Pastor Stephen Dedman

And all the people saw him walking and praising God.
‭‭Acts‬ ‭3‬:‭9‬

There is a powerful scene that takes place in Acts 3 as Peter and John encounter a man who had been lame from birth, begging for alms at the gate of the temple. Through the power of Jesus’ name, the man is instantly healed, allowing him to walk for the first time in his life. Overwhelmed with gratitude and joy, the man responds by praising God, for all to see.

The lame man’s healing serves as a metaphor for the spiritual transformation that occurs when we encounter the living God. Like the lame man, we were once spiritually crippled by sin and separated from God, unable to walk in His ways or experience His fullness.

However, through Jesus Christ, we have been made whole and set free from the power of sin and death. We have been given new life and the ability to walk in fellowship with God, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

The response of the newly changed man challenges us to consider our own response to the work of God in our lives. Are we quick to recognize and acknowledge His grace and mercy, or do we take His blessings for granted? Do we respond with gratitude and praise, or do we remain silent?

Take a moment today to praise God for the work of transformation He has done in your life. May your heart overflow with gratitude for His grace and mercy, allowing others to see your praise to God.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the transformative work You have done in my life. Help me to walk in freedom and wholeness and to live each day marked by gratitude, praise, and obedience. May my life reflect Your glory and draw others to encounter Your life-changing love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!”
‭‭John‬ ‭12‬:‭19‬

After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, many people started following Jesus. In response, the Pharisees were frustrated because of the increasing popularity of Jesus. They said, “the world has gone after Him.” This statement, though made by the Pharisees with a sense of alarm, holds a profound truth about the impact of Jesus on the world.

This truth reminds us of the powerful draw that Jesus has. His teachings of love, grace, and salvation have an appeal that goes beyond cultural, geographical, and societal boundaries. People from all backgrounds and walks of life are drawn to His transformative power and message of hope.

What is your response to Jesus? Are you drawn to His teachings, recognizing that He is the answer to our deepest longings? Do you follow Him and share His love with the world around us? 

Jesus’s influence continues to be felt across the globe, and we are called to be part of the world that follows Him.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the profound impact You have on the world. Help me to draw closer to You and share the wonderful message of love and hope with others. Empower me to live out Your example of love and grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.
‭‭Titus‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬

The apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of believers being devoted to doing good works, which are not only beneficial to others but also essential to the Christian life. While salvation comes through faith alone in Christ, genuine faith naturally produces a life characterized by good works. As recipients of God’s grace, we are called to reflect His love and righteousness through our actions, attitudes, and behaviors.

Good works are not merely acts of charity or kindness but are evidence of a heart and a life surrendered to God. They include acts of compassion, generosity, service, and love towards others, motivated by a desire to glorify God and advance His kingdom.

We are called to be intentional about maintaining good works in our lives. This requires a daily commitment to living out our faith in practical ways, seeking opportunities to bless and serve those around us. Whether it’s helping a neighbor in need or simply showing kindness to a stranger, every act of goodness reflects the character of Christ and has the potential to impact lives for eternity.

Let us not grow weary in doing good, but let us be steadfast in our pursuit of good works, knowing that they are pleasing to God and beneficial to others. May our lives be a witness of God’s grace as we strive to live out our faith in love and service to the world.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of salvation. Help me to be diligent in maintaining good works, as a response to Your grace and love in my life. Open my eyes to the needs of those around me, and empower me by Your Spirit to be a source of blessing and encouragement to others. May my life be a reflection of Your goodness and mercy, drawing others to You and glorifying Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.