Pastor Stephen Dedman

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭38‬-‭39‬

Paul listed a series of potential obstacles and challenges—death, life, angels, principalities, powers, present circumstances, future uncertainties, height, depth, and any other created thing—and declared that none of them have the power to separate us from God’s love.

This assurance of God’s unshakeable love provides comfort and security to believers in every season of life. In times of trial and tribulation, we can take refuge in the knowledge that God’s love for us remains constant and unwavering.

The love of God transcends all human understanding and surpasses all earthly bounds. It is a love that knows no limits and reaches to the deepest depths and highest heights. It is a love that extends beyond time and space.

Take a moment to reflect on the unbreakable love of God as expressed in Romans 8:38-39. Allow the truth of these verses to penetrate your heart and fill you with confidence and peace. And may you be strengthened and encouraged to live boldly and confidently in the love of Christ.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the unbreakable love. Help me to grasp the depth and breadth of Your love, and to live each day in the assurance of Your unfailing faithfulness. May Your love be my anchor in the storms of life, and may it empower me to live as bold witnesses of Your grace and mercy. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! For praise from the upright is beautiful.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭33‬:‭1

Psalm 33 is a song of praise, celebrating God’s sovereignty, creativity, and faithfulness. The psalmist begins by calling the righteous to rejoice in the Lord, emphasizing that praise is both fitting and beautiful when offered by those who walk in God’s ways.

In ancient Israel, praising God wasn’t just an expression of gratitude but a declaration of trusting His faithfulness. The beauty of the upright’s praise lies in its authenticity—it flows from a heart aligned with God.

As followers of Christ, our lives should be full of joy that reflects the goodness of God. This verse reminds us that praise isn’t just an action—it’s a lifestyle. It flows from knowing who God is and recognizing His hand in every season of life.

The psalmist describes praise as “beautiful.” Why? Because it glorifies God and transforms us. When we praise, we shift our focus from ourselves and our circumstances to the One who holds all things in His hands. Even in trials, when we choose to rejoice, our praise becomes a powerful witness of God’s sustaining grace.

How much do you praise the Lord? Every prayer should be full of praise. Every conversation with others should include praise to God. Every thought we have should be praiseworthy!

Pray

Lord, thank You for being my source of joy and hope. Help me to praise You in all circumstances, knowing that my worship brings You glory and transforms my heart. Teach me to live a life that radiates Your beauty to the world around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭11‬:‭36‬

In this single verse, the apostle Paul expresses the scope of God’s reign over all creation. It serves as a beautiful reminder of our place in God’s grand design and calls us to respond with awe, reverence, and adoration.

This verse affirms that everything originates from God, finds its sustenance in Him, and ultimately returns to Him. Every aspect of creation, every event in history, every moment of our lives is under His sovereign control and authority. Nothing exists apart from Him, and nothing happens outside of His divine purpose.

As we meditate on this truth, we are invited to surrender ourselves to the sovereign will of God. We are reminded that our lives are not our own but belong to the One who created us and sustains us. In times of uncertainty and difficulty, we can take comfort in knowing that God is in control and that He works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).

Recognizing that all things are from Him and through Him leads us to respond with gratitude and praise. Every blessing we receive, every provision we enjoy, is a gift from the hand of our Heavenly Father. In moments of joy and abundance, may we lift our voices in thanksgiving, acknowledging the source of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17).

As we contemplate that all things are to Him, we are reminded of our ultimate purpose: to bring glory to God. 

Pray

Lord, I am in awe of Your sovereignty and majesty, for of You and through You and to You are all things. Help me to surrender to Your will and to trust in Your goodness and faithfulness. May I bring glory to Your name, as I acknowledge You as the source and sustainer of all things. In Jesus’ name, amen.