Pastor Stephen Dedman

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭22‬-‭23‬

This passage is nestled within the lament (or cry) of the prophet Jeremiah during a time of deep distress for the people of Israel. Despite the hardships, Jeremiah finds his hope in the faithfulness of God. These verses serve as a reminder that God’s love is steadfast, His mercies are endless, and each new day is an opportunity to witness His faithfulness.

As we bid farewell to 2023, let’s carry the assurance of God’s faithfulness into the unknown terrain of the coming days, weeks, and months. Pause to reflect on the moments God sustained you, guided you, and showered you with His mercy throughout the year. Recognize that just as His mercies were new every morning in the past, they will continue to be so in 2024.

Take a moment to surrender your plans, hopes, and fears for the future to the One whose faithfulness knows no bounds. Set aside some time for prayer, expressing gratitude for God’s faithfulness in the past year and seeking His guidance for the one to come. Trust that, no matter what the new year holds, God’s love will remain steadfast, and His mercies will be there to meet you each morning.

Pray

Lord, I confess my fears or anxieties about the unknown future. Replace them with a deep trust in Your providence. Let Your light illuminate my path, and may I walk confidently, knowing that Your love surrounds me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him,
‭‭Luke‬ ‭8‬:‭1‬

Jesus traveled through every city and village, preaching the good news of the kingdom of God. As His disciples, we are called to share this same message with the world. The kingdom of God represents His reign, His love, and His salvation offered to all.

The presence of the twelve disciples with Jesus is significant. It underscores the idea that discipleship involves a close, personal relationship with the Master Teacher. They walked with Him, learned from Him, and shared in His mission work.

Being a disciple consists of being a learner or student. The disciples spent time with Jesus, not just for the sake of companionship but to absorb His teachings and witness His actions. To follow Jesus means to learn from Him and seek to reflect His character.

Discipleship isn’t just about personal growth; it’s about sharing the good news. We are called to bring the glad tidings of God’s kingdom to those around us. Just think about how you could brighten someone’s day just by sharing the good news of Jesus with them. 

Are you actively learning from Jesus and sharing the good news of His kingdom with others? Are you walking closely with Him, seeking to become more like Him in character and purpose? May today’s verse inspire you to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and embrace the call to be His disciple.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the example of discipleship found in Your ministry. Help me to follow You more closely everyday. May I be true disciple, reflecting Your love and grace in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth.
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬

John’s vision takes us to the throne room of heaven, where he sees a Lamb standing at the center of attention. This Lamb holds a position of highest authority among the heavenly beings. It is a picture of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

The Lamb appears to have been slain. Even in heaven, the Lamb’s sacrifice is not forgotten. This points to the eternal impact of Christ’s sacrificial death—His atonement continues to resonate throughout eternity.

Seven is a perfect or complete number. The seven horns and seven eyes symbolize the Lamb’s perfect power and perfect knowledge. The seven Spirits of God means the Holy Spirit is the perfect Spirit of God. The Lamb’s sovereignty and omniscience assure us that He is both mighty and all-knowing.

With this vision, we witness the fullness of the redemption story. The slain Lamb of God stands victoriously, reminding us of Jesus’ triumphant resurrection. His sacrifice and death paid the price for our sins and secured our eternal salvation.

One day we will see this image in real time, with our own eyes. Until that time comes, we should consider the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice for our salvation. Does the sacrificial love of Christ inspire you in your faith journey? Do you show the character of Christ in all that you do?

Pray

Lord, I’m humbled by the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. Thank You for His atonement that brings redemption and eternal life. Help me to live in the light of His sacrifice, sharing His love with others and walking in His footsteps. In Jesus’ name, amen.