Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Happy Easter

Trust

For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth;
‭‭Job‬ ‭19‬:‭25‬

In the book of Job, we find a man who faced unimaginable suffering and loss, yet maintained his faith and trust in God. In the midst of his trials, Job expresses his confidence in the reality of his Redeemer, who he knows will ultimately bring him to a place of restoration and redemption.

As we celebrate Easter today, the hope and assurance we have in the resurrection of Jesus Christ gives us the confidence in the victory of over sin and death.

Easter morning marks the culmination of God’s redemptive plan, as Jesus Christ rises from the dead, conquering the power of sin and death once and for all. In the resurrection of Jesus, we find the fulfillment of God’s promise to bring new life and hope to all who believe in Him.

Just as Job looked forward to the day when his Redeemer would stand on the earth, so too do we eagerly anticipate the return of Christ, when He will establish His kingdom in its fullness and bring about the ultimate restoration of all things. In the resurrection of Jesus, we see a glimpse of the future glory that awaits us as children of God.

Today, fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. Be filled with gratitude and joy as you remember His victory over sin and death, and be inspired to live in faith and hope in the power of His resurrection.

He is risen!

Pray

Lord, thank You for the hope and assurance in the resurrection. Help me to fix my eyes on You, the author and finisher of faith. May I be filled with gratitude and joy as I celebrate this wonderful Resurrection Day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For March 30, 2024

Encouragement

And the women who had come with Him from Galilee followed after, and they observed the tomb and how His body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.
‭‭Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭55‬-‭56‬

Saturday of Holy Week is a day of waiting and anticipation, characterized by reflection and expectant hope. The faithful women who followed Jesus during His ministry tended to the practical matters of His burial. They prepared spices and fragrant oils to anoint His body, demonstrating their devotion and reverence for Jesus.

As we consider the significance of Holy Saturday, we are reminded of the importance of waiting faithfully in the midst of uncertainty and sorrow. Like the disciples and followers of Jesus, we may find ourselves in seasons of waiting, where hope feels distant. Yet, even in the silence and stillness of Holy Saturday, God is at work.

Today, we embrace the sacredness of this day of waiting and reflection. May we find rest in the presence of God, trusting in His faithfulness and goodness even in the midst of uncertainty. And may we anticipate with hope and expectation the joyous celebration of Easter Sunday, when we proclaim Christ’s victory over sin and death.

Pray

Lord, I am reminded of the solemnity of this day and the significance of Your redemptive plan. Help me to wait faithfully in the midst of uncertainty, trusting in Your faithfulness and goodness. Prepare my heart to celebrate the joy of Easter Sunday. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For March 29, 2024

Encouragement

And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last.
‭‭Mark‬ ‭15‬:‭37‬

Good Friday is a day of reflection and deep reverence for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Mark 15:37 captures the profound moment when Jesus, after enduring agonizing suffering and bearing the weight of the world’s sin, breathed His last breath. In His death, Jesus demonstrated His love for humanity, willingly laying down His life to reconcile us to God.

As we reflect on the significance of Good Friday, we are reminded of the cost of our salvation. Jesus’ death on the cross was not a mere historical event but the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. It was the ultimate expression of God’s love and mercy, as He took upon Himself the punishment that we deserved, offering forgiveness and reconciliation to all who would believe in Him.

Today, as we reflect on Good Friday, let us pause to contemplate Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. May we be humbled by the depth of His love for us and inspired to live lives of devotion and obedience to Him. And may we never forget the incredible gift of salvation that we have received through His death and resurrection.

Pray

Lord, I am overwhelmed by the depth of Your love for me. Thank You for willingly laying down Your life to redeem me from sin and death. Help me to respond with a heart full of gratitude. May I never forget the price that was paid for my sins. In Jesus’ name, amen.