Pastor Stephen Dedman

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
‭‭John‬ ‭15:7‬

Jesus shares a profound truth about the connection between abiding in Him and experiencing the power of answered prayer. He invites us into a deeper intimacy with Himself, promising that as we abide in Him and His words dwell richly within us, our prayers will be aligned with His will and answered according to His purposes.

To abide in Christ means to remain in close communion and fellowship with Him, allowing His life to flow through us and His Spirit to guide our thoughts and actions. It involves daily surrender, constant dependence, and unwavering trust in His love and faithfulness. As we abide in Christ, His words become the foundation of our lives, shaping our desires, priorities, and perspectives.

When our hearts are aligned with the heart of Christ, our prayers are transformed. We no longer pray out of selfish ambition or personal gain but out of a desire to see God’s kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Our prayers become an expression of our intimacy with Christ, a reflection of His character and purposes, and an instrument of His power and grace.

Today, let us commit to abiding in Christ and allowing His words to dwell richly within us. Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that our prayers are heard and answered by a loving and faithful God. And let us live in the assurance that as we abide in Him, our lives will bear fruit that remains for eternity.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the power of answered prayer. Help me to remain steadfast in my devotion to You, allowing Your words to shape my desires and guide my prayers. May my life be a testimony to Your faithfulness and grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭19‬:‭5‬

In the busy streets of Jericho stood a man named Zacchaeus. He was a wealthy tax collector, despised by his own people. Yet, in his heart, there was a longing for something beyond the wealth and power he had gained. 

As Jesus was passing through Jericho, Zacchaeus was curious and climbed a sycamore tree to see over the crowds. Little did he know that this simple act would lead to a profound encounter that would change his life forever.

When Jesus walked beneath the tree, He looked up and called out to Zacchaeus by name. Imagine the shock and wonder that must have filled Zacchaeus’ heart as he heard the voice of the Son of God speaking directly to him. Jesus didn’t just acknowledge Zacchaeus; He invited Himself into Zacchaeus’ home.

In that moment, Zacchaeus faced a choice—to respond with joy and obedience or to shrink back in fear and hesitation. Without hesitation, Zacchaeus made haste and welcomed Jesus into his home. The transformation that followed was nothing short of miraculous.

Zacchaeus, once known for his greed, was transformed by the presence of Jesus. He declared to give half of his wealth to the poor and to repay anyone he had cheated fourfold. Through one encounter with Jesus, Zacchaeus was redeemed, restored, and set on a new path of righteousness.

Like Zacchaeus, we are each called to respond to the invitation of Jesus. He stands at the door of our hearts, knocking, and waiting for us to open the door and welcome Him in. Regardless of our past mistakes or present circumstances, Jesus offers us the gift of transformation—a chance to be made new in His love and grace.

May we, like Zacchaeus, make haste to respond to Jesus’ invitation. May we open our hearts to His transforming power and allow Him to dwell within us, guiding us on the path of righteousness and leading us into abundant life.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the invitation to salvation and transformation. Help me to welcome You into every area of my life. Transform me by Your grace, that I may live as a child of light, sharing Your love with the world around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.
‭‭Acts‬ ‭9‬:‭31

In Acts 9:31, we find the early Christian communities experiencing a season of peace, edification, and growth. This verse describes a time of spiritual flourishing and harmony among believers in the early church. 

Saul’s transformation from a persecutor of Christians to a follower of Christ was a factor of change. This pivotal moment not only marked the change in Saul’s life but also contributed to the overall well-being and growth of the Christian communities. The fear of the Lord, a deep reverence and awe for God’s authority, and the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit played crucial roles in fostering this positive environment.

As believers, we are to seek a balance between a reverent fear of the Lord and the comforting guidance of the Holy Spirit. It encourages us to actively contribute to the peace and edification of our spiritual communities. The fear of the Lord is not about dread but a deep respect and acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty. The comfort of the Holy Spirit empowers us to navigate challenges and uncertainties with confidence.

As we walk in the footsteps of those early believers, let us prioritize unity, the fear of the Lord, and the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives and communities. By doing so, we participate in the multiplication and growth of God’s kingdom.

Pray

Lord, may the fear of You guide my steps, and may the comfort of the Holy Spirit be my constant companion. Let my life contribute to the peace and edification of those around me. In times of growth and challenges, may Your presence be multiplied in my heart and in the communities I’m a part of. In Jesus’ name, amen.