Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Devotional For April 19, 2024

Encouragement

And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He makes both the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭7‬:‭37‬

In Mark 7:31-37, Jesus heals a deaf and mute man. Some people brought the man to Jesus, begging Him to heal him. Jesus took the man aside, touched his ears and tongue, looked up to heaven, sighed deeply, and said, “Ephphatha,” which means “Be opened.” Immediately, the man’s ears were opened, and his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plainly. The people were amazed at this miraculous healing, acknowledging that Jesus indeed does all things well.

This account of Jesus healing the deaf and mute man teaches us some valuable lessons:

  1. Jesus Is Compassionate: Jesus’ response to the man’s condition reveals His deep compassion for the suffering. He takes the time to personally attend to the man’s needs, showing that He cares about every aspect of our lives, including our physical ailments.
  2. Jesus Is Powerful: The miraculous healing of the deaf and mute man demonstrates Jesus’ authority over sickness and infirmity. His mere touch and spoken word are enough to bring about complete restoration and wholeness. This reminds us that there is nothing too difficult for Jesus, and He has the power to overcome any obstacle in our lives.
  3. Jesus Is Worthy Of Praise: The people’s response to the miraculous healing is one of astonishment and praise. They recognize that Jesus has done all things well and acknowledge His greatness. As believers, we are called to praise the Lord, acknowledging God’s wonderful works in our lives and giving Him the glory He deserves.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your miraculous works. I praise You for Your compassion and power to heal and restore. Help me to have faith, knowing that You are able to do all things well. I give You the praise and glory You deserve. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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.