Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For April 1, 2024

whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.
‭‭James‬ ‭4‬:‭14

James addresses the issue of pride and worldly-mindedness among believers. He reminds us of the brevity and uncertainty of life, emphasizing the nature of human existence compared to the eternal purposes of God.

Despite our best-laid plans and aspirations for the future, we are ultimately unable to control or predict what tomorrow may bring. Our lives are but a vapor, here today and gone tomorrow, a reminder of our mortality and dependence on God.

Instead of placing our trust and security in earthly pursuits and possessions, we are called to recognize the shortness of this life and to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

James encourages us to live each day with a sense of urgency and purpose, making the most of the time we have been given. Rather than being consumed by worries about the future or regrets about the past, we are encouraged to embrace the present moment, trusting in God’s providence and guidance for our lives.

Today, commit to living with a purpose and a passion, knowing that your life is but a vapor, yet deeply cherished and valued by our Heavenly Father.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of life that You have bestowed upon me. Help me to recognize the brevity and uncertainty of each day and to live each moment with gratitude and purpose. May I trust in Your providence and seek first Your kingdom first. Guide me by Your Spirit and empower me to live in such a way that honors and glorifies You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For March 30, 2024

And the women who had come with Him from Galilee followed after, and they observed the tomb and how His body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.
‭‭Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭55‬-‭56‬

Saturday of Holy Week is a day of waiting and anticipation, characterized by reflection and expectant hope. The faithful women who followed Jesus during His ministry tended to the practical matters of His burial. They prepared spices and fragrant oils to anoint His body, demonstrating their devotion and reverence for Jesus.

As we consider the significance of Holy Saturday, we are reminded of the importance of waiting faithfully in the midst of uncertainty and sorrow. Like the disciples and followers of Jesus, we may find ourselves in seasons of waiting, where hope feels distant. Yet, even in the silence and stillness of Holy Saturday, God is at work.

Today, we embrace the sacredness of this day of waiting and reflection. May we find rest in the presence of God, trusting in His faithfulness and goodness even in the midst of uncertainty. And may we anticipate with hope and expectation the joyous celebration of Easter Sunday, when we proclaim Christ’s victory over sin and death.

Pray

Lord, I am reminded of the solemnity of this day and the significance of Your redemptive plan. Help me to wait faithfully in the midst of uncertainty, trusting in Your faithfulness and goodness. Prepare my heart to celebrate the joy of Easter Sunday. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For March 29, 2024

And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last.
‭‭Mark‬ ‭15‬:‭37‬

Good Friday is a day of reflection and deep reverence for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Mark 15:37 captures the profound moment when Jesus, after enduring agonizing suffering and bearing the weight of the world’s sin, breathed His last breath. In His death, Jesus demonstrated His love for humanity, willingly laying down His life to reconcile us to God.

As we reflect on the significance of Good Friday, we are reminded of the cost of our salvation. Jesus’ death on the cross was not a mere historical event but the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. It was the ultimate expression of God’s love and mercy, as He took upon Himself the punishment that we deserved, offering forgiveness and reconciliation to all who would believe in Him.

Today, as we reflect on Good Friday, let us pause to contemplate Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. May we be humbled by the depth of His love for us and inspired to live lives of devotion and obedience to Him. And may we never forget the incredible gift of salvation that we have received through His death and resurrection.

Pray

Lord, I am overwhelmed by the depth of Your love for me. Thank You for willingly laying down Your life to redeem me from sin and death. Help me to respond with a heart full of gratitude. May I never forget the price that was paid for my sins. In Jesus’ name, amen.