Pastor Stephen Dedman

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February 9, 2025

Trust

Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬

In Acts 3, we encounter a powerful demonstration of the power of the name of Jesus. Peter and John encountered a man who had been lame from birth, begging for money at the temple gate called Beautiful. The man looked to them, expecting to receive some assistance, but what he received instead was far greater—a miraculous healing that would forever change his life.

When the name of Jesus was invoked, and the man, who had been crippled for years, was instantaneously healed. He leaped to his feet, praising God, and entered the temple courts with joy and amazement. His life was forever changed by the power of the name of Jesus.

This passage serves as a reminder of the authority and power that resides in the name of Jesus. It is not merely a name but a representation of the person and character of Jesus Christ Himself. In His name, miracles are performed, chains are broken, and lives are transformed.

As followers of Christ, we have been entrusted with the privilege of carrying the name of Jesus wherever we go. We are called to walk in His footsteps, to embody His love and compassion, and to proclaim His gospel to the ends of the earth. And just as Peter and John did, we are called to boldly declare the name of Jesus, knowing that in His name, lives are changed and destinies are altered.

May we never underestimate the power of the name of Jesus. May we have the faith to believe that in His name, mountains can be moved, storms can be calmed, and the impossible can become possible. And may we, like the man who was healed at the temple gate, respond with gratitude and praise for the life-transforming power of Jesus’ name.

Pray

Lord, thank You for allowing me to use Your name, which is above every name. Help me to walk in the authority and power that Your name represents. May I never cease to marvel at the life-transforming power of Your great name. In Jesus’ name, amen.

February 8, 2025

Encouragement

And all the people saw him walking and praising God.
‭‭Acts‬ ‭3‬:‭9‬

There is a powerful scene that takes place in Acts 3 as Peter and John encounter a man who had been lame from birth, begging for alms at the gate of the temple. Through the power of Jesus’ name, the man is instantly healed, allowing him to walk for the first time in his life. Overwhelmed with gratitude and joy, the man responds by praising God, for all to see.

The lame man’s healing serves as a metaphor for the spiritual transformation that occurs when we encounter the living God. Like the lame man, we were once spiritually crippled by sin and separated from God, unable to walk in His ways or experience His fullness.

However, through Jesus Christ, we have been made whole and set free from the power of sin and death. We have been given new life and the ability to walk in fellowship with God, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

The response of the newly changed man challenges us to consider our own response to the work of God in our lives. Are we quick to recognize and acknowledge His grace and mercy, or do we take His blessings for granted? Do we respond with gratitude and praise, or do we remain silent?

Take a moment today to praise God for the work of transformation He has done in your life. May your heart overflow with gratitude for His grace and mercy, allowing others to see your praise to God.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the transformative work You have done in my life. Help me to walk in freedom and wholeness and to live each day marked by gratitude, praise, and obedience. May my life reflect Your glory and draw others to encounter Your life-changing love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

February 7, 2025

Encouragement

The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!”
‭‭John‬ ‭12‬:‭19‬

After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, many people started following Jesus. In response, the Pharisees were frustrated because of the increasing popularity of Jesus. They said, “the world has gone after Him.” This statement, though made by the Pharisees with a sense of alarm, holds a profound truth about the impact of Jesus on the world.

This truth reminds us of the powerful draw that Jesus has. His teachings of love, grace, and salvation have an appeal that goes beyond cultural, geographical, and societal boundaries. People from all backgrounds and walks of life are drawn to His transformative power and message of hope.

What is your response to Jesus? Are you drawn to His teachings, recognizing that He is the answer to our deepest longings? Do you follow Him and share His love with the world around us? 

Jesus’s influence continues to be felt across the globe, and we are called to be part of the world that follows Him.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the profound impact You have on the world. Help me to draw closer to You and share the wonderful message of love and hope with others. Empower me to live out Your example of love and grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.