Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For May 8, 2024

“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬

Isaiah’s words depict the depth of God’s mercy and grace towards His people. Despite their rebellion and sin, God extends an invitation to reconciliation and restoration. The imagery of sins being transformed from scarlet to white as snow and from crimson to wool illustrates the complete and thorough forgiveness that God offers to those who repent and turn to Him.

This verse also highlights the transforming power of the blood of Jesus Christ. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus atoned for the sins of humanity, providing a way for forgiveness and redemption. Just as scarlet sins can be made white as snow through God’s grace, so too can our sins be washed away by the precious blood of Jesus.

As believers, we can take comfort in the assurance that our sins have been washed away by the blood of Jesus Christ. His sacrifice has made us white as snow in the eyes of God, and we are now clothed in His righteousness. Let us live each day in the freedom and grace that comes from knowing we have been forgiven and redeemed by the precious blood of the Lamb.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of forgiveness and restoration. Help me to come to You with humility and repentance, knowing that You are ready to forgive and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. May I live each day in the freedom and grace of Your forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For May 7, 2024

Uphold my steps in Your paths, That my footsteps may not slip.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭17‬:‭5‬

David offers a prayer to God, seeking His protection and guidance with the challenges and trials he was facing. David’s heart reflects his deep trust in God to uphold him, even in the midst of adversity.

Like David, we often find ourselves going through difficult circumstances, unsure of the path that is ahead. In such moments, we long for assurance and guidance to keep us on the right path.

As children of God, we can draw strength and encouragement from seeking God’s presence. When we face trials and challenges, we can echo David’s prayer, asking God to uphold our steps and keep us from stumbling. We can trust in God’s faithfulness to guide us along His paths of righteousness and to provide the stability and security we need.

Finding refuge in God’s presence requires humility and dependence. It involves surrendering our own plans and desires to God’s will, trusting that His ways are higher and better than our own. As we yield to God’s guidance and direction, He promises to lead us in the paths of righteousness and to uphold us with His mighty hand.

Pray

Lord, thank You for being my refuge and strength in times of trouble. Uphold my steps in Your paths, that my footsteps may not slip. Give me wisdom and discernment to follow Your guidance and trust in Your faithfulness, even when the way seems uncertain. May Your presence be my source of stability and security, guiding me along the paths of righteousness all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For May 6, 2024

And the Lord said to me, “Amos, what do you see?” And I said, “A plumb line.” Then the Lord said: “Behold, I am setting a plumb line In the midst of My people Israel; I will not pass by them anymore.“
‭‭Amos‬ ‭7‬:‭8‬

The prophet Amos received a vision from the Lord in which God showed him a plumb line—a tool used in construction to ensure that walls are straight and level. The plumb line represents God’s standard of justice and righteousness, which He used to measure the nation of Israel. Through this vision, God revealed His judgment upon Israel for their disobedience and sin.

The vision of the plumb line serves as a reminder of God’s holiness and His expectations for His people. Just as a plumb line reveals any crookedness, so too does God’s standard of righteousness expose the shortcomings of His people. Despite His patience and long-suffering, God cannot overlook sin indefinitely, and His judgment is sure.

Amos interceded on behalf of the people, pleading with God to relent from His judgment. Amos recognized the severity of the situation and the consequences of God’s judgment, and he stood in the gap, advocating for the people before God.

Just as Amos stood in the gap for the nation of Israel, we are called to stand in the gap for our families, communities, and nations. We must be willing to align our hearts with God’s purposes and to boldly approach His throne of grace on behalf of others, trusting in His mercy and compassion.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the example of Amos and the power of intercession. Help me to be a faithful intercessor, standing in the gap for those in need. Give me a heart of compassion and humility, that I may fervently plead for Your mercy and grace to be poured out upon others. In Jesus’ name, amen.