Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For August 18, 2024

The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you, 
And be gracious to you; 
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, 
And give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26

These verses contain a beautiful blessing pronounced by God through Moses upon the people of Israel. It is a declaration of God’s favor, protection, grace, and peace upon His people.

The blessing begins with a promise of God’s provision and protection over His people. God promises to bless them abundantly and to safeguard them from harm and danger. This assurance reminds us of God’s faithfulness to His promises and His commitment to care for His children in every circumstance.

Next, the blessing speaks of God’s presence and favor upon His people. When God’s face shines upon us, it signifies His presence and favor resting upon us. It is a reminder that we are never alone, that God is with us in every moment, showering us with His grace and mercy.

Finally, the blessing concludes with a declaration of peace—a peace that transcends understanding and fills our hearts with assurance. This peace comes from knowing that we are loved and cherished by God, and that His presence goes with us wherever we go.

As believers, we can take comfort and confidence in the truth of this blessing. It reminds us of God’s unwavering love and faithfulness toward us, His children. It reassures us of His presence in our lives and His desire to bless us abundantly with His grace, favor, and peace.

Pray

Lord, thank You for today’s beautiful blessing. Help me to receive Your blessings with a grateful heart and to walk in the fullness of Your presence and peace each day. May I be an instrument of Your blessing, sharing Your love and grace with those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For August 17, 2024

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:
Hebrews 12:14

Peace is more than just the absence of conflict; it is a state of harmony. As followers of Christ, we are called to actively pursue peace in our relationships with others. This means seeking reconciliation and forgiveness, practicing empathy and understanding, and striving to live in harmony with those around us. It also means being peacemakers in a world filled with strife and division. 

Holiness is the quality of being set apart for God’s purposes and conforming to His character and will. It involves living a life of moral purity, righteousness, and obedience to God’s Word. We are called to continually strive for holiness, allowing God to sanctify us and transform us into the image of Christ.

As we seek to pursue peace and holiness in our lives, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. He is our ultimate example of peace and holiness, and He empowers us by the Holy Spirit to live lives that reflect His love and grace. May we be diligent in our pursuit of peace with all people and holiness before God, knowing that it is through these virtues that others will see the reality of our faith and the beauty of the gospel message.

Pray

Lord, help me to pursue peace with everyone and holiness before You. Give me grace and strength to reflect Your love and truth to the world around me. May I be an agent of reconciliation and an ambassador of Your kingdom, bringing glory to Your name in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For August 16, 2024

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
‭‭John‬ ‭15:7‬

Jesus shares a profound truth about the connection between abiding in Him and experiencing the power of answered prayer. He invites us into a deeper intimacy with Himself, promising that as we abide in Him and His words dwell richly within us, our prayers will be aligned with His will and answered according to His purposes.

To abide in Christ means to remain in close communion and fellowship with Him, allowing His life to flow through us and His Spirit to guide our thoughts and actions. It involves daily surrender, constant dependence, and unwavering trust in His love and faithfulness. As we abide in Christ, His words become the foundation of our lives, shaping our desires, priorities, and perspectives.

When our hearts are aligned with the heart of Christ, our prayers are transformed. We no longer pray out of selfish ambition or personal gain but out of a desire to see God’s kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Our prayers become an expression of our intimacy with Christ, a reflection of His character and purposes, and an instrument of His power and grace.

Today, let us commit to abiding in Christ and allowing His words to dwell richly within us. Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that our prayers are heard and answered by a loving and faithful God. And let us live in the assurance that as we abide in Him, our lives will bear fruit that remains for eternity.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the power of answered prayer. Help me to remain steadfast in my devotion to You, allowing Your words to shape my desires and guide my prayers. May my life be a testimony to Your faithfulness and grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.