Pastor Stephen Dedman

May 16, 2025

Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭5‬-‭6‬

As followers of Christ, we are called to be ambassadors of His love and truth in the world. The apostle Paul provides us with practical guidance on how to fulfill this calling, particularly in our interactions with those outside the faith.

Firstly, Paul urges us to “walk in wisdom toward those who are outside.” This reminds us to conduct ourselves with discernment and holiness, especially when engaging with non-believers. Our actions and attitudes should reflect the wisdom and grace of Christ, drawing others to Him through our example.

Secondly, Paul encourages us to “redeem the time.” In a world filled with distractions and competing priorities, we are called to make the most of every opportunity to share the gospel and demonstrate Christ’s love. Time is a precious resource, and we are to use it wisely for the advancement of God’s kingdom.

Finally, Paul emphasizes the importance of our speech. He instructs us to let our speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt. Our words have the power to build up or tear down, to encourage or discourage, to point others to Christ or push them away. Therefore, we are to speak with kindness, gentleness, and respect, allowing the flavor of God’s grace to permeate our conversations.

As we strive to walk in wisdom, redeem the time, and let our speech be seasoned with salt, may we be empowered by the Holy Spirit to effectively share the hope and truth of the gospel with those around us. May our lives be a living testimony to the transformative power of God’s love, compelling others to seek Him and find salvation in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the privilege of being Your ambassador in the world. Help me to walk in wisdom, redeeming the time, and let my speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt. May I reflect Your love and truth in all that I say and do, drawing others to You and glorifying Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.

May 15, 2025

Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭9‬:‭29‬

The New Testament is rich with accounts of the miraculous works of Jesus, displaying His power to heal, restore, and transform lives. Matthew 9:29 captures a powerful moment when Jesus encountered two blind men. Their story serves as a profound reminder of the role faith plays in experiencing God’s miracles.

In the narrative, Jesus extended His divine touch to the blind men. It’s important to note that His touch was directly linked to their faith. He declared, “According to your faith, let it be to you.” This statement reveals a timeless truth – our faith is the key that unlocks God’s miraculous interventions in our lives.

Faith is not merely a wishful thought or a casual belief. It’s a deep trust in God’s power and goodness. Faith is both an acknowledgment of God’s ability to do the impossible and a surrender to His will. It is the force that connects our needs to God’s abundant supply.

Just as Jesus invited the blind men to believe, He invites each one of us to have faith in Him. Regardless of our circumstances, we can come to Jesus with our needs and trust that He is more than able to meet them. He does not require perfect faith but a willingness to believe and trust in His divine provision.

The phrase “let it be to you” reflects the principle that God’s response matches the measure of our faith. When we approach God with a small measure of faith, we may receive a small blessing. But when we come to Him with wholehearted faith, we open the door for extraordinary miracles.

Remember that faith is the key that unlocks the door to God’s miraculous interventions in your life. Your Heavenly Father is waiting for you to come to Him with a heart full of faith, ready to receive the blessings and transformations He has in store for you. Trust Him, for according to your faith, let it be to you.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your divine power in my life. Help me to approach You with a heart full of faith ready to receive Your miraculous blessings. Give me courage to trust in Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, amen.

May 14, 2025

Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” But after that no one dared question Him.
‭‭Mark‬ ‭12‬:‭34‬

In Mark 12:32-34, the scribe acknowledged the importance of loving God with all one’s being and loving one’s neighbor as oneself. Jesus commended the scribe for his understanding, affirming that he was close to the kingdom of God. This exchange highlights the centrality of love for God and others in fulfilling God’s commandments.

The point Jesus is making is that genuine understanding and practice of these foundational commandments bring one close to the essence of God’s kingdom. The scribe’s recognition that love for God and others surpasses religious rituals and sacrifices aligns with Jesus’ teachings about the heart of true spirituality. The kingdom of God is not merely about external observances but is found in the sincere love, devotion, and ethical treatment of God and fellow human beings.

The application here is profound – you can worship and follow religious practices but until you truly love God and love others, something is still missing. Following Jesus closely allows us to express our love for God and toward each other. 

Pray

Lord, grant me the wisdom to understand and follow Your commandments. May my actions reflect a heart that seeks Your kingdom. Draw me closer to You as I grow in understanding and obedience. Thank You for the guidance Your Word provides. In Jesus’ name, amen.