Pastor Stephen Dedman

March 22, 2025

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
I Peter 1:13

Peter urges believers to prepare their minds for action and to be sober-minded in their approach to life. He encourages them to set their hope fully on the grace that will be revealed when Jesus Christ returns. This verse comes in the context of Peter’s letter to Christians facing persecution and trials. He reminds them of the sure hope they have in Christ’s return and the future inheritance awaiting them in heaven.

As followers of Christ, we are called to live with a sense of anticipation and readiness for His return. This means actively engaging our minds in the pursuit of holiness and setting our hope firmly on the grace that will be revealed to us at the coming of Jesus Christ.

In a world filled with distractions and temptations, it’s easy to lose sight of our ultimate hope. However, Peter’s exhortation reminds us to intentionally focus our minds on the truth of God’s promises and the assurance of our salvation. By girding up the loins of our minds and being sober-minded, we can resist the schemes of the enemy and remain steadfast in our faith.

Setting our hope fully on the grace of Christ also means living with confidence in His provision and victory over sin and death. It means trusting that God is faithful to fulfill His promises and believing that our future is secure in Him. This hope empowers us to persevere through trials and challenges, knowing that our suffering is temporary and that a glorious inheritance awaits us in eternity.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the hope I have in You. Help me to gird up the loins of my mind and be sober-minded in my approach to life. Strengthen my faith and increase my anticipation of Your return. In Jesus’ name, amen.

March 21, 2025

But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.
‭‭II Thessalonians‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬

There are times when we may feel tired, discouraged, or tempted to give up in our efforts to do good. Whether it’s serving others, sharing the gospel, or simply living out our faith in our daily lives, the road can sometimes be challenging and demanding.

Paul’s instructions to the Thessalonian believers applies to us as well: do not grow weary in doing good. Even when we face obstacles or opposition, we are called to persevere in living out our faith and demonstrating Christ’s love to those around us.

Perseverance in doing good requires steadfastness. It means continuing to show kindness, generosity, and compassion, even when it’s difficult or inconvenient. It means standing firm in our convictions and values, even when they are unpopular.

Jesus is the ultimate example of perseverance and endurance. We can draw strength from His grace and power. Trusting in God’s strength and guidance will sustain us along the way. May we never grow weary in serving others and advancing God’s kingdom, knowing that our labor will bear fruit for His glory.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the privilege of serving You. Give me strength and perseverance to continue doing good, even when I face challenges or opposition. Help me to fix my eyes on You and to trust in Your faithfulness. Let my life be a testimony to Your grace and love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

March 20, 2025

Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power,
‭‭II Thessalonians‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬

The apostle Paul’s prayer in 2 Thessalonians 1:11 expresses a deep desire that God would count us worthy of the divine calling placed upon our lives. 

This prayer unveils a profound truth — that our calling is not a random occurrence, but a purposeful design crafted by God Himself. As we navigate the twists and turns of life, Paul’s prayer encourages us to seek worthiness in our response to this divine calling.

God’s goodness plays a pivotal role in this journey. It is His goodness that propels us forward, guiding us along the path of righteousness. The fulfillment of God’s good pleasure is closely connected to the work of faith. As we exercise faith in Him, His power is unleashed, enabling us to live out the calling with strength and purpose.

Today, let us embrace this prayer as our own, seeking worthiness in our response to God’s calling. May His goodness guide our steps, and may the work of faith in our lives be accompanied by His mighty power. As we align ourselves with His purpose, we discover the true fulfillment that comes from living out our calling with God’s divine strength.

Pray

Lord, help me to embrace Your goodness in my life. Thank You for loving me and guiding me by Your power. Give me wisdom to fully understand the plans You have for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.