Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For April 30, 2024

Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬

The author of Hebrews underscores the importance of paying careful attention to the truths of the gospel and the message of salvation proclaimed to us. Neglecting or disregarding these truths can lead to spiritual drifting.

In our fast-paced and often distracted lives, it’s easy to become complacent towards spiritual matters. However, the consequences of such neglect are significant—we risk drifting away from the core foundation of our faith and losing sight of the hope and joy we have in Christ.

Just as a sailor must constantly adjust the sails to stay on course, so too must we continually refocus our hearts and minds on the truths of God’s Word to avoid spiritual drifting and getting off course. This requires an intentional effort and a commitment to prioritize our relationship with God above all else.

Paying close attention to the things we have heard involves more than just listening; it requires us to be actively engaged. We must not only hear the Word but also apply it to our lives, allowing it to shape our beliefs, attitudes, and actions. This means spending time in prayer, studying Scripture, and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit daily.

As we pay close attention to God’s Word, we guard against spiritual drifting and we grow in our relationship with Him. Our faith becomes anchored in the truths of the gospel, providing stability and confidence even in life’s storms. Let’s remain vigilant in our pursuit of God and His kingdom.

Pray

Lord, thank You for giving me understanding of Your Word and the message of salvation. Help me to pay close attention to Your truths. Give me a hunger for Your Word and a sensitivity to the leading of Your Spirit in my life. May I continually find strength and hope in You alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For April 29, 2024

For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.
‭‭I Thessalonians‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬

Today’s verse reminds us that the gospel is not merely a set of words or doctrines but a message saturated with power and the presence of the Holy Spirit. When we encounter the gospel, it has the power to change us from the inside out, transforming our hearts, minds, and lives. This transformation is evident in the lives of the Thessalonian believers, who received the gospel with much assurance and conviction.

As followers of Christ, we are called to live with the same conviction and assurance that characterized the Thessalonian church. Our faith should not be passive or lukewarm but steadfast, rooted in the power of the gospel and the presence of the Holy Spirit. When we live with conviction, we become living testimonies to the transformative power of God’s grace, drawing others to Him through our words and actions.

Living with conviction begins with a deep understanding of the gospel. We must continually immerse ourselves in God’s Word, allowing it to shape our beliefs, values, and priorities. Let us be like the Thessalonian believers, embracing the gospel with much assurance and allowing it to permeate every aspect of our lives. May our faith be characterized by unwavering conviction, leading us to live boldly for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the power of the gospel and the presence of Your Holy Spirit in my life. Help me to live with unwavering conviction, rooted in the truth of Your Word and the assurance of Your promises. Empower me to be a bold witness, reflecting Your love and truth to those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For April 28, 2024

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
‭‭I John‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬

John’s letter to the early Christian communities is filled with themes of light and darkness, truth and falsehood, and the transformative power of God’s love. Here, he addresses the reality of human sinfulness and the importance of acknowledging it before God.

It’s easy to deceive ourselves into thinking that we are without sin, either by downplaying our faults or comparing ourselves to others. However, such self-deception only serves to distance us from the truth of God’s Word and the transformative work of His Spirit in our lives.

Acknowledging our sinfulness is a step toward experiencing the fullness of God’s grace and forgiveness. When we humble ourselves before God, confessing our sins and shortcomings, we open ourselves up to His mercy and forgiveness. God longs to restore and renew us, but He can only do so when we are willing to acknowledge our need for Him.

Recognizing our own sinfulness should lead us to extend grace and compassion to others. Just as we have been forgiven by God, so too are we called to forgive those who have wronged us. By embracing humility and honesty in our relationships, we create space for God’s love and reconciliation to flourish.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness and mercy, even in the midst of my sinfulness. Help me to humbly acknowledge my faults and failures before You, knowing that You are ready to forgive and cleanse me. Give me the courage to confront the areas of my life that are in need of Your transforming grace. As You have forgiven me, help me to extend that same grace and mercy to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.