Pastor Stephen Dedman

For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, There is no beauty that we should desire Him.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭53‬:‭2‬

Isaiah 53 is a prophetic chapter that describes the Messiah’s sacrificial, earthly life. In verse 2 lies a profound revelation that invites us to survey the humble beauty of our Savior.

With human eyes, we are captivated by physical appearances. But when it comes to our Savior, Isaiah illustrates a different picture. He reveals that Jesus did not have the kind of attractiveness that some think He would have. 

Jesus’ physical appearance during His earthly ministry did not draw the attention of others. He did not possess a public figure that would be fitting for royalty. He chose to come in the most unexpected way. He did not attract attention through outward beauty but touched hearts through His words and actions of the beauty of His inner character.

The beauty of Jesus was in His humility, compassion, and selflessness. It was in His inner nature and character that His true beauty shone brightly.

As followers of Christ, we are called to display the same spirit of humility and selflessness. Our lives should reflect the inner beauty that comes from a heart devoted to God and a willingness to serve others selflessly.

Today, try fixing your gaze on the beauty of our Savior. Seek to reflect His character in your life and embrace humility and compassion for others. 

Pray

Lord, thank You for revealing to me the humble beauty of Jesus through the words of Isaiah. Help me to see beyond external beauty and teach me the value of humility and selfless love that reflects Your nature and character. In Jesus’ name, amen.

But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.
‭‭I John‬ ‭2‬:‭20‬

What an of incredible blessing we have received as followers of Christ: an anointing from the Holy One. This anointing is the presence of the Holy Spirit within us, empowering and guiding us. 

God’s anointing serves as a seal of divine approval, a mark of identification that sets us apart as His chosen ones. It is the Holy Spirit who teaches us and reveals the deep mysteries of God’s Word.

The anointing of the Holy Spirit gives us spiritual discernment. It empowers us to navigate the complexities of life with divine guidance.

Have you considered the anointing of the Holy Spirit to be a blessing in your Christian walk?

Listen to His voice today and yield to His leadership. By doing so, you will experience the abundant life that Christ has promised.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the precious gift of the Holy Spirit and the anointing I have received. Help me to fully embrace Your presence. Guide me and empower me to be the person You have called me to be. In Jesus’ name, amen.

But man dies and is laid away; Indeed he breathes his last And where is he?
‭‭Job‬ ‭14‬:‭10‬

We are born into this world with a limited time on earth, and eventually, each one of us will face the reality of death. Job’s observation reminds us that our days are numbered and that life is both precious and fragile.

Job’s testimony is one of hope and restoration. Through his suffering, he learned valuable lessons about trusting God and the unwavering faithfulness of God. Job clung to the belief that his Redeemer lived and that he would one day see God face to face (Job 19:25-27).

We have an even greater hope. In the New Testament, we find hope in the glorious truth that Jesus Christ conquered death through His resurrection. He gives us eternal life and the assurance that death is not the end but a transition into an everlasting existence in His presence.

Job’s words serve as a call to reflect upon the brevity of our time on earth and to live with a sense of urgency and purpose. Rather than being fearful of our mortality, we can embrace it as a reminder to live fully for God’s glory and to invest in the things that truly matter.

Let’s remember the words of Job and deepen our relationship with God. We find comfort in knowing that our Redeemer lives and that in Him, we are given hope and assurance of everlasting life in heaven. Face today with gratitude and certainty, knowing you were created for more than this mortal life on earth. 

Pray

Lord, thank You for reminding me that life is short and fragile. Help me to embrace each day with urgency and purpose. Give me strength today to face my trials and suffering with joy. Thank You for the victory that I have through Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.