Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For May 24, 2024

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬

Paul exhorts all believers to allow the peace of God to rule in their hearts. This peace, which surpasses understanding, is not dependent on external circumstances but flows from a deep relationship with God and a posture of trust and surrender.

The peace of God is not merely the absence of conflict or turmoil; it is a deep-seated assurance that comes from knowing and trusting in God’s sovereignty and goodness. It is a peace that anchors our souls in the midst of life’s storms, enabling us to remain steadfast and secure in our faith.

But allowing the peace of God to rule in our hearts requires surrender. It means letting go of worry, fear, and anxiety, and instead, choosing to trust in God’s promises and provision. It means fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, and resting in His unfailing love and care.

As we cultivate a heart of peace, we are also called to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness. Gratitude is the natural outflow of a heart that is at peace with God and others. It shifts our focus from what is lacking to what is abundant, from what is broken to what is whole, and fills us with joy and contentment in every circumstance.

Is the peace of God ruling your heart?

Pray

Lord, thank You for the peace that surpasses understanding. Help me to surrender all my worries and fears to You and to allow Your peace to rule in my heart. Fill me with gratitude and thankfulness for Your abundant blessings. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For May 23, 2024

And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.
‭‭Mark‬ ‭9‬:‭4‬

Mark 9:2-13 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry—the Transfiguration. Peter, James, and John were given a glimpse of Jesus’ divine glory. This extraordinary event reveals Jesus’ identity as the Son of God and foreshadows His ultimate victory over sin and death.

As Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus’ radiant appearance, they saw Him converse with Moses and Elijah. The presence of Moses and Elijah alongside Jesus is significant. Moses represents the Law, while Elijah represents the prophets—both pointing to Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture. Their appearance underscores Jesus’ role as the long-awaited Messiah.

The Transfiguration reminds us of the importance of recognizing Jesus’ true identity. He is the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. The Transfiguration affirms His divine authority and underscores the necessity of faith in Him for salvation.

But the Transfiguration is not just a historical event; it is also a glimpse of our future hope. Just as Jesus was transfigured before His disciples, so too will we be transformed in His likeness when He returns in glory. The Transfiguration serves as a foretaste of the eternal glory that awaits all who believe in Jesus Christ.

May we, like Peter, James, and John, behold Him in all His splendor and bow in worship before Him as the Son of God. And may we live each day in anticipation of the glorious future that awaits us in Christ, where we will be transformed and perfected in His likeness for all eternity.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the revelation of the Transfiguration. Help me to place my faith and trust in You alone for salvation. Let my life be an example of Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Devotional For May 22, 2024

But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭9‬

Romans 8:9 reminds us that the Spirit of God dwells within us, transforming our hearts and lives from the inside out. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the very presence of God, leading us away from the desires of the flesh and into alignment with His will.

The difference of living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit is absolute. When we live according to the flesh, we are driven by selfish desires, worldly pursuits, and sinful thoughts. But when we live according to the Spirit, we walk in obedience to God, guided by His Word and empowered by His presence.

The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is a mark of our identity as children of God. It signifies our adoption into God’s family, our union with Christ, and our participation in the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). The Spirit bears witness with our spirits that we are indeed children of God, heirs of His kingdom and recipients of His grace (Romans 8:16).

But the indwelling Spirit is not a guarantee of automatic sanctification. We are called to cooperate with the Spirit’s work in our lives, yielding to His guidance and allowing Him to transform us from the inside out. This requires surrender, obedience, and a willingness to be molded and shaped by the Spirit’s leading.

Today, reflect on the reality of the Spirit’s indwelling presence in your life. Are you living according to the flesh, driven by selfish desires and worldly pursuits? Or are you living according to the Spirit, walking in obedience to God and seeking His will above all else?

May we embrace the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to lead us into lives that reflect the glory and character of Christ.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, who dwells within me and empowers me to live for You. Help me to walk in step with the Spirit, surrendering my desires and ambitions to Your will. May Your Spirit guide me in all my thoughts, words, and actions, that I may live as a child of light, reflecting Your love and truth to the world. In Jesus’ name, amen.