Pastor Stephen Dedman

March 13, 2025

Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭12‬

Life is filled with ups and downs, joys and sorrows, victories and challenges. Romans 12:12 provides us with wisdom and guidance for living a life that honors God in every circumstance.

First, we are called to “rejoice in hope.” As followers of Christ, our hope is in the unchanging promises of God. We rejoice in the hope of salvation, the hope of eternal life, and the hope of God’s faithfulness to His Word. This hope sustains us through the darkest of times, reminding us that God is always with us and that His plans for us are good.

Secondly, we are to be “patient in tribulation.” Tribulation, or suffering, is an inevitable part of life in a fallen world. Yet, as believers, we are called to endure tribulation with patience and perseverance, trusting in God’s sovereignty and His perfect timing. Our trials are not meaningless or without purpose; they are opportunities for growth, refinement, and ultimately, for God to demonstrate His faithfulness and power in our lives.

Finally, we are encouraged to “continue steadfastly in prayer.” Prayer is our lifeline to God, our means of communion with Him, and our source of strength and guidance. Prayer not only changes circumstances but also transforms our hearts, aligning our desires with God’s purposes and drawing us closer to Him.

May we find comfort and strength in the unchanging character of our God, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His promises and to walk with us through every season of life.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the wisdom and guidance of Your Word. Help me to rejoice in hope, to be patient in tribulation, and to continue steadfastly in prayer. Let my life be a reflection of Your grace and Your faithfulness, drawing others to You and glorifying Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.

March 12, 2025

Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach,
‭‭Mark‬ ‭3‬:‭14‬

Just as Jesus chose twelve ordinary men, He extends an invitation to each of us today. In the midst of our busy lives, responsibilities, and distractions, He calls us to spend time with Him daily. He desires to be our constant companion, guiding us, comforting us, and revealing the truths of His kingdom.

Being with Jesus allows us to witness firsthand His compassion for the broken, His wisdom in handling challenges, and His unwavering faith in God the Father. As we walk with Him, we learn invaluable lessons, not just for ourselves but also to share with others.

We have a special purpose as disciples of Christ. We are not called to walk alone or merely perform tasks in our own strength. We are called to be with Him, to abide in His love, and to allow His truth to shape every aspect of our lives.

Have you responded to Jesus’ invitation wholeheartedly? It is a privilege to be one of His followers.

Pray

Lord, thank You for calling me to be one of Your followers. Help me to embrace Your presence so that I will grow close to You. Give me the courage to follow You wholeheartedly. In Jesus’ name, amen.

March 11, 2025

“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭13‬:‭24‬

Jesus’ words in this verse are a sobering reminder that following Him requires effort, commitment, and sincerity. The “narrow gate” represents the way of salvation through Christ alone. Many may desire eternal life, but only those who truly surrender to Him and walk in obedience will enter.

The word strive implies action, discipline, and perseverance. It’s not about earning salvation because salvation is by grace through faith. It’s about being intentional in our walk with Christ. The world offers an easy, broad path that appeals to the flesh, but it leads to destruction. The narrow way requires us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus wholeheartedly.

Are you striving to walk through the narrow gate? This doesn’t mean striving in your own strength but relying on God’s grace and being diligent in your faith. Stay committed, stay faithful, and keep pressing toward Christ, knowing that He is with you every step of the way.

Pray

Lord, help me to stay on the path that leads to life. Strengthen me to resist the distractions of the world and to strive for the narrow gate with all my heart. Guide me in truth and keep me close to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.