Pastor Stephen Dedman

Latest Posts

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.

February 8, 2025

Encouragement

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.