Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For April 24, 2024

”For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt.“
‭‭Mark‬ ‭9‬:‭49‬

Jesus used the imagery of fire and salt to convey a spiritual truth about the nature of Christian living. Fire is often used in Scripture to represent purification, refining, and testing. Jesus teaches that everyone will be seasoned with fire, indicating that every believer will face trials, challenges, and tribulations in life.

Just as precious metals are refined in the fire to remove impurities, so too does God use trials to refine and purify our faith, making us more like Christ. Our response to trials is crucial. Instead of allowing trials to discourage or defeat us, we are called to endure them with faith and perseverance, trusting that God is at work in and through our trials for His purposes.

Jesus also mentioned that every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. In biblical times, salt was used as a preservative and seasoning, adding flavor and preventing decay. We are called to preserve the truth of God’s Word, bring flavor to the world through our words and actions, and counteract the decay and corruption of sin.

The concept of sacrifice is central to the Christian life. Just as Old Testament sacrifices were offered to God as acts of worship and dedication, so too are our lives to be living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). As we endure trials and challenges, we offer ourselves as sacrifices to God, surrendering our wills to His and allowing Him to work in and through us for His glory.

As we endure trials, just know that God is at work, and our lives are to be living sacrifices, pleasing and acceptable to Him.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the refining work of Your fire in my life. Help me to endure trials with faith and perseverance, trusting that You are at work for Your purposes. May I be salt and light in the world, preserving truth, bringing flavor, and shining brightly for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For April 23, 2024

For all people walk each in the name of his god, But we will walk in the name of the Lord our God Forever and ever.
‭‭Micah‬ ‭4‬:‭5‬

In a world filled with competing ideologies, beliefs, and priorities, we are constantly faced with choices about where we will place our allegiance. The prophet Micah reminds us that while others may choose to follow the gods of this world—whether they be wealth, power, or pleasure—we are called to walk in the name of the Lord our God. Our allegiance to God should be unwavering and absolute, guiding every aspect of our lives.

Walking in the name of the Lord entails more than just lip service; it requires a life of obedience and submission to God’s will. As followers of Christ, we are called to walk in His footsteps, imitating His love, humility, and compassion. This means living according to God’s Word, following His commandments, and seeking His guidance in all that we do.

Walking in the name of the Lord gives our lives meaning and purpose. It means living with an eternal perspective, recognizing that our ultimate allegiance is to the kingdom of God. As we walk in obedience to God, we participate in His redemptive work in the world, bringing light and hope to those around us.

Walking in the name of the Lord requires faith and trust in His promises. It means trusting that God’s ways are higher than our ways and that His plans are for our good. Even when the path ahead seems uncertain or difficult, we can walk in confidence, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.

May we be challenged to examine our hearts and lives, ensuring that we are walking in the name of the Lord our God. May our allegiance be to Him alone, and may our lives reflect His love, grace, and truth to a world in need.

Pray

Lord, help me to walk in Your ways and to live with unwavering allegiance to You. Give me strength and courage to follow You wholeheartedly, even when the world around me seeks to lead us astray. May my life be a reflection of Your love and grace, bringing glory and honor to Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For April 22, 2024

For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.
‭‭I Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬

Just as a thief comes unexpectedly in the night, so too will the day of the Lord arrive without warning. This truth calls us to live each day in readiness and anticipation of Christ’s coming. Let’s explore how we can apply this verse to our lives today:

Paul emphasizes that the Thessalonian believers were already aware of the imminent return of Christ. Similarly, as followers of Christ today, we too should be conscious of the reality that His return could happen at any moment. This awareness should shape our perspective on life, prompting us to prioritize eternal matters over temporal concerns.

Just as a thief’s arrival prompts immediate action to protect one’s belongings, the imminent return of Christ should motivate us to be spiritually prepared. We must examine our hearts, confessing and repenting of sin, and drawing near to God in prayer and devotion. Living with a sense of urgency, we seek to live holy and righteous lives, pleasing to the Lord.

Rather than living in fear or anxiety about the unknown timing of Christ’s return, we are called to live in readiness and anticipation. This means faithfully fulfilling our calling as disciples of Christ, serving others in love, and proclaiming the gospel to those who have yet to hear. Each day is an opportunity to live out our faith boldly and intentionally, knowing that we may not have tomorrow.

Let us embrace each day as a gift from God, using our time, talents, and resources to honor Him and advance His kingdom until He comes again.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the assurance of Your return. Help me to live each day with a sense of readiness and anticipation, knowing that You could come at any moment. May I be found faithful and diligent in service to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.