Pastor Stephen Dedman

April 28, 2025

And it happened when He was in a certain city, that behold, a man who was full of leprosy saw Jesus; and he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭5‬:‭12‬

Leprosy in Jesus’ time was more than a disease, it was a life sentence of isolation, shame, and hopelessness. This man, “full of leprosy,” had likely been an outcast for years, rejected by society and considered unclean. He knew he had no hope in himself, but he heard about Jesus.

Notice his approach: He falls on his face, an act of humility, and he implores, an act of desperate faith. He doesn’t demand healing; he simply says, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.”

What powerful faith!
He believed completely in Jesus’ power, but he submitted himself to Jesus’ will.

How often do we come to God with our requests, but instead of surrendering, we demand? True faith is not just believing God can, it’s trusting Him even when He chooses a different timing or method than we expect.

Jesus’ heart is full of compassion. In the next verse (v.13), Jesus responds, “I am willing; be cleansed.”
And immediately, the man was healed.

Today, bring your needs to Jesus not with entitlement, but with a surrendered heart that says, “Lord, if You are willing…” Trust that He sees, He cares, and He is full of mercy.

Pray

Lord, I believe You are able. Help me to also trust Your will. Teach me to come to You in humility and surrender, knowing You care deeply for me. Thank You for being a Savior who is both powerful and compassionate. In Jesus’ name, amen.

April 27, 2025

For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭19‬

The story of humanity is deeply marked by two pivotal moments: one of disobedience and one of obedience. Through Adam’s choice to rebel against God, sin entered the world, bringing brokenness, separation, and death. None of us had a choice in inheriting this fallen nature, it simply became part of our human condition.

But God, rich in mercy, did not leave the story there. Through one Man, Jesus Christ, obedience opened the door for redemption. Where Adam failed, Jesus succeeded. His perfect life, His sacrificial death, and His triumphant resurrection reversed the curse of sin for all who believe.

This verse reminds us that righteousness is not something we earn. Just as we did not earn our sinful condition, we also cannot earn our right standing with God. It is given to us through the obedience of Christ. His “yes” to the Father’s will secured our freedom.

Today, remember that your righteousness is rooted not in your perfection but in Christ’s obedience. When you struggle with guilt, shame, or feelings of unworthiness, let Romans 5:19 anchor you. You stand forgiven, not because of what you have done, but because of what Jesus has finished.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your obedience that brought me life. Help me to live each day not striving for Your approval but resting in the righteousness You freely give. Teach me to walk in obedience as an act of love and gratitude. In Jesus’ name, amen.

April 26, 2025

Behold, I am the Lord , the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?
Jeremiah 32:27

In Jeremiah 32:27, we find the prophet Jeremiah delivering a powerful message from God to the people of Israel. The context of this verse is during a challenging time when the Babylonians were about to conquer Jerusalem. Despite the imminent destruction and captivity, God reassures His people through Jeremiah that He is the Lord, the God of all flesh. The question posed, “Is there anything too hard for Me?” is a rhetorical question, emphasizing God’s sovereignty even in the face of seemingly insurmountable circumstances.

In our lives, we often encounter situations that seem out of our control, filled with challenges and uncertainties. Just as God spoke through Jeremiah to the Israelites, He speaks to us today, reminding us of His power and presence. The verse encourages us to trust in God’s ability to handle any circumstance, no matter how difficult it may seem.

We can find peace and strength in surrendering our concerns to God. This verse challenges us to shift our focus from the size of our problems to the greatness of our God. It calls us to live with faith and confidence, knowing that nothing is too hard for Him.

Pray

Lord, I come before You with gratitude for Your presence and power. In moments of uncertainty and difficulty, help me to anchor my faith in Your promises. Grant me the wisdom to trust in Your sovereignty and the courage to surrender my concerns to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.