Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For April 1, 2024

April 1, 2024 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement

whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.
‭‭James‬ ‭4‬:‭14‬

James addresses the issue of pride and worldly-mindedness among believers. He reminds us of the brevity and uncertainty of life, emphasizing the nature of human existence compared to the eternal purposes of God.

Despite our best-laid plans and aspirations for the future, we are ultimately unable to control or predict what tomorrow may bring. Our lives are but a vapor, here today and gone tomorrow, a reminder of our mortality and dependence on God.

Instead of placing our trust and security in earthly pursuits and possessions, we are called to recognize the shortness of this life and to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

James encourages us to live each day with a sense of urgency and purpose, making the most of the time we have been given. Rather than being consumed by worries about the future or regrets about the past, we are encouraged to embrace the present moment, trusting in God’s providence and guidance for our lives.

Today, commit to living with a purpose and a passion, knowing that your life is but a vapor, yet deeply cherished and valued by our Heavenly Father.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of life that You have bestowed upon me. Help me to recognize the brevity and uncertainty of each day and to live each moment with gratitude and purpose. May I trust in Your providence and seek first Your kingdom first. Guide me by Your Spirit and empower me to live in such a way that honors and glorifies You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Happy Easter

March 31, 2024 Pastor Stephen Dedman 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

March 30, 2024 Pastor Stephen Dedman 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.