Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For April 23, 2024

For all people walk each in the name of his god, But we will walk in the name of the Lord our God Forever and ever.
‭‭Micah‬ ‭4‬:‭5‬

In a world filled with competing ideologies, beliefs, and priorities, we are constantly faced with choices about where we will place our allegiance. The prophet Micah reminds us that while others may choose to follow the gods of this world—whether they be wealth, power, or pleasure—we are called to walk in the name of the Lord our God. Our allegiance to God should be unwavering and absolute, guiding every aspect of our lives.

Walking in the name of the Lord entails more than just lip service; it requires a life of obedience and submission to God’s will. As followers of Christ, we are called to walk in His footsteps, imitating His love, humility, and compassion. This means living according to God’s Word, following His commandments, and seeking His guidance in all that we do.

Walking in the name of the Lord gives our lives meaning and purpose. It means living with an eternal perspective, recognizing that our ultimate allegiance is to the kingdom of God. As we walk in obedience to God, we participate in His redemptive work in the world, bringing light and hope to those around us.

Walking in the name of the Lord requires faith and trust in His promises. It means trusting that God’s ways are higher than our ways and that His plans are for our good. Even when the path ahead seems uncertain or difficult, we can walk in confidence, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.

May we be challenged to examine our hearts and lives, ensuring that we are walking in the name of the Lord our God. May our allegiance be to Him alone, and may our lives reflect His love, grace, and truth to a world in need.

Pray

Lord, help me to walk in Your ways and to live with unwavering allegiance to You. Give me strength and courage to follow You wholeheartedly, even when the world around me seeks to lead us astray. May my life be a reflection of Your love and grace, bringing glory and honor to Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For April 22, 2024

For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.
‭‭I Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬

Just as a thief comes unexpectedly in the night, so too will the day of the Lord arrive without warning. This truth calls us to live each day in readiness and anticipation of Christ’s coming. Let’s explore how we can apply this verse to our lives today:

Paul emphasizes that the Thessalonian believers were already aware of the imminent return of Christ. Similarly, as followers of Christ today, we too should be conscious of the reality that His return could happen at any moment. This awareness should shape our perspective on life, prompting us to prioritize eternal matters over temporal concerns.

Just as a thief’s arrival prompts immediate action to protect one’s belongings, the imminent return of Christ should motivate us to be spiritually prepared. We must examine our hearts, confessing and repenting of sin, and drawing near to God in prayer and devotion. Living with a sense of urgency, we seek to live holy and righteous lives, pleasing to the Lord.

Rather than living in fear or anxiety about the unknown timing of Christ’s return, we are called to live in readiness and anticipation. This means faithfully fulfilling our calling as disciples of Christ, serving others in love, and proclaiming the gospel to those who have yet to hear. Each day is an opportunity to live out our faith boldly and intentionally, knowing that we may not have tomorrow.

Let us embrace each day as a gift from God, using our time, talents, and resources to honor Him and advance His kingdom until He comes again.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the assurance of Your return. Help me to live each day with a sense of readiness and anticipation, knowing that You could come at any moment. May I be found faithful and diligent in service to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For April 21, 2024

“Can anyone hide himself in secret places, So I shall not see him?” says the Lord; “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” says the Lord.
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭23‬:‭24‬

Here is a profound truth about the nature of God—He is omnipresent, meaning He is present everywhere at all times. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God’s awareness of all things and His constant presence with His people.

God’s omniscience means that He knows everything—every thought, every action, every motive. There is no secret place where we can hide from Him. This truth should encourage us to live with integrity and transparency, knowing that God sees and knows all things.

There is no place in the universe where God is not present. He is not confined to a specific location or limited by time or space. This reality should bring us comfort and assurance, knowing that wherever we are, God is with us. We are never alone, for He is always near.

Jeremiah’s proclamation of God’s omnipresence reaffirms His sovereignty over all creation. He is not a distant or detached deity but actively involved in the affairs of His creation. His presence fills the heavens and the earth, sustaining and upholding all things by His power. This truth reminds us that God is in control, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty.

In light of God’s omnipresence, our response should be one of reverence, awe, and surrender. We cannot hide from God, nor can we escape His presence. Therefore, let us live our lives with a deep awareness of His presence, seeking to honor Him in all that we do. Let us draw near to Him in prayer, knowing that He is always listening and attentive to our cries.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your omnipresence—that You fill heaven and earth with Your presence. Help me to have a deep awareness of Your presence, knowing that You are always near. Help me to walk in integrity and reverence before You, honoring You in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, amen.