Pastor Stephen Dedman

If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.
‭‭John‬ ‭12‬:‭26‬

Jesus speaks these words to His disciples during the final days of His earthly ministry, just before He is to suffer on the cross. Jesus emphasizes the cost of discipleship and the connection between service, following Him, and divine honor.

As His followers, Jesus invites us into a life of service and discipleship. True service involves following Christ closely, aligning our actions with His teachings, and being where He is—both in physical presence and spiritual alignment. This involves sacrificial love, humility, and a commitment to living out the principles of God’s kingdom. In doing so, we receive the promise that the Father will honor us.

Today, consciously choose to serve Christ. This may manifest in acts of kindness, compassion, and selflessness. It may require you to step out of your comfort zone, just as Christ did during His earthly ministry.

Pray

Lord, I come before You with a heart open to Your guidance. Teach me to be a true servant, following closely in Your footsteps. Grant me the strength to serve selflessly, the humility to follow obediently, and the grace to embody the values of Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.

His name shall endure forever; His name shall continue as long as the sun. And men shall be blessed in Him; All nations shall call Him blessed.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭72‬:‭17‬

The name of the Lord is not merely a label; it represents His character, authority, and eternal nature. It is a name that endures throughout all generations. As we reflect on the enduring nature of God’s name, we are reminded of His faithfulness, grace, mercy, and compassion towards His people.

In Jesus, we have a visual of the embodiment of God’s name—His character, attributes, and purposes fully revealed. He came to earth to reconcile humanity to God, to bring salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Him. Through His death and resurrection, He established a kingdom that will never end.

As believers in Christ, we are blessed to be recipients of God’s grace. In Him, we find forgiveness, redemption, and new life. Through faith in Jesus, we are adopted into God’s family, co-heirs with Christ, and recipients of every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 1:3).

But the blessings of God are not meant to be kept to ourselves. They are meant to be shared with others, to be a source of blessing and encouragement to others. As we live each day in Christ and reflect His love and grace to those around us, we become channels of God’s blessing, agents of His kingdom, and ambassadors of His grace.

May we, as followers of Christ, be known as a people who bring blessing wherever we go—blessing our families, communities, and nations with the love, mercy, and compassion of Jesus Christ. And may all nations call Him blessed, as they come to know and experience the eternal blessings found in Him alone.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the enduring nature of Your name and the eternal blessings You give. Help me to abide in You, to walk in Your ways, and to reflect Your love and grace to the world around me. Use me as an instrument of Your blessing, that others may come to know and call You blessed. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭19‬:‭9‬

In Revelation 19:9, a heavenly voice invites us to the grandest of all celebrations—the marriage supper of the Lamb. This scene paints a picture of joy, honor, and union with our Lord, Jesus Christ. Just as a wedding feast symbolizes the union of two hearts, this supper symbolizes our eternal union with the Lamb of God.

The invitation to this banquet is a mark of divine favor and grace. As believers, we are the invited guests. We are called by God’s love to share in the culmination of His redemptive plan. Our response should be one of awe and gratitude, recognizing the privilege we have to be part of this eternal celebration.

As you journey through life today, remember that your earthly struggles are temporary, and they pale in comparison to the glory that awaits us at the marriage supper of the Lamb. Let this anticipation fill your heart and mind with hope, and inspire your faith. 

Are you thankful for the free gift of salvation? Are you looking forward to this wonderful celebration?

Pray

Lord, thank You for inviting me to the marriage supper of the Lamb. May the anticipation of this glorious event fill me with hope and strengthen my faith. Help me be reminded that my earthly trials are nothing compared to the eternal joy that awaits me. In Jesus’ name, amen.