Pastor Stephen Dedman

March 19, 2025

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
‭‭II Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬

The Apostle Paul wrote to instruct and encourage Timothy, his beloved disciple and fellow laborer in the ministry. The letter was short, yet powerful. His message was one of encouragement, empowerment, and a reminder of the divine source of strength.

Paul’s words begin with a tender address, emphasizing the close relationship they share as co-workers in Christ. It’s a reminder that we are not alone in our journey of faith; we have a spiritual family to support and uplift us.

Paul directed Timothy to find his strength not in his own abilities but in God’s grace. Grace is God’s undeserved favor. We are called to rely on God’s grace for everything we do, knowing that in our weakness, His grace is more than sufficient.

The source of this grace is found in Christ Jesus. He is the source of all our spiritual blessings and the example of perfect strength in weakness. By remaining connected to Him through prayer, Scripture, and a deepening relationship, we can access the abundant grace available to us.

As Christians, we are called to be strong, not in our own might, but in the immeasurable grace that flows from our Savior. When we face trials, temptations, or moments of weakness, we can turn to Jesus, confident that His grace will carry us through.

So, today, draw strength from the well of God’s grace, understanding that it is sufficient for every challenge you will face. As you do so, you will find the endurance and empowerment needed to walk faithfully in the footsteps of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Pray

Lord, I come before Your throne of grace, humbly asking for strength and endurance. No matter what I face today, I know You stand with me. Fill me with Your strength. In Jesus’ name, amen.

March 18, 2025

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
‭‭I John‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬

Prayer is a powerful gift that God has given to His children. It’s a direct line of communication with the Creator of the universe. The apostle John invites us into a deeper understanding of prayer, emphasizing the confidence we can have in approaching God with our requests.

Our confidence in prayer lies in our relationship with God. As His children, we have the assurance that He hears us when we pray. Our Heavenly Father hears the hearts of His children and He delights in meeting our needs according to His perfect will.

However, John specifies a crucial condition for our prayers to be answered: they must be according to God’s will. This does not mean that we cannot ask for our desires or needs, but rather that our requests should align with God’s purposes and His character. When our prayers are in harmony with His will, we can have confidence that He will answer them according to His wisdom and goodness.

As you approach God in prayer, know that He hears you and delights in answering according to His will. Seek to align your heart with His purposes, trusting in His wisdom. And rest in the assurance that our Heavenly Father always desires what is best for His children.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of prayer and the assurance that You hear my heart. Help me to align my heart with Your will. Help me approach You with confidence, knowing that You always desire what is best for me, and You are faithful to fulfill Your promises. In Jesus’ name, amen.

March 17, 2025

So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us,
‭‭Acts‬ ‭15‬:‭8‬

In the book of Acts, we find a profound truth that should bring comfort and assurance to our hearts: God’s perfect plan has always been in motion. Acts 15:18 reminds us that God has known all His works from eternity. This means that every event, every twist and turn in our lives, and the entire course of human history are within His divine knowledge and control.

Often, we may question why certain things happen, or we may struggle with uncertainty about the future. In these moments, Acts 15:18 serves as a reminder that God’s understanding is far beyond our own. He has seen all things in existence from beginning to end, and every part, no matter how seemingly insignificant, plays a part in His masterful design.

As we reflect on this verse, it’s an invitation to trust in God’s wisdom and sovereignty. Even when we cannot comprehend the reasons behind our circumstances, we can rest assured that God’s plan is unfolding perfectly. Our role is to have faith, to seek His guidance, and to align our lives with His purposes.

So, take a moment to pray and surrender your worries, doubts, and uncertainties to the One who knows the end from the beginning. Trust that God’s plan is far greater than anything we can fathom, and His ways are always perfect. May this truth bring you peace and confidence in your journey of faith.

Pray

Lord, in times of uncertainty and when I cannot see the full picture, help me to trust in Your sovereignty. I surrender my worries and doubts to You, knowing that You know all things from eternity. Thank you for being a God who holds the future and for loving me unconditionally. In Jesus’ name, amen.