Pastor Stephen Dedman

March 5, 2025

Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power,
‭‭II Thessalonians‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬

The apostle Paul’s prayer in 2 Thessalonians 1:11 expresses a deep desire that God would count us worthy of the divine calling placed upon our lives. 

This prayer unveils a profound truth — that our calling is not a random occurrence, but a purposeful design crafted by God Himself. As we navigate the twists and turns of life, Paul’s prayer encourages us to seek worthiness in our response to this divine calling.

God’s goodness plays a pivotal role in this journey. It is His goodness that propels us forward, guiding us along the path of righteousness. The fulfillment of God’s good pleasure is closely connected to the work of faith. As we exercise faith in Him, His power is unleashed, enabling us to live out the calling with strength and purpose.

Today, let us embrace this prayer as our own, seeking worthiness in our response to God’s calling. May His goodness guide our steps, and may the work of faith in our lives be accompanied by His mighty power. As we align ourselves with His purpose, we discover the true fulfillment that comes from living out our calling with God’s divine strength.

Pray

Lord, help me to embrace Your goodness in my life. Thank You for loving me and guiding me by Your power. Give me wisdom to fully understand the plans You have for me. In Jesus’ name, am

March 4, 2025

I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭30‬:‭19‬

In today’s verse, God places before us a profound reality: the power to choose life or death, blessing or cursing.

The invitation to choose life is displayed throughout the pages of the Bible. God gives us the freedom to shape our destiny within the boundaries of His divine will. Every decision we make contributes to the overall purpose He has for our lives.

The context of this verse is Moses addressing the Israelites, urging them to obey God’s commandments and to choose life that they and their descendants may live. Similarly, in our journey of faith, God invites us to align our choices with His will, to walk in obedience, and to embrace the abundant life He offers.

Choosing life involves more than just the continuation of our physical existence; it involves the fullness of life that God desires for us. It’s a life marked by love, joy, peace, and purpose.

What does it mean for us to choose life today? It means seeking God’s guidance in our decisions, aligning our choices with His principles, and trusting in His promises. It’s a daily surrender of our will to His, acknowledging that He knows what is best for us. In every crossroad, big or small, we have the opportunity to choose the path that leads to life.

Heaven and earth bear witness to our choices, and God, our loving Father, beckons us to choose life. In doing so, we not only experience the richness of His blessings but also become channels of His life-giving love to those around us.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of choice. Help me to choose life in every decision I make. May my heart be aligned to Your will, and may I walk in obedience to Your Word. Grant me the wisdom to discern the paths that lead to life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

March 3, 2025

For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
‭‭I Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭25‬

The apostle Peter writes to believers, encouraging them to live holy lives and endure suffering patiently, following the example of Christ. In verse 25, Peter uses the imagery of sheep and a shepherd to illustrate the spiritual reality of believers returning to Christ, who is the ultimate Shepherd and Guardian of their souls.

We often find ourselves wandering away from God’s path, entangled by the cares of this world or overcome by our own desires. Yet, just as a shepherd diligently seeks out his lost sheep, Christ pursues us, calling us back into His loving embrace. We are no longer aimless wanderers but cherished members of His flock, under His watchful care.

When you feel lost or overwhelmed, turn to Jesus, trusting in His unfailing love and guidance. Allow His presence to bring you comfort, peace, and assurance, knowing that He will never leave you.

Pray

Lord, thank You for being my Shepherd and Overseer. When start to stray, lead me back into Your loving arms. Help me to trust in Your provision and guidance, knowing that You care for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.