Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Daily Devotional

Blessed Is The Nation

Faith, Trust

Blessed Is The Nation

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭33:12‬ ‭

Daily Devotional

Let Freedom Ring

Our first President, George Washington, was quoted saying, “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.” America, the Beautiful, was founded on the principles of freedom of religion. Our forefathers established this great nation with the mindset that there could be a nation whose God is Lord.

Over the years we have witnessed a decline in Christian values and belief. Our religious freedoms are actually disappearing right before our eyes. People are swiftly slipping away from Christian belief. Churches are declining in attendance and effectiveness. Christians are remaining silent when it comes to proclaiming lordship.  Is it possible that one day we will not be a Christian nation?

Jesus invested into His disciples who made new disciples who made new disciples and then eventually those disciples came to a land of freedom. We must keep making disciples who will make new disciples. If we want to continue to exist as a Christian nation we must invest in people who will call Jesus, Lord and Savior. As a Christian, you have a duty to uphold the faith and invest in other people.  How many disciples have you made?  Do you remember who invested in you as you were made into a disciple?  The work must continue if we are going to be a Christian nation whose God is the Lord.

Prayer

Lord, put someone in my life so that I can invest into them and make them a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Daily Devotional

Remember This Day

Encouragement, Salvation, Trust

Remember This Day

Then Moses said to the people, “Remember this day in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of slavery, for by a strong hand the Lord brought you out from this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten.
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭13:3‬ ‭

Out Of Bondage

Before God delivered His people out of Egypt they were living in bondage. They were severely worked hard and abused. We call it slavery today. But they weren’t always in bondage. Moses was the man who God chose to deliver the people from out of bondage.

Egypt represents the life of bondage that we once lived in before we were delivered from our bondage of sin. Before we were delivered from our bondage of sin we were trapped. Sin would not let go of us. Then God sent Jesus to come and deliver us from our sins. No longer do you live in chains and shackles. You have been set free by the person of Jesus Christ.

Jesus tells us to remember what He did for you s on the cross. If you have participated in the Lord’s supper then you have meditated upon the works of Jesus. His body is our bread of life that was broken. It was His blood that was poured out for the remission of sin. It was His death that gave us victory over sin. We celebrate because we are forgiven. We must always remember what Jesus did on our behalf. When Jesus was dying on the cross, He was thinking of you.  As the children of Israel were commanded to set a day aside to remember what God did for them, we too as Christians are always to remember what Jesus did for us. If we keep our eyes on Jesus and our mind on His Word, our lives will be a living example of what we believe.

Prayer

Lord, open my eyes and ears so that I may fill my heart and mind with Your love.

Daily Devotional

It Is I

Faith, Trust

It Is I

But He (Jesus) said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.”
‭‭John‬ ‭6:20‬

No Need To Fear

After Jesus fed the 5,000, the people who witnessed the miracle wanted to make him their king.  Jesus swiftly slipped away into the mountains to be alone.  The disciples got into the boat and set sail across the lake.  A storm was brewing and the waves became rough due to the high winds.  They rowed for about three to four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water.  They became frightened as He came near the boat.  They thought it was a ghost.  Jesus spoke to them and they recognized His voice and gladly received Him into their boat.  The Scripture then says immediately they were at the shore.

There are some interesting truths packed into this event.  First, after every victory there is a valley awaiting.  Don’t be disappointed because the Lord is always with us regardless of where we are.  He is with us in our good times and with us in our suffering.  Second, the Lord’s presence makes for peace.  Jesus appeared during their struggles and spoke a peaceful word, “it is I; don’t be afraid.”  The Lord always provides peace and comfort during our trying times.  He will allow us to build strength and faith but He will never neglect us.  Third, the Lord’s power over nature.  Jesus walked on the water.  Some want to discredit the Lord walking on the water.  We must never forget that the Lord can do what He pleases to do.

Trusting the Lord during good times is easy.  Trusting the Lord during hard times is difficult.  Our faith in the Lord is what pleases Him the most.

Prayer

Lord, let me see You for who You are.  I want to be in Your presence and feel Your peace.  Help me to overcome my trials and suffering with your grace.