Pastor Stephen Dedman

Latest Posts

Devotional For April 18, 2024

Trust

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭15‬

It’s easy to get caught up in our daily routines and forget to pause and reflect on the many blessings that surround us. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving, recognizing that every good and perfect gift comes from our Heavenly Father.

In today’s verse, Paul is referring to the ultimate gift of God’s grace and salvation through Jesus Christ. It is a gift so profound, so extraordinary, that words alone cannot fully express its magnitude.

As we reflect on this verse, let us consider three key aspects of God’s indescribable gift:

  1. The Gift of Grace: The gift that Paul refers to is none other than the gift of God’s grace extended to us through Jesus Christ. It is a gift that we could never earn or deserve, yet God freely offers it to us out of His great love and mercy. Through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, we are forgiven of our sins and reconciled to God, receiving the gift of eternal life.
  2. The Gift of Salvation: In addition to grace, God’s indescribable gift includes the gift of salvation. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we are saved from the power of sin and death, and we are adopted into God’s family as His beloved children. This salvation is not just for this life but extends into eternity, offering us hope and assurance for the future.
  3. The Gift of Relationship: Ultimately, God’s indescribable gift is the gift of relationship with Him. Through Jesus Christ, we are invited into a deep and intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father. We are able to experience His presence, His love, and His peace in our lives, knowing that we are never alone.

As we contemplate the indescribable gift of God’s grace and salvation, let us respond with overflowing thanks and praise. May our hearts be filled with gratitude for the incredible blessings that God has bestowed upon us, and may we seek to live lives that reflect the depth of His love and the richness of His grace.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your indescribable gift of grace and salvation. Help me to never take for granted the profound sacrifice that was made on my behalf. Fill my heart with gratitude and thanksgiving, and may I live each day in response to Your amazing love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For April 17, 2024

Encouragement

For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭11‬:‭36‬

In this single verse, the apostle Paul expresses the scope of God’s reign over all creation. It serves as a beautiful reminder of our place in God’s grand design and calls us to respond with awe, reverence, and adoration.

This verse affirms that everything originates from God, finds its sustenance in Him, and ultimately returns to Him. Every aspect of creation, every event in history, every moment of our lives is under His sovereign control and authority. Nothing exists apart from Him, and nothing happens outside of His divine purpose.

As we meditate on this truth, we are invited to surrender ourselves to the sovereign will of God. We are reminded that our lives are not our own but belong to the One who created us and sustains us. In times of uncertainty and difficulty, we can take comfort in knowing that God is in control and that He works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).

Recognizing that all things are from Him and through Him leads us to respond with gratitude and praise. Every blessing we receive, every provision we enjoy, is a gift from the hand of our Heavenly Father. In moments of joy and abundance, may we lift our voices in thanksgiving, acknowledging the source of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17).

As we contemplate that all things are to Him, we are reminded of our ultimate purpose: to bring glory to God.

Pray

Lord, I am in awe of Your sovereignty and majesty, for of You and through You and to You are all things. Help me to surrender to Your will and to trust in Your goodness and faithfulness. May I bring glory to Your name, as I acknowledge You as the source and sustainer of all things. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For April 16, 2024

Encouragement

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.