Pastor Stephen Dedman

June 26, 2025

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭16‬:‭13‬

The Christian life requires vigilance. Just as a watchman would guard over a city, we are called to be alert and attentive to the spiritual battles around us. Watch against the snares of the devil, the distractions that can lead us astray, and the doubts that can weaken our faith. 

Faith is what anchors us in the storms of life. Faith is not just believing in God, but clinging to His promises, regardless of our circumstances. When trials come, stand firm in the faith you profess. Don’t be easily swayed by doubt and fear.

Fear is a common human emotion, but as believers, we have access to a courage that the Lord will see us through our circumstances. This courage is found in the assurance of God’s presence and power. Be bold in your faith, knowing that God goes before you and empowers you to face challenges with confidence.

Strength isn’t solely a physical attribute—it’s a spiritual quality that comes from relying on God’s strength. Our human weaknesses become opportunities for God’s strength to shine through. Depend on Him, and His power will sustain you even in moments of weakness.

Are there areas where you need to be more vigilant, more steadfast, braver, or stronger? Consider what may be testing your faith. Allow today’s verse to encourage you to stand strong in the face of adversity.

Pray

Lord, thank you for the wisdom found in Your Word. Help me to watch, to stand firm in my faith, to be brave, and to draw strength from You. May I never forget that I can face any challenge with Your presence and power by my side. In Jesus’ name, amen.

June 25, 2025

Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, For my heart rejoiced in all my labor; And this was my reward from all my labor.
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬

King Solomon, the son of King David, denied himself nothing, pursuing all forms of pleasure. Through his pursuit, he discovered that all the pleasures he indulged in were ultimately empty and meaningless.

There is a longing within every human heart to pursue happiness, satisfaction and fulfillment. It’s easy to fall into the trap of accumulating wealth, seeking temporary thrills, and hoping that these pursuits will fill the void within us. But, like Solomon, we too are left feeling empty and disillusioned.

Solomon directs us toward a great truth. He realized that the true rewards of life are not found in worldly pleasures but in something far more profound. It points us toward the eternal, the spiritual, and the heavenly. 

Our hearts are designed to find fulfillment in a relationship with our Creator. In Him alone, true joy can be found.

Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:33, to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all things will be added unto you. Our pursuit of pleasure and satisfaction is to be rooted in the pursuit of God and His righteousness. When we prioritize our relationship with Him above all else, we discover that all other things fall right into place.

Are you seeking a right relationship with God? If so, you will find fulfillment in His love, peace, and grace. True joy resides not in the accumulation of worldly treasures but in knowing and serving our Lord with a sincere heart.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the wisdom given to me through Your Word. Help me to seek first Your kingdom and righteousness, knowing that You will provide all of my needs. Fill my heart with lasting joy. In Jesus’ name, amen.

June 24, 2025

The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭11‬:‭2‬

This verse unveils the nature of the Holy Spirit’s work in the life of a Christian. As we open our hearts to Him, we experience the richness of His wisdom and understanding. In moments of uncertainty, the Spirit provides divine counsel, guiding us with supernatural insight. His might empowers us to face challenges with strength beyond our own, while the knowledge He imparts deepens our connection with God.

Let us invite the Spirit of the Lord into every aspect of our lives, allowing His wisdom to govern our decisions, His understanding to bring clarity to our minds, His counsel to direct our paths, and His might to sustain us in every season. In embracing the Spirit’s work, we cultivate a reverence for the Lord, acknowledging His sovereignty and aligning our hearts with His purpose.

As we journey through life, may the Spirit of the Lord manifest in us, shaping us into vessels of wisdom, understanding, and strength. Let our lives be a testimony to the transformative power of His presence, drawing others to experience the fullness of life found in the Spirit of the living God.

Pray

Lord, I humbly come before You, grateful for the power of the Holy Spirit in my life. May Your Spirit of wisdom and understanding dwell richly within me, guiding my thoughts and actions. Grant me the grace to seek Your counsel in all matters, relying on Your might to face challenges with unwavering strength. In Jesus’ name, amen.