Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For December 29, 2024

Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him,
‭‭Luke‬ ‭8‬:‭1‬

Jesus traveled through every city and village, preaching the good news of the kingdom of God. As His disciples, we are called to share this same message with the world. The kingdom of God represents His reign, His love, and His salvation offered to all.

The presence of the twelve disciples with Jesus is significant. It underscores the idea that discipleship involves a close, personal relationship with the Master Teacher. They walked with Him, learned from Him, and shared in His mission work.

Being a disciple consists of being a learner or student. The disciples spent time with Jesus, not just for the sake of companionship but to absorb His teachings and witness His actions. To follow Jesus means to learn from Him and seek to reflect His character.

Discipleship isn’t just about personal growth; it’s about sharing the good news. We are called to bring the glad tidings of God’s kingdom to those around us. Just think about how you could brighten someone’s day just by sharing the good news of Jesus with them. 

Are you actively learning from Jesus and sharing the good news of His kingdom with others? Are you walking closely with Him, seeking to become more like Him in character and purpose? May today’s verse inspire you to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and embrace the call to be His disciple.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the example of discipleship found in Your ministry. Help me to follow You more closely everyday. May I be true disciple, reflecting Your love and grace in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For December 28, 2024

And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth.
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬

John’s vision takes us to the throne room of heaven, where he sees a Lamb standing at the center of attention. This Lamb holds a position of highest authority among the heavenly beings. It is a picture of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

The Lamb appears to have been slain. Even in heaven, the Lamb’s sacrifice is not forgotten. This points to the eternal impact of Christ’s sacrificial death—His atonement continues to resonate throughout eternity.

Seven is a perfect or complete number. The seven horns and seven eyes symbolize the Lamb’s perfect power and perfect knowledge. The seven Spirits of God means the Holy Spirit is the perfect Spirit of God. The Lamb’s sovereignty and omniscience assure us that He is both mighty and all-knowing.

With this vision, we witness the fullness of the redemption story. The slain Lamb of God stands victoriously, reminding us of Jesus’ triumphant resurrection. His sacrifice and death paid the price for our sins and secured our eternal salvation.

One day we will see this image in real time, with our own eyes. Until that time comes, we should consider the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice for our salvation. Does the sacrificial love of Christ inspire you in your faith journey? Do you show the character of Christ in all that you do?

Pray

Lord, I’m humbled by the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. Thank You for His atonement that brings redemption and eternal life. Help me to live in the light of His sacrifice, sharing His love with others and walking in His footsteps. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For December 27, 2024

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
‭‭I Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬

In this verse, the Apostle Peter provides us with valuable wisdom and guidance on how to navigate the spiritual battles we face in life. He urges us to be both sober and vigilant, and he likens our adversary, the devil, to a roaring lion on the prowl.

Peter encourages us to be sober, not just in the sense of abstaining from alcohol, but also in our spiritual lives. Sobriety means being clear-minded and not clouded by the distractions or temptations of this world. It’s about maintaining spiritual clarity so that we can discern the enemy’s tactics.

Being vigilant implies being watchful and alert. We are called to watch over our hearts and minds. The devil is constantly seeking opportunities to lead us astray, so we must remain vigilant in our faith, prayer, and devotion to God.

Peter reminds us that the devil is our adversary, and he is relentless in his efforts to devour our faith, joy, and peace. Understanding the nature of our spiritual enemy is crucial. He often operates through deception, temptation, and discouragement.

While the devil may be an adversary, we have the ultimate protector in God. Through prayer, faith, and reliance on God’s Word, we can resist the schemes of the enemy. God provides us with the armor of faith to stand firm.

As you go about your day, stay rooted in your relationship with God, and you’ll find the strength to overcome the challenges that come your way.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the guidance and wisdom found in your Word. Help me to be sober and vigilant in my faith, guarding my heart against the schemes of the enemy. Strengthen me with Your Spirit so that I may stand firm in my faith and find refuge in Your loving arms. In Jesus’ name, amen.