called Samuel by name, showing that He is a personal God who desires a relationship with us. He still calls us today—through His Word, prayer, and the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Samuel didn’t recognize God’s voice at first, but once Eli guided him, he was ready to listen. We, too, need spiritual discernment to recognize God’s voice, which comes through spending time in His presence.

Samuel’s response wasn’t just about hearing; it was about being ready to act. True worship and devotion are demonstrated in our obedience to what God speaks.

Are there any distractions that are keeping you from listening to His voice?

    Pray

    Lord, I want to hear Your voice. Speak to me, and help me to recognize when You are calling. Give me a heart that listens and a spirit that obeys. Let my life be a reflection of my devotion to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

    February 10, 2025

    Encouragement

    Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
    ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭7‬

    In a world that often rushes for immediate results, the idea of waiting patiently might seem counterintuitive. Yet, the Bible encourages us to find rest in the Lord and teaches us the beauty in being patient.

    Often we may be tempted to become anxious, to fret, or to question why it seems that the unrighteous are succeeding. But God’s word offers a different perspective.

    To “rest in the Lord” means to surrender all of our anxieties and to find peace within His presence. It means acknowledging that God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with our own desires or expectations.

    “Wait patiently for Him” is an act of faith and humility. It means recognizing that God’s plan unfolds in His own time, and our role is to just trust His plan. Waiting patiently allows us to grow in faith and to learn valuable lessons along the way.

    When we see others around us prospering through wicked schemes, we must not be discouraged. God’s justice prevails and the rewards of the righteous endure. Our duty is to remain faithful and obedient to God.

    Are there any anxieties that you need to surrender to the Lord? Take a moment to rest in the Lord. Let go of your anxieties and concerns, and wait patiently for Him. And while you wait for the Lord, just enjoy being in His presence. 

    Pray

    Lord, I surrender my deepest concerns and anxieties to You. I know You are in control of all things and everything fits within your perfect plan. Thank You for taking care of me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

    February 9, 2025

    Trust

    Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”
    ‭‭Acts‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬

    In Acts 3, we encounter a powerful demonstration of the power of the name of Jesus. Peter and John encountered a man who had been lame from birth, begging for money at the temple gate called Beautiful. The man looked to them, expecting to receive some assistance, but what he received instead was far greater—a miraculous healing that would forever change his life.

    When the name of Jesus was invoked, and the man, who had been crippled for years, was instantaneously healed. He leaped to his feet, praising God, and entered the temple courts with joy and amazement. His life was forever changed by the power of the name of Jesus.

    This passage serves as a reminder of the authority and power that resides in the name of Jesus. It is not merely a name but a representation of the person and character of Jesus Christ Himself. In His name, miracles are performed, chains are broken, and lives are transformed.

    As followers of Christ, we have been entrusted with the privilege of carrying the name of Jesus wherever we go. We are called to walk in His footsteps, to embody His love and compassion, and to proclaim His gospel to the ends of the earth. And just as Peter and John did, we are called to boldly declare the name of Jesus, knowing that in His name, lives are changed and destinies are altered.

    May we never underestimate the power of the name of Jesus. May we have the faith to believe that in His name, mountains can be moved, storms can be calmed, and the impossible can become possible. And may we, like the man who was healed at the temple gate, respond with gratitude and praise for the life-transforming power of Jesus’ name.

    Pray

    Lord, thank You for allowing me to use Your name, which is above every name. Help me to walk in the authority and power that Your name represents. May I never cease to marvel at the life-transforming power of Your great name. In Jesus’ name, amen.