Pastor Stephen Dedman

February 6, 2025

This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.
‭‭Titus‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬

The apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of believers being devoted to doing good works, which are not only beneficial to others but also essential to the Christian life. While salvation comes through faith alone in Christ, genuine faith naturally produces a life characterized by good works. As recipients of God’s grace, we are called to reflect His love and righteousness through our actions, attitudes, and behaviors.

Good works are not merely acts of charity or kindness but are evidence of a heart and a life surrendered to God. They include acts of compassion, generosity, service, and love towards others, motivated by a desire to glorify God and advance His kingdom.

We are called to be intentional about maintaining good works in our lives. This requires a daily commitment to living out our faith in practical ways, seeking opportunities to bless and serve those around us. Whether it’s helping a neighbor in need or simply showing kindness to a stranger, every act of goodness reflects the character of Christ and has the potential to impact lives for eternity.

Let us not grow weary in doing good, but let us be steadfast in our pursuit of good works, knowing that they are pleasing to God and beneficial to others. May our lives be a witness of God’s grace as we strive to live out our faith in love and service to the world.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of salvation. Help me to be diligent in maintaining good works, as a response to Your grace and love in my life. Open my eyes to the needs of those around me, and empower me by Your Spirit to be a source of blessing and encouragement to others. May my life be a reflection of Your goodness and mercy, drawing others to You and glorifying Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.

February 5, 2025

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭12‬:‭22‬

In Proverbs 12, Solomon provides wisdom on various aspects of life, including the importance of honesty and integrity in our words and actions. In verse 22, he contrasts lying with the delight that God takes in those who walk in truth.

As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His character in every aspect of our lives, including our speech and conduct. Lying and deceit are not only morally wrong but are also an insult to God, who is the embodiment of truth and righteousness.

In a world where dishonesty and deception are often normalized or even celebrated, the call to walk in truth stands in contrast to popular culture. As Christians, we are called to be people of integrity, whose words can be trusted and whose actions are consistent with our beliefs. Our commitment to truthfulness not only honors God but also serves as a powerful witness to those around us.

Let’s examine our own hearts and lives, asking God to reveal any areas where we may be tempted to compromise our integrity. May we strive to be people of honesty and integrity in all that we do, knowing that our commitment to truthfulness brings delight to the heart of our Heavenly Father.

Pray

Lord, forgive me for any dishonesty or deceitfulness. Help me to walk in truth and integrity, honoring You with my life. Let my commitment to honesty bring delight to Your heart and draw others to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

February 4, 2025

He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.
‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬

In John 1:1-18, the Gospel of John introduces Jesus as the Word (Logos) who existed from the beginning with God. This divine Word is not only in union with God but is, in fact, God Himself.

Specifically in verse 10, the focus is on the earthly existence of the Word. Despite being the very agent through which the world was created, Jesus entered into the world He made, and yet the world did not recognize Him. This lack of recognition is not merely a physical oversight but a spiritual one. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus encounters disbelief, rejection, and misunderstanding from those He came to save.

Today, believers are encouraged to reflect on their own recognition of Jesus in their lives. It prompts a deeper understanding of the significance of Christ’s presence and the importance of acknowledging Him as the divine Word who brings light and life to a world that often remains unaware of its Creator.

How often do we overlook the sacred in the ordinary, missing the profound connection between the Creator and His creation?

Pray

Lord, open my eyes to recognize Your Word in the midst of daily life. May I not be blinded to Your presence but, instead, embrace that You are with me. Help me find purpose, hope, and comfort in Your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.