Pastor Stephen Dedman

A little leaven leavens the whole lump.
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭9‬

Paul’s warning about the influence of leaven serves as a powerful metaphor for the nature of sin and false teaching. Just as a small amount of leaven can affect the entire lump of dough, so too can even a minor compromise with sin or false doctrine have consequences in the life of a believer and the church.

It is crucial to guard against the infiltration of sin and false teaching that can undermine our faith and lead us astray. The enemy often seeks to deceive and divide God’s people through subtle lies and half-truths, enticing us to compromise our convictions and stray from the path of righteousness.

Paul’s warning challenges us to examine our own lives. Are there areas of disobedience that we have allowed to creep in our hearts? Are there false beliefs that we have embraced, without testing them against the truth of God’s Word?

As followers of Christ, we are called to be vigilant and discerning. We must immerse ourselves in God’s Word, allowing it to serve as a safeguard against deception and error. Rely on the Holy Spirit to empower you to resist temptation and stand firm in the truth.

Pray

Lord, help me to be diligent and discerning, guarding against the influence of sin and false teachings. Give me wisdom and strength to stand firm in faith, rooted and grounded in Your Word. May I be a beacon of truth and righteousness in a world filled with deception and darkness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.
‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭25‬

John concludes his gospel with a statement that summarizes the magnitude of Jesus’ earthly ministry. John acknowledges that the accounts of Jesus’ words and deeds recorded in the Gospel represent only a fraction of His miracles. The sheer volume of Jesus’ works is so vast that the world itself could not contain all the books that could be written about them.

This verse invites us to ponder the limitless nature of Jesus’ impact on the world. Throughout His time on earth, Jesus performed countless miracles, taught profound truths, and demonstrated boundless love and compassion. From healing the sick to raising the dead, from feeding the hungry to calming the stormy seas, Jesus’ works transcended the boundaries of human comprehension.

This verse challenges us to consider the implications for our own lives. If the world itself cannot contain all the works of Jesus, how much more is there to discover and experience in our relationship with Him? How much more is there for us to learn, to explore, and to be transformed by?

As we journey with Jesus, may we approach Him with a sense of wonder and humility, recognizing that His works are beyond our comprehension. May we continue to seek Him earnestly, knowing that there is always more of His love, His grace, and His power to discover. And may we be inspired to live lives that bear witness to the limitless works of Jesus in the world.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the limitless works You performed during Your time on earth. Help me to grasp the depth of Your love and the magnitude of Your power. Open my eyes to see the wonders of Your works and to experience Your presence in my life each day. May my life be a reflection of Your boundless grace and compassion. In Your name, amen.

His name shall endure forever; His name shall continue as long as the sun. And men shall be blessed in Him; All nations shall call Him blessed.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭72‬:‭17‬

The name of the Lord is not merely a label; it represents His character, authority, and eternal nature. It is a name that endures throughout all generations. As we reflect on the enduring nature of God’s name, we are reminded of His faithfulness, grace, mercy, and compassion towards His people.

In Jesus, we have a visual of the embodiment of God’s name—His character, attributes, and purposes fully revealed. He came to earth to reconcile humanity to God, to bring salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Him. Through His death and resurrection, He established a kingdom that will never end.

As believers in Christ, we are blessed to be recipients of God’s grace. In Him, we find forgiveness, redemption, and new life. Through faith in Jesus, we are adopted into God’s family, co-heirs with Christ, and recipients of every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 1:3).

But the blessings of God are not meant to be kept to ourselves. They are meant to be shared with others, to be a source of blessing and encouragement to others. As we live each day in Christ and reflect His love and grace to those around us, we become channels of God’s blessing, agents of His kingdom, and ambassadors of His grace.

May we, as followers of Christ, be known as a people who bring blessing wherever we go—blessing our families, communities, and nations with the love, mercy, and compassion of Jesus Christ. And may all nations call Him blessed, as they come to know and experience the eternal blessings found in Him alone.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the enduring nature of Your name and the eternal blessings You give. Help me to abide in You, to walk in Your ways, and to reflect Your love and grace to the world around me. Use me as an instrument of Your blessing, that others may come to know and call You blessed. In Jesus’ name, amen.