Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For February 24, 2024

Say to those who are fearful-hearted, “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, With the recompense of God; He will come and save you.”
Isaiah 35:4

Isaiah 35:4 offers a message of hope and encouragement to all who are fearful-hearted. It’s a reminder that in times of trouble, we can find strength and courage in the promises of God. He is not a distant or indifferent God, but a loving and compassionate Father who cares deeply for His children.

God says, “Be strong, do not fear!” These are not empty words but a powerful declaration of His faithfulness and sovereignty. He calls us to rise above our fears and insecurities, to trust in His unfailing love and power to deliver us from every trial and adversity.

The promise doesn’t stop there. God assures us that He will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He is a God of justice who will set things right and make all things new. He will come to our rescue, not with a timid hand, but with the full force of His might and power.

Whatever you may be facing today, whatever fears may be holding you captive, remember the promise of Isaiah 35:4. Be strong, do not fear, for your God will come and save you. Place your trust in Him, and He will give you the strength and courage you need to face whatever lies ahead.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the promise of Your presence and deliverance in times of trouble. Help me to be strong and courageous, knowing that You are with me and that You will save me. Give me faith to trust in Your unfailing love and power to see me through every trial and adversity. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For February 23, 2024

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬

In moments of struggle and weakness, where do you turn? How do you find the strength to persevere?

The author of Hebrews offers us a powerful invitation and a comforting promise in Hebrews 4:16. He urges us to come boldly to the throne of grace, the very throne of God Himself. It’s an invitation to approach our Heavenly Father with confidence, knowing that He welcomes us with open arms and a heart full of love.

At the throne of grace, we find mercy. It’s here that our sins are washed away, our guilt is removed, and our shame is covered by the blood of Jesus Christ. It’s here that we find the freedom to confess our sins, knowing that He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

But the throne of grace offers us more than just mercy; it also provides us with grace to help in our time of need. It’s a grace that sustains us in our weakness, strengthens us in our trials, and empowers us to overcome every obstacle that stands in our way. It’s a grace that meets us where we are and enables us to walk in victory, no matter what circumstances we may face.

So whatever challenges you may be facing today, whatever burdens you may be carrying, know that you do not have to face them alone. Come boldly to the throne of grace, and there you will find the mercy and grace you need to help you in your time of need. Approach Him with confidence, for He is always ready to pour out His love and compassion upon you.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the invitation to come boldly to Your throne of grace. Thank You for the mercy and grace You lavish upon me, especially in times of need. Help me to approach You with confidence, trusting in Your unfailing love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For February 22, 2024

To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:
Ecclesiastes 3:1

Just as the earth experiences the changing of the seasons – the budding of spring, the warmth of summer, the harvest of autumn, and the rest of winter – so too do our lives flow through various seasons.

Solomon, the wise king, offers us wisdom about the rhythm of life. He reminds us that there is a time and a purpose for everything under the heavens. Every moment, every experience, every season has its appointed time ordained by God.

What if we embraced God’s timing wholeheartedly? What if we surrendered our schedules, our plans, and our desires to His perfect timing? What if we learned to trust that He who orchestrates the changing of the seasons also orchestrates the seasons of our lives?

Embracing God’s timing requires faith – faith to believe that He is working all things together for our good, even when we cannot see the bigger picture. It requires patience – patience to wait for His timing, knowing that His timing is always perfect. And it requires surrender – surrendering our will to His, trusting that His plans far surpass our own.

So, whether you find yourself in a season of sowing or reaping, of joy or sorrow, of growth or rest, take heart. God is with you in every season, guiding you, shaping you, and preparing you for the purpose He has ordained for your life.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the rhythm of life You have established. Help me to embrace each season with faith, patience, and surrender. Help me to trust Your perfect timing, knowing that You are working all things together for good. Give me the grace to walk in step with Your plans and purposes. In Jesus’ name, amen.