Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For April 17, 2024

For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭11‬:‭36‬

In this single verse, the apostle Paul expresses the scope of God’s reign over all creation. It serves as a beautiful reminder of our place in God’s grand design and calls us to respond with awe, reverence, and adoration.

This verse affirms that everything originates from God, finds its sustenance in Him, and ultimately returns to Him. Every aspect of creation, every event in history, every moment of our lives is under His sovereign control and authority. Nothing exists apart from Him, and nothing happens outside of His divine purpose.

As we meditate on this truth, we are invited to surrender ourselves to the sovereign will of God. We are reminded that our lives are not our own but belong to the One who created us and sustains us. In times of uncertainty and difficulty, we can take comfort in knowing that God is in control and that He works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).

Recognizing that all things are from Him and through Him leads us to respond with gratitude and praise. Every blessing we receive, every provision we enjoy, is a gift from the hand of our Heavenly Father. In moments of joy and abundance, may we lift our voices in thanksgiving, acknowledging the source of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17).

As we contemplate that all things are to Him, we are reminded of our ultimate purpose: to bring glory to God.

Pray

Lord, I am in awe of Your sovereignty and majesty, for of You and through You and to You are all things. Help me to surrender to Your will and to trust in Your goodness and faithfulness. May I bring glory to Your name, as I acknowledge You as the source and sustainer of all things. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For April 16, 2024

And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.
‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭25‬

John concludes his gospel with a statement that summarizes the magnitude of Jesus’ earthly ministry. John acknowledges that the accounts of Jesus’ words and deeds recorded in the Gospel represent only a fraction of His miracles. The sheer volume of Jesus’ works is so vast that the world itself could not contain all the books that could be written about them.

This verse invites us to ponder the limitless nature of Jesus’ impact on the world. Throughout His time on earth, Jesus performed countless miracles, taught profound truths, and demonstrated boundless love and compassion. From healing the sick to raising the dead, from feeding the hungry to calming the stormy seas, Jesus’ works transcended the boundaries of human comprehension.

This verse challenges us to consider the implications for our own lives. If the world itself cannot contain all the works of Jesus, how much more is there to discover and experience in our relationship with Him? How much more is there for us to learn, to explore, and to be transformed by?

As we journey with Jesus, may we approach Him with a sense of wonder and humility, recognizing that His works are beyond our comprehension. May we continue to seek Him earnestly, knowing that there is always more of His love, His grace, and His power to discover. And may we be inspired to live lives that bear witness to the limitless works of Jesus in the world.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the limitless works You performed during Your time on earth. Help me to grasp the depth of Your love and the magnitude of Your power. Open my eyes to see the wonders of Your works and to experience Your presence in my life each day. May my life be a reflection of Your boundless grace and compassion. In Your name, amen.

Devotional For April 15, 2024

The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬

In the opening verses of the Bible, we are transported back to the moment when God spoke creation into existence. Genesis 1:2 provides a glimpse of the earth before God began His work of shaping and filling it with life. The imagery of darkness and chaos paints a picture of formlessness and emptiness, a canvas waiting to be blessed with God’s wondrous touch.

Yet, in the midst of this formless void, we encounter the Spirit of God hovering over the face of the waters. Here, in the very beginning, we witness the presence of the Holy Spirit as the active agent of God’s creative power. The Spirit hovers and moves over the waters, ready to bring order and beauty out of the darkness.

This passage not only speaks to the creative power of the Holy Spirit but also to His presence and activity in the world today. Just as the Spirit moved over the waters at creation, He continues to move and work in our lives, bringing transformation, renewal, and new life.

May we be reminded of the Spirit’s ongoing work in our lives. In moments of chaos and uncertainty, may we take comfort in knowing that the Spirit of God is present, ready to bring order out of chaos, light out of darkness, and beauty out of emptiness.

Invite the Holy Spirit to move in your heart and life, empowering you to live a life that reflects the creative power and glory of Creator God.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the presence and power of Your Holy Spirit in my life. May Your Spirit move and work in me, bringing order out of chaos and beauty out of darkness. Fill me afresh with Your Spirit, that I may walk in step with Your will and purpose for my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.