Pastor Stephen Dedman

June 21, 2025

Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭1‬ 

Paul’s words give us a great truth about the Christian journey—the burden of our hearts for the salvation of others. Just as Paul prayed for the salvation of his fellow Israelites, so too are we called to intercede for the lost and share the message of salvation with those who have yet to hear and believe.

As followers of Christ, we are commissioned to be ambassadors of the gospel, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with a world in need of hope and redemption. Like Paul, we should have a heart’s desire to see people come to faith in Christ, to experience the transformative power of His love and grace.

But our passion for souls should not end with just emotion. It should drive us to action—to fervent prayer, bold witness, and compassionate outreach. We should be willing to sacrifice our time, resources, and comfort for the sake of seeing others come to know Jesus as their Savior and Lord.

As we meditate on Paul’s words, let us examine our own hearts and ask ourselves: Do we share Paul’s burden for the salvation of others? Are we willing to pray earnestly for the lost and engage in the work of evangelism and discipleship? May we be inspired by Paul’s example and empowered by the Holy Spirit to be faithful witnesses of the gospel, sharing the message of salvation with love, boldness, and compassion.

Pray

Lord, ignite my heart’s desire for the salvation of the lost. Grant me the courage to pray fervently for those who have yet to know You and the boldness to share the gospel with others. Use me as an instrument of Your grace and mercy, that many may come to experience Your saving power. In Jesus’ name, amen.

June 20, 2025

Lift up your eyes on high, And see who has created these things, Who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name, By the greatness of His might And the strength of His power; Not one is missing.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭26‬

In the busyness of life, we often find ourselves absorbed in the immediate, consumed with the demands and responsibilities of the day. Yet, Isaiah urges us to pause, to lift our gaze beyond the mundane, and to fix our eyes upon the heavenly display of our Creator.

Consider the magnitude of these words – the One who flung the stars into existence, who set each celestial body in its course, knows them all by name. The vastness of the universe is not a random occurrence; it is a meticulously crafted masterpiece. In the same way, the God who governs galaxies is intimately acquainted with every detail of our lives.

As we ponder the magnitude of God’s creative power, a sense of awe and reverence fills our hearts. The stars declare His glory, and we are reminded that our lives are intricately woven into His divine masterpiece. The Creator who fashioned the cosmos is not a distant deity but a God who calls us by name, guiding us through the journey of life.

In the midst of life’s challenges, uncertainties, and joys, let us anchor our faith in the unchanging character of the One who spoke the stars into existence. Lift your eyes, not just to the stars, but to the Author of your story. Trust in the greatness of His might and the strength of His power. Not one detail of your life escapes His notice, for you are fearfully and wonderfully made by the hands that flung the stars across the heavens.

Pray

Lord, I stand in awe of Your mighty power. Teach me to trust in Your sovereignty and find comfort in the knowledge that not one detail of my life escapes Your loving gaze. In moments of uncertainty, may Your presence be my anchor. In Jesus’ name, amen.

June 19, 2025

And Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬

The Israelites were standing at the banks of the Jordan River, about to cross over into the Promised Land. Before they were to witness the wonders of God, Joshua delivered a crucial message: “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”

The word “sanctify” means to set apart, to make holy. Joshua was instructing the people to prepare themselves spiritually, to set their hearts and minds on God.

We often find ourselves at crossroads, facing challenges or embarking on new adventures. Just like the Israelites, it’s essential for us to sanctify ourselves before these moments. Here are three key aspects to consider:

1. Surrender: Sanctification begins with surrender. It means letting go of our own plans, fears, and doubts and giving ourselves entirely to God. It’s an acknowledgment that we can’t do it all on our own, but with God’s guidance and strength, we can overcome any obstacle.

2. Holiness: To sanctify ourselves is to strive for holiness. It involves purifying our hearts, repenting of sin, and seeking a closer walk with God. As we draw near to Him, He draws near to us, and His presence becomes evident in our lives.

3. Expectation: Joshua told the Israelites to sanctify themselves because he knew that God was about to perform wonders among them. Similarly, when we sanctify ourselves, we do so with the expectation that God will work wonders in our lives. We trust that He will guide us, protect us, and fulfill His promises.

As you face the “Jordan Rivers” in your life—those moments of transition, challenge, or opportunity—remember Joshua’s words. Sanctify yourself. Set yourself apart for God. Surrender, seek holiness, and maintain an expectant heart. Then, just as the Israelites witnessed God’s wonders, you too will experience His marvelous work in your life.

Pray

Lord, I come before You today, desiring to sanctify myself fully to You. I surrender my plans, my fears, and my doubts into Your hands. Make me holy, Lord, and guide me as I face the challenges and opportunities ahead. I expect Your wonders in my life, knowing that with You, all things are possible. In Jesus’ name, amen.