Pastor Stephen Dedman

May 1, 2025

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭22‬-‭23‬

Some mornings greet us with joy. Others meet us with the weight of yesterday’s failures, unanswered prayers, or simply the fatigue of endurance. But in the midst of whatever we carry, God offers us a reset. Not just once, but every single day.

Jeremiah wrote Lamentations during one of the darkest times in Israel’s history. Jerusalem had fallen. The people were exiled. The pain was deep. And yet, in the middle of his sorrow, Jeremiah speaks one of the most hope-filled truths in all of Scripture: God’s mercies are new every morning.

The word “mercy” in Hebrew points to God’s steadfast love, His kindness, and His deep compassion. Even when we are at our lowest, God’s love doesn’t wear out. It doesn’t run dry. It’s fresh each day, like the morning dew.

This passage also declares: “Great is Your faithfulness.” That means God is consistent even when we’re not. We may fall short, we may doubt, but He remains faithful to His promises.

And finally, Jeremiah makes a choice: “The Lord is my portion.” In other words, God is enough. When everything else is stripped away, when we’re uncertain about tomorrow, we can still say, “I have all I need in Him.” That’s why our hope isn’t just wishful thinking. It’s anchored in the unchanging character of God.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the mercy You’ve given me today. Even when I don’t feel worthy, You remain faithful. Help me rest in Your compassion and trust that I have all I need in You. Teach me to wake up each day with fresh hope, knowing that Your love never fails. In Jesus’ name, amen.

April 30, 2025

And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
‭‭II Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬

Paul presents a concise but powerful message from the to his brother in Christ, Timothy. In this analogy, Paul uses the image of an athlete and underscores the importance of following the rules in order to receive the reward of victory. 

The Christian journey is much like a race or a competition, and in this race, we must adhere to God’s principles. Just as an athlete must follow the rules to attain victory, believers are called to live according to the commandments of God’s Word. It’s not merely about reaching the finish line but doing it with integrity, obedience, and a commitment to God’s standards.

In your spiritual race, be mindful of the rules set forth in Scripture. Living a life aligned with God’s principles not only honors Him but also positions you to receive blessings. The race may be challenging, with obstacles and trials, but our focus on running according to God’s rules ensures that we are on the path to victory.

As a Christian, we have victory in Jesus, so go fight and win today with a clear conscience. 

Pray

Lord, thank You for the wisdom found in Your Word. Give me strength and discernment to live according to Your rules and Your plans. Keep me focused on righteousness, and guide me in every step of of the journey. In Jesus’ name, amen.

April 29, 2025

Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭5‬

Life is full of decisions, uncertainties, and paths that feel too heavy to walk alone. But Psalm 37:5 gives us a simple, yet powerful, roadmap for navigating the unknown.

To commit your way to the Lord means to roll the weight of your plans, dreams, and concerns onto Him. It’s a deliberate surrender, not just saying “God, I need help,” but “God, I give You control.”

Then it says, trust also in Him. That means believing that He knows what He’s doing, even when the outcome doesn’t seem how you expected. Trusting God isn’t passive, it’s active faith in His character, timing, and goodness.

And the good news! “He shall bring it to pass.”
God never leaves surrendered hearts empty-handed. It may not happen overnight, but what He starts, He finishes. He will bring clarity, provision, peace, and purpose in His perfect time.

Release the pressure of trying to figure it all out. Hand it over to the One who already has a plan. When you commit your way to Him and trust fully, you can rest knowing He will bring it to pass.

Pray
Lord, I commit my plans, my path, and my future to You. Teach me to trust You even when I can’t see the full picture. I believe You are faithful to bring things to pass in Your perfect way. Help me wait with peace and confidence in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.