Pastor Stephen Dedman

February 21, 2025

casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
‭‭I Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬

Worry is something we all experience. It creeps into our minds, weighing us down with thoughts of “what if” and worst-case scenarios. But God never intended for us to carry the burden of worry alone. Instead, He invites us to cast our cares upon Him.

1 Peter 5:7 is a reminder that God is not distant from our concerns—He cares deeply about us. Worry drains our energy, but faith restores our peace. When we release our worries to God, we acknowledge His sovereignty and trust that He is in control.

Jesus Himself said, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:27). Worry doesn’t change our circumstances, but prayer does. Instead of holding on to fear, let’s choose to place our trust in God’s faithful hands.

Today, take a moment to surrender your worries to Him. Speak them out in prayer and believe that He will take care of you. His peace is greater than any fear you face.

Prayer:
Lord, I give You my worries today. I know that You care for me and are in control. Help me trust You more and rest in Your peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

February 20, 2025

Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭7‬:‭25‬

There is such a beautiful truth in today’s verse that brings comfort and assurance to every believer’s heart. It reminds us that Jesus Christ, our Savior and High Priest, not only saved us but continues to intercede on our behalf. His intercession is a testament to His eternal love and care for His children.

As our Savior, Jesus accomplished the work of redemption on the cross, providing salvation for all who come to God through Him. As our Intercessor, He continues to stand before the Father on our behalf, representing us and advocating for us.

The assurance that Jesus is able to save us provides us with great comfort. His salvation isn’t limited by time, circumstances, or the depth of our sins. His grace reaches to the depth of our need, offering complete and everlasting salvation.

What a powerful statement—Jesus always lives to make intercession for us. His ministry of intercession isn’t occasional or sporadic; it’s constant and unending. His presence before the Father is a reminder that we are never alone, and His prayers on our behalf are always present.

The concept of intercession speaks to the oneness between the Son and the Father. Jesus, who knows us intimately, intercedes for us personally. His prayers are specific to our needs, fears, and aspirations.

Let this wonderful truth impact your perspective on your relationship with God through Jesus Christ. How can you lean into the comfort of His intercession in your daily life?

Pray

Lord, I’m grateful for the assurance that You always intercede for me. Thank You for Your unending love and care. Help me to draw closer to You, knowing that my prayers are heard by You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

February 19, 2025

holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭16‬

In the letter to the Philippians, Paul encourages believers to hold fast to the word of life. This call reminds us that our lives should be lived with purpose and dedication.

The “word of life” that Paul refers to is the Gospel, the message of salvation and hope found in Jesus Christ. In a world full of despair and uncertainty, our faith, in Christ, should draw others towards the source of true life.

Being a light in the world is not always easy. Challenges, distractions, and the many temptations that surround us, dim our spiritual glow. The enemy seeks to make us think that our labor is in vain. 

It is in these moments that Paul’s challenge becomes even more critical. To “hold fast” implies a firm grip, a strong commitment to the truth of the Gospel, and a deep devotion to Christ.

By holding fast to the word of life, we position ourselves with God’s purposes and find joy in knowing that our efforts are not in vain. Our lives take on eternal significance when we become faithful stewards of the Gospel, spreading its message through both words and actions.

Examine yourself to see if you are truly holding fast to the word of life. Are you living in a way that reflects the light of Christ? Are your actions, attitudes, and words drawing others closer to Jesus?

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your word, which brings life and hope into my soul. Help me to hold fast to the Gospel, to remain committed in my faith. Make my life to be a testimony to your goodness and grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.