Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For May 17, 2024

Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭1‬

Paul’s words give us a great truth about the Christian journey—the burden of our hearts for the salvation of others. Just as Paul prayed for the salvation of his fellow Israelites, so too are we called to intercede for the lost and share the message of salvation with those who have yet to hear and believe.

As followers of Christ, we are commissioned to be ambassadors of the gospel, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with a world in need of hope and redemption. Like Paul, we should have a heart’s desire to see people come to faith in Christ, to experience the transformative power of His love and grace.

But our passion for souls should not end with just emotion. It should drive us to action—to fervent prayer, bold witness, and compassionate outreach. We should be willing to sacrifice our time, resources, and comfort for the sake of seeing others come to know Jesus as their Savior and Lord.

As we meditate on Paul’s words, let us examine our own hearts and ask ourselves: Do we share Paul’s burden for the salvation of others? Are we willing to pray earnestly for the lost and engage in the work of evangelism and discipleship? May we be inspired by Paul’s example and empowered by the Holy Spirit to be faithful witnesses of the gospel, sharing the message of salvation with love, boldness, and compassion.

Pray

Lord, ignite my heart’s desire for the salvation of the lost. Grant me the courage to pray fervently for those who have yet to know You and the boldness to share the gospel with others. Use me as an instrument of Your grace and mercy, that many may come to experience Your saving power. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For May 16, 2024

Then He (Jesus) said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭4‬:‭24‬

In our distracting and noisy world, it’s easy to become passive listeners, allowing countless messages to bombard our minds without discernment or reflection. Yet, Jesus calls us to a higher standard of listening—one marked by attentiveness, discernment, and intentionality.

When Jesus told His disciples to “take heed what you hear,” He urged them to be selective and discerning about the messages they allow into their hearts and minds. Not all words are equal in value or truthfulness, and it’s essential to filter what we hear through the lens of God’s Word and His truth.

Jesus also highlighted the nature of hearing and receiving. The measure with which we listen and receive God’s truth will determine the measure of blessing and understanding we receive in return. Those who listen with open hearts and receptive spirits will be granted deeper insights, greater understanding, and a richer experience of God’s truth.

As followers of Christ, we need to develop a habit of listening with purpose in our spiritual lives. This means prioritizing time in God’s Word, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and actively engaging with His truth. It means being discerning about the messages we allow into our minds and hearts, filtering out that which is contrary to God’s Word.

When we listen with purpose, we position ourselves to receive more of God’s grace, wisdom, and revelation. Our spiritual growth and understanding deepen, and we become better equipped to live out our faith and impact the world around us.

Pray

Lord, help me to listen to You with purpose and intentionality. Give me discernment to filter out messages that are contrary to Your truth and wisdom to receive Your Word with an open heart. May I be attentive to Your voice, receptive to Your guidance, and faithful in applying Your truth to my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For May 15, 2024

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭25‬

How often do you rely on our own wisdom and understanding to navigate life’s challenges and decisions? We trust in our own judgment, believing that we know what’s best for ourselves. Yet, as today’s verse reminds us, this self-reliance can lead us astray.

The world is filled with countless voices begging for our attention, offering their own ideas of what constitutes success, happiness, and fulfillment. It’s easy to be swayed by popular opinion or our own desires. We may pursue paths that promise pleasure, wealth, or power, only to find ourselves disillusioned and empty in the end.

But God offers us a different way—a way that leads to true life and fulfillment. He invites us to trust in Him and His wisdom, to seek His guidance in all that we do. For His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). When we acknowledge Him in all our ways, He promises to direct our paths (Proverbs 3:6).

Choosing to follow God’s way may not always be easy or popular, but it is the path that leads to true life and freedom. It is a path marked by love, righteousness, and obedience to God’s Word. It is a path that leads us into deeper intimacy with our Creator and Savior.

Are we relying solely on our own understanding, or are we seeking God’s wisdom and guidance in all that we do? Let us trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding, knowing that He will make our paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Pray

Lord, forgive me for the times when I have relied on my own understanding and walked down paths that led to destruction. Help me to trust in You with all my heart and to seek Your wisdom and guidance in all that I do. Lead me in the path of righteousness for Your name’s sake, and help me to walk in obedience to Your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.