Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For September 12, 2024

Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭7‬:‭25‬

There is such a beautiful truth in today’s verse that brings comfort and assurance to every believer’s heart. It reminds us that Jesus Christ, our Savior and High Priest, not only saved us but continues to intercede on our behalf. His intercession is a testament to His eternal love and care for His children.

As our Savior, Jesus accomplished the work of redemption on the cross, providing salvation for all who come to God through Him. As our Intercessor, He continues to stand before the Father on our behalf, representing us and advocating for us.

The assurance that Jesus is able to save us provides us with great comfort. His salvation isn’t limited by time, circumstances, or the depth of our sins. His grace reaches to the depth of our need, offering complete and everlasting salvation.

What a powerful statement—Jesus always lives to make intercession for us. His ministry of intercession isn’t occasional or sporadic; it’s constant and unending. His presence before the Father is a reminder that we are never alone, and His prayers on our behalf are always present.

The concept of intercession speaks to the oneness between the Son and the Father. Jesus, who knows us intimately, intercedes for us personally. His prayers are specific to our needs, fears, and aspirations.

Let this wonderful truth impact your perspective on your relationship with God through Jesus Christ. How can you lean into the comfort of His intercession in your daily life?

Pray

Lord, I’m grateful for the assurance that You always intercede for me. Thank You for Your unending love and care. Help me to draw closer to You, knowing that my prayers are heard by You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For 9/11

And one cried to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭6‬:‭3‬

Every year on this day, many people take a few minutes to reflect and remember the tragic events that occurred in 2001. Our nation faced the gruesome reality of violence and war. Instead of crippling us, we stood strong and we were united as a nation.

What was meant for evil was used to bring a nation together. Americans were on their knees praying and seeking God for help and answers. Churches were full and God was worshipped. 

Today, as we remember the events of 2001, let us explore the significance of this verse in the context of that tragic day and the enduring holiness of our Creator.

Isaiah’s vision of God’s holiness is a reminder that our God is set apart, pure, and perfect. Even in the face of tragedy, God’s holiness remains. In times of darkness, we can take comfort in knowing that His character remains unwavering and steadfast.

9/11 marks a day of great sorrow and brokenness. But even in the midst of brokenness, God’s holiness shines through. It is in our response to adversity, our acts of kindness, and our pursuit of justice that we can reflect His holiness and bring a measure of healing to a hurting world.

The heavenly beings in Isaiah’s vision continuously declared, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord.” Our worship of God should not be confined to a church building but should permeate every aspect of our lives. Through our words, actions, and attitudes, we can exalt the holiness of God and be a beacon of hope to others.

Even in the midst of tragedy, there are glimpses of God’s glory – in the bravery of first responders, the compassion of strangers, and the resilience of survivors. As we remember 9/11, let us always remember that God’s glory shines bright and His holiness is unchanging. 

In times of great sorrow and uncertainty in our life, we can find solace in knowing that He remains holy, sovereign, and loving. Let us strive to reflect His holiness in our lives, and may we continue to seek His glory even in the face of adversity. 

Pray

Lord, when I call on You, You are a present help. Help me to never forget that Your holiness provides healing, comfort and peace. Let me see Your glory even times seem uncertain. Thank You for Your love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For September 10, 2024

“Can anyone hide himself in secret places, So I shall not see him?” says the Lord; “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” says the Lord.
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭23‬:‭24‬

It may be a frightful thought but no one can escape God’s watchful eye or hide their actions from His sight. There is no secret or hidden place beyond His awareness. God knows all things, sees everything, and is everywhere. 

The Lord says, “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” These words reveal the magnitude of God’s presence. He is not confined to a specific location or limited by time and space. There is no place where He is not.

This truth holds great significance for us as believers. It reminds us that we are never alone or forgotten. In our joys and victories, God is present. In our struggles and sorrows, He is with us. He sees us in our private moments, knows the thoughts of our hearts, and understands the complexities of our lives.

The omnipresence of God brings comfort, accountability, and a sense of awe. It assures us that we can turn to Him in every situation, knowing that He is near and attentive to our needs. It also serves as a reminder that our actions have consequences, for we cannot hide our deeds from the all-seeing eyes of our Heavenly Father.

Knowing that God is omnipresent, we are called to live with integrity. We can take comfort in knowing that even in the most challenging circumstances, God sees us and is working on our behalf. He hears our cries and understands our hearts.

Is there something you are trying to hide from God? Don’t be deceived by the false notion that you can hide anything from God or live in ways contrary to His will. Know that God is with you, guiding and directing your steps. Allow His presence to lead you to worship and honor Him in all that you do.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your omnipresence. Help me to grasp the depth of this truth and to live in constant awareness of Your presence in my life. Guide me to walk in integrity and to honor You in every area of my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.