Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For April 11, 2024

He shall come down like rain upon the grass before mowing, like showers that water the earth.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭72‬:‭6‬

Psalm 72:6 uses the imagery of rain and showers to illustrate the abundance of blessings that flow from the righteous rule of a king. Just as rain refreshes the earth, nourishing the grass, so too does the righteous king bring blessing and prosperity to the land.

We can apply this imagery to our understanding of Jesus Christ, the ultimate King of kings whose reign brings blessing and salvation to all who trust in Him. Jesus is described as the “Sun of Righteousness” who brings healing and restoration (Malachi 4:2). His reign is characterized by justice, righteousness, and compassion, and His blessings are poured out abundantly upon His people.

The imagery of rain serves as a reminder of the dependability of God’s provision. Just as rain falls upon the earth at the appointed time, so too does God’s grace and blessings flow into our lives according to His perfect timing and purposes. Even in times of drought or difficulty, we can trust that God will send His refreshing rain to nourish and sustain us.

Consider how you can be a channel of God’s blessings to others. Strive to live in righteousness and compassion, allowing God’s grace to flow through you to refresh and nourish those around you.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the abundant blessings that flow from Your righteous rule. Help me to live in righteousness and compassion, reflecting Your character. May I be a channel of Your blessings to those in need, bringing refreshment and nourishment to the world around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For April 10, 2024

”Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “that I will perform that good thing which I have promised to the house of Israel and to the house of Judah:”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭33‬:‭14‬

The prophet Jeremiah received a message of hope from the Lord for the people of Israel and Judah. They were in captivity and exile but God promised to fulfill His covenant with them and bring about a time of renewal and blessing.

In the midst of our challenging and uncertain times, God assures His people that He will perform the good things He has promised to them. As believers, we are heirs to the promises of God through Jesus Christ. Just as God remained faithful to His covenant with Israel and Judah, so too will He remain faithful to His promises to us.

Furthermore, Jeremiah 33:14 points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises in the person of Jesus Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus fulfills the promises of God and establishes His kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy.

Today, let us hold fast to the promises of God and trust in His faithfulness to bring about His purposes in our lives. Take comfort in the assurance that God is at work, even in the midst of your difficult circumstances. He will bring about His good and perfect will in His perfect timing.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness to fulfill Your promises. Help me to trust in Your goodness and to rest in the assurance of Your faithfulness. I hold fast to Your promises and look forward with hope to the fulfillment of Your plans in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For April 9, 2024

For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
‭‭James‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬

James emphasizes the power of mercy in the lives of believers. Today’s verse serves as a reminder of the mercy that God has extended to us through Jesus Christ and calls us to reflect that same mercy in our relationships with others.

In a world marked by judgmentalism, criticism, and condemnation, the call to show mercy is more relevant than ever. Mercy involves extending kindness, compassion, and forgiveness to those who may not deserve it, just as God has extended His mercy to us despite our shortcomings and failures.

Furthermore, James contrasts mercy with judgment, emphasizing that mercy triumphs over judgment. While the world may be quick to condemn and criticize, God’s mercy offers a pathway to redemption and reconciliation. As followers of Christ, we are called to be an example of mercy, extending grace and forgiveness to others even in the face of wrongdoing.

As we survey our own heart, are we quick to judge and condemn, or do we extend grace and mercy? May we be known as people who exemplify the mercy of God in our interactions with others, showing kindness, compassion, and forgiveness to all.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the mercy You have shown me. Help me to reflect that same mercy with others, showing kindness, compassion, and forgiveness to all. May Your mercy triumph over judgment in my life, transforming my heart and enabling me to be an agent of reconciliation and grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.