Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For July 28, 2024

But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.
‭‭I Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬

Peter begins by acknowledging that “the end of all things is at hand.” This serves as a wake-up call for believers. While the exact timing of the end is known only to God, Peter emphasizes the need to be ready. The awareness of the return of Christ should shape the way we live each day.

The call to be “serious and watchful in your prayers” underscores the importance of an active prayer life. In times of uncertainty, prayer becomes a lifeline connecting us to God’s guidance, strength, and peace. It is in prayer that we align our hearts with God’s will and seek His wisdom for the journey ahead.

Living with purpose means being intentional in our relationship with Christ. It involves prioritizing prayer, not as a ritual but as a genuine conversation with our Heavenly Father. As we face the challenges of life, let us be watchful in prayer, recognizing that God’s presence is our source of strength.

Consider the life of Jesus, who, in the face of overwhelming difficulties, sought the Father in constant prayer. In the garden of Gethsemane, He prayed earnestly, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Our prayers align us with God’s purposes and empower us to face whatever may come with confidence.

Pray

Dear Lord, thank you for the reminder that the end of all things is at hand. Help me to live with a sense of urgency, recognizing the importance of my relationship with you. May my prayers be serious and watchful, aligning my heart with your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For July 27, 2024

But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation.
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭9‬:‭11‬

Hebrews 9:11 paints a picture of Jesus as our High Priest. In the Old Testament, the high priest held the honor and responsibility of entering the Most Holy Place of the temple to make atonement for the sins of the people. However, Jesus is described as the High Priest of the “good things to come,” and His tabernacle is “greater and more perfect.”

This verse is a reminder of the extraordinary nature of Christ’s priesthood. He doesn’t enter an earthly sanctuary but the heavenly one, not made by human hands. His work is not confined to temporary rituals but secures eternal salvation for those who believe in Him. In Christ, we have a High Priest who mediates for us before God, ensuring that the “good things to come” are ours to inherit.

We should be grateful for the perfect High Priest we have in Jesus. He has accomplished what no other high priest could—eternal redemption. We can approach God with confidence, knowing that Christ’s work is complete, and we are welcomed into the presence of God. May this truth fill us with hope and assurance as we live out our faith in Him.

Pray

Lord, thank You for being the perfect High Priest and entering the heavenly tabernacle to secure my eternity. Help me to grasp the significance of this wonderful work. Give me confidence and assurance as I anticipate the “good things to come” that You have promised. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For July 26, 2024

Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭9‬:‭29‬

The New Testament is rich with accounts of the miraculous works of Jesus, displaying His power to heal, restore, and transform lives. Matthew 9:29 captures a powerful moment when Jesus encountered two blind men. Their story serves as a profound reminder of the role faith plays in experiencing God’s miracles.

In the narrative, Jesus extended His divine touch to the blind men. It’s important to note that His touch was directly linked to their faith. He declared, “According to your faith, let it be to you.” This statement reveals a timeless truth – our faith is the key that unlocks God’s miraculous interventions in our lives.

Faith is not merely a wishful thought or a casual belief. It’s a deep trust in God’s power and goodness. Faith is both an acknowledgment of God’s ability to do the impossible and a surrender to His will. It is the force that connects our needs to God’s abundant supply.

Just as Jesus invited the blind men to believe, He invites each one of us to have faith in Him. Regardless of our circumstances, we can come to Jesus with our needs and trust that He is more than able to meet them. He does not require perfect faith but a willingness to believe and trust in His divine provision.

The phrase “let it be to you” reflects the principle that God’s response matches the measure of our faith. When we approach God with a small measure of faith, we may receive a small blessing. But when we come to Him with wholehearted faith, we open the door for extraordinary miracles.

Remember that faith is the key that unlocks the door to God’s miraculous interventions in your life. Your Heavenly Father is waiting for you to come to Him with a heart full of faith, ready to receive the blessings and transformations He has in store for you. Trust Him, for according to your faith, let it be to you.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your divine power in my life. Help me to approach You with a heart full of faith ready to receive Your miraculous blessings. Give me courage to trust in Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, amen.