Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For March 3, 2024

For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
‭‭I Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭25‬

The apostle Peter writes to believers, encouraging them to live holy lives and endure suffering patiently, following the example of Christ. In verse 25, Peter uses the imagery of sheep and a shepherd to illustrate the spiritual reality of believers returning to Christ, who is the ultimate Shepherd and Guardian of their souls.

We often find ourselves wandering away from God’s path, entangled by the cares of this world or overcome by our own desires. Yet, just as a shepherd diligently seeks out his lost sheep, Christ pursues us, calling us back into His loving embrace. We are no longer aimless wanderers but cherished members of His flock, under His watchful care.

When you feel lost or overwhelmed, turn to Jesus, trusting in His unfailing love and guidance. Allow His presence to bring you comfort, peace, and assurance, knowing that He will never leave you.

Pray

Lord, thank You for being my Shepherd and Overseer. When start to stray, lead me back into Your loving arms. Help me to trust in Your provision and guidance, knowing that You care for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For March 2, 2024

I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭13‬:‭6‬

Psalm 13 is king David’s lament (cry of sorrow) before God. In the preceding verses, David pours out his heart, expressing feelings of abandonment and distress. Yet, in verse 6, there is a shift. Despite his circumstances, David resolves to sing to the Lord, acknowledging God’s bountiful provision and faithfulness.

We often face seasons of darkness and uncertainty. Like David, we may experience doubt and despair, wondering if God has forgotten about us. However, Psalm 13 reminds us that even in the midst of our trials, we can choose to praise God. By shifting our focus from our circumstances to God’s character and past faithfulness, we can find joy and strength in His provision.

When you find yourself starting to worry or complain, stop and praise the Lord. If your heart is heavy with sorrow or despair, praise the Lord. Praising the Lord may not change the circumstance but it can change our attitude.

Pray

Lord, in moments of trial and distress, help me to remember Your faithfulness and provision. Grant me the courage to shift my focus from my circumstances to Your unwavering love and goodness. Fill my heart with gratitude and praise, knowing that You are always with me, working all things together for good. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For March 1, 2024

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
‭‭I John‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬

Prayer is a powerful gift that God has given to His children. It’s a direct line of communication with the Creator of the universe. The apostle John invites us into a deeper understanding of prayer, emphasizing the confidence we can have in approaching God with our requests.

Our confidence in prayer lies in our relationship with God. As His children, we have the assurance that He hears us when we pray. Our Heavenly Father hears the hearts of His children and He delights in meeting our needs according to His perfect will.

However, John specifies a crucial condition for our prayers to be answered: they must be according to God’s will. This does not mean that we cannot ask for our desires or needs, but rather that our requests should align with God’s purposes and His character. When our prayers are in harmony with His will, we can have confidence that He will answer them according to His wisdom and goodness.

As you approach God in prayer, know that He hears you and delights in answering according to His will. Seek to align your heart with His purposes, trusting in His wisdom. And rest in the assurance that our Heavenly Father always desires what is best for His children.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of prayer and the assurance that You hear my heart. Help me to align my heart with Your will. Help me approach You with confidence, knowing that You always desire what is best for me, and You are faithful to fulfill Your promises. In Jesus’ name, amen.