Pastor Stephen Dedman

…in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
‭‭I Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬

Gratitude has the unique power to transform our life! The Bible is repetitive in “giving thanks unto the Lord.” Giving thanks can shift our attention from what is lacking to what is left for us to enjoy. Even when we don’t understand our situation, we can trust God; He is good and merciful and knows what is best for us.

What are you more thankful for this year? Thankfulness opens our hearts to God and His ways of thinking. After all, His ways are not our ways! Even when God doesn’t change our circumstances, He can change our perspective on our circumstances.

The scripture does not tell us to give thanks for everything but, in everything because, God can use even those things He does not cause.

Pray

Lord, thank You for every opportunity to praise and honor You. Help me to see Your good works in every situation. Transform my heart and make me see Your love and grace in everything. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭14‬

In the closing words of his second letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul prays a blessing upon the believers, invoking the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit. This triune blessing is the essence of the Christian faith.

First, Paul invokes the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace is defined as God’s undeserved favor. It is through the grace of Jesus Christ that we are forgiven, redeemed, and reconciled to God. His grace is freely given, available to all who believe, and it empowers us to live transformed lives.

Second, Paul speaks of the love of God. God’s love is unconditional, unfailing, and incomprehensible. It is a love that surpasses human understanding. It was out of love that God sent His Son into the world to save us (John 3:16), and it is His love that sustains us through every circumstance. Knowing that we are loved by God gives us strength, comfort, and assurance.

Finally, Paul mentions the communion of the Holy Spirit. Communion refers to an intimate fellowship with God, made possible through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit not only guides and empowers us but also enables us to experience a friendship with God and with one another. Through the communion of the Holy Spirit, we are united as the body of Christ, sharing in a common faith and purpose.

As we meditate on this triune blessing, may we be reminded of the richness and depth of our relationship with God. May we embrace the grace of Jesus Christ, rejoice in the love of God, and cultivate a communion with the Holy Spirit. And may this blessing be upon us all, now and forevermore.

Pray

Lord, I thank You for the triune blessing of Your grace, love, and fellowship. Help me to fully embrace the depth of Your love, to walk in the grace of Jesus Christ, and to live in agreement with Your Holy Spirit. May Your presence be with me always, guiding me, strengthening me, and filling me with Your peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭23‬

Romans 6:23 sums up the fundamental truth of the gospel—the reality of sin and its consequences, contrasted with the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. In this verse, the apostle Paul presents a difference between two paths: one leading to death and the other to life.

Paul begins by acknowledging the reality of sin and its consequences. Sin is not just a minor infraction; it is a serious offense against a holy and righteous God. The wages, or the payment, for sin is death—not only physical death but also spiritual separation from God for all eternity. Sin leads to brokenness, pain, and ultimately, eternal separation from God.

Next, Paul introduces a message of hope and redemption—the gift of God. Unlike wages earned through labor, a gift is freely given, unearned and undeserved. God, in His infinite love and mercy, offers the gift of eternal life to humanity through His Son, Jesus Christ. This gift is made available to all who believe in Jesus as their Savior and Lord.

The gift of eternal life is not merely an extension of our earthly existence; it is life in its fullest and truest sense, a life characterized by an intimate relationship with God. Through Jesus Christ, we are reconciled to God, forgiven of our sins, and adopted into His family as His beloved children. Eternal life is not just a future hope; it begins the moment we place our faith in Jesus and continues for all eternity.

The gift of eternal life demands a response from us. We cannot earn this gift through our own efforts; it is purely by God’s grace. However, we must respond to God’s offer of salvation with faith and repentance. We must acknowledge our need for a Savior, turn away from our sin, and place our trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.

Let us respond to this gift with humility, gratitude, and obedience, living each day in light of the hope and assurance it brings.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of eternal life. Help me to grasp the magnitude of this gift and to live in response to Your grace and mercy. Help me turn away from sin and embrace the abundant life You offer. In Jesus’ name, amen.