Pastor Stephen Dedman

April 12, 2025

His name shall endure forever; His name shall continue as long as the sun. And men shall be blessed in Him; All nations shall call Him blessed.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭72‬:‭17‬

The name of the Lord is not merely a label; it represents His character, authority, and eternal nature. It is a name that endures throughout all generations. As we reflect on the enduring nature of God’s name, we are reminded of His faithfulness, grace, mercy, and compassion towards His people.

In Jesus, we have a visual of the embodiment of God’s name—His character, attributes, and purposes fully revealed. He came to earth to reconcile humanity to God, to bring salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Him. Through His death and resurrection, He established a kingdom that will never end.

As believers in Christ, we are blessed to be recipients of God’s grace. In Him, we find forgiveness, redemption, and new life. Through faith in Jesus, we are adopted into God’s family, co-heirs with Christ, and recipients of every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 1:3).

But the blessings of God are not meant to be kept to ourselves. They are meant to be shared with others, to be a source of blessing and encouragement to others. As we live each day in Christ and reflect His love and grace to those around us, we become channels of God’s blessing, agents of His kingdom, and ambassadors of His grace.

May we, as followers of Christ, be known as a people who bring blessing wherever we go—blessing our families, communities, and nations with the love, mercy, and compassion of Jesus Christ. And may all nations call Him blessed, as they come to know and experience the eternal blessings found in Him alone.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the enduring nature of Your name and the eternal blessings You give. Help me to abide in You, to walk in Your ways, and to reflect Your love and grace to the world around me. Use me as an instrument of Your blessing, that others may come to know and call You blessed. In Jesus’ name, amen.

April 11, 2025

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬

Paul encouraged the Corinthian believers—and us—to remain strong in their faith, despite the challenges and trials they face. He reminded them that, despite the outward struggles, inward renewal is continually taking place through the work of the Holy Spirit.

As followers of Christ, our lives are marked by a continual process of renewal and transformation. While our physical bodies may experience decay and weakness, our inner being is being renewed day by day through the power of the Holy Spirit. This inner renewal shapes us into the image of Christ and equips us to live faithfully for Him.

This process of renewal is ongoing and lifelong. Each day presents new opportunities for growth, learning, and spiritual maturity. As we walk with Christ and abide in Him, He continually renews our minds, strengthens our faith, and empowers us to overcome the challenges and obstacles that we face.

In the midst of our trials and difficulties, let us not lose heart. Instead, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of our faith, trusting that He is continually at work within us, bringing about renewal and transformation. May we embrace each new day as an opportunity to grow closer to God and become more like Him in every area of our lives.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the promise of renewal and transformation that we find in Your Word. Help me to embrace this truth and live in the reality of Your ongoing work in my life. Fill me afresh with Your Spirit each day, that I may be continually renewed in my mind, heart, and spirit. Give me the strength and perseverance to press on, even in the face of challenges and trials. In Jesus’ name, amen.

April 10, 2025

Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭12‬

At the conclusion of the Beatitudes, Jesus speaks about the blessings that come to those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. This verse calls us to a radical response—rejoicing in the face of persecution. It seems counterintuitive to rejoice when we are mistreated or suffer for our faith. However, Jesus provides a perspective that transcends our immediate circumstances.

The call to “rejoice and be exceedingly glad” is rooted in the assurance of a “great reward in heaven.” This promise shifts our focus from earthly suffering to eternal joy. The temporary trials we endure are not in vain; they are seen by God and will be rewarded. This perspective allows us to endure hardship with hope and even joy.

When you face persecution or hardship for your faith, remember that your suffering has eternal significance. Focus on the reward that awaits you in heaven rather than the pain of the present moment.

Support your fellow believers who are experiencing persecution. Share words of encouragement, pray for them, and stand with them in their trials.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the promise of a great reward in heaven. Help me to rejoice and be exceedingly glad even in the face of persecution. Strengthen my faith and give me the courage to stand firm. In Jesus’ name, amen.