Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For May 2, 2024

This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.
‭‭Titus‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬

The apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of believers being devoted to doing good works, which are not only beneficial to others but also essential to the Christian life. While salvation comes through faith alone in Christ, genuine faith naturally produces a life characterized by good works. As recipients of God’s grace, we are called to reflect His love and righteousness through our actions, attitudes, and behaviors.

Good works are not merely acts of charity or kindness but are evidence of a heart and a life surrendered to God. They include acts of compassion, generosity, service, and love towards others, motivated by a desire to glorify God and advance His kingdom.

We are called to be intentional about maintaining good works in our lives. This requires a daily commitment to living out our faith in practical ways, seeking opportunities to bless and serve those around us. Whether it’s helping a neighbor in need or simply showing kindness to a stranger, every act of goodness reflects the character of Christ and has the potential to impact lives for eternity.

Let us not grow weary in doing good, but let us be steadfast in our pursuit of good works, knowing that they are pleasing to God and beneficial to others. May our lives be a witness of God’s grace as we strive to live out our faith in love and service to the world.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of salvation. Help me to be diligent in maintaining good works, as a response to Your grace and love in my life. Open my eyes to the needs of those around me, and empower me by Your Spirit to be a source of blessing and encouragement to others. May my life be a reflection of Your goodness and mercy, drawing others to You and glorifying Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For May 1, 2024

Then He will answer them, saying, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25‬:‭45‬

This statement is part of Jesus’ teaching on the final judgment, where He describes how the righteous will be separated from the wicked based on their treatment of others, particularly the poor and needy.

Jesus’ words serve as a powerful reminder of the connection between our actions towards others and our relationship with Him. When we extend compassion, kindness, and assistance to those in need, we are, in essence, serving Christ Himself. Neglecting or mistreating others is equivalent to neglecting and mistreating Christ.

This truth underscores the importance of living out our faith through acts of love and service. Whether it’s feeding the hungry, clothing the less fortunate, visiting the sick, or assisting the elderly, every act of kindness and compassion is an opportunity to express our love for Christ.

As followers of Christ, we are called to be His hands and feet in a broken and hurting world. Whether through organized outreach programs or simple acts of kindness in our daily lives, we can make a difference in the lives of others and honor Christ in the process.

Never overlook the significance of even the smallest acts of service. Whether it’s offering a listening ear to someone in distress or lending a helping hand to a neighbor in need, every act of kindness has the potential to reflect the love of Christ and point others to Him.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the privilege of serving You by serving others. Open my eyes to the needs around me, and give me a heart of compassion to respond with love and kindness. Help me to see every person as an opportunity to express Your love and grace. Empower me by Your Spirit to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing to those in need. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For April 30, 2024

Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬

The author of Hebrews underscores the importance of paying careful attention to the truths of the gospel and the message of salvation proclaimed to us. Neglecting or disregarding these truths can lead to spiritual drifting.

In our fast-paced and often distracted lives, it’s easy to become complacent towards spiritual matters. However, the consequences of such neglect are significant—we risk drifting away from the core foundation of our faith and losing sight of the hope and joy we have in Christ.

Just as a sailor must constantly adjust the sails to stay on course, so too must we continually refocus our hearts and minds on the truths of God’s Word to avoid spiritual drifting and getting off course. This requires an intentional effort and a commitment to prioritize our relationship with God above all else.

Paying close attention to the things we have heard involves more than just listening; it requires us to be actively engaged. We must not only hear the Word but also apply it to our lives, allowing it to shape our beliefs, attitudes, and actions. This means spending time in prayer, studying Scripture, and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit daily.

As we pay close attention to God’s Word, we guard against spiritual drifting and we grow in our relationship with Him. Our faith becomes anchored in the truths of the gospel, providing stability and confidence even in life’s storms. Let’s remain vigilant in our pursuit of God and His kingdom.

Pray

Lord, thank You for giving me understanding of Your Word and the message of salvation. Help me to pay close attention to Your truths. Give me a hunger for Your Word and a sensitivity to the leading of Your Spirit in my life. May I continually find strength and hope in You alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.