Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For January 7, 2024

“Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭5‬:‭5‬

Simon Peter and his fishing companions experienced a night of fruitless labor on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus, having just finished teaching a crowd, suggested they cast their nets again. Despite their exhaustion and initial reluctance, Simon obeyed the Lord’s command. The result was an overwhelming catch of fish, revealing the power of trusting in Jesus’ words.

There is much to learn from Simon Peter’s obedience. Often, we may feel weary and discouraged from our efforts, but Jesus invites us to trust His guidance. This story encourages us to take a step of faith, even when circumstances seem challenging or when we’ve experienced setbacks.

What is your level of trust and obedience to God’s leading? Just as Simon’s obedience led to an unexpected blessing, our willingness to follow Jesus’ guidance can lead to extraordinary outcomes in our lives.

Pray

Lord, help me to trust Your guidance even when I feel weary or discouraged. Give me the faith to launch into deeper waters of obedience, believing that Your plans for me are beyond what I can comprehend. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For January 6, 2024

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭10‬

In 1 Corinthians 15, the apostle Paul reflects on the power of God’s grace in his life. Despite his past persecutions on the Church, Paul acknowledges that it is only by God’s grace that he is who he is. He attributes his labor and achievements to the grace of God working within him.

It is by God’s grace that we are who we are. We need to realize that our abilities, achievements, and even our very existence are granted by God’s grace. This acknowledgment should motivate us to labor and live abundantly, not in our strength alone but empowered by God’s grace.

Whether in our relationships, work, or personal growth, we need to recognize that any success or progress is a manifestation of God’s grace at work in and through us. As we labor, may it be a response to the grace that has not been in vain.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your incredible grace that has shaped me. Help me to be fully aware that it is by Your grace that I am who I am today. Let my actions be a testimony to Your transformative power. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For January 5, 2024

Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭11‬:‭1

One of Jesus’ disciples observed Him praying and recognized the profound connection between Jesus and His heavenly Father. The disciple was moved to ask Jesus to teach them how to pray. This request leads to the powerful teaching of the Lord’s Prayer, emphasizing the importance and depth of communion with God.

Is your plea to learn how to pray? Prayer is a vital aspect of our relationship with God, providing a channel for communication, intimacy, and guidance. Jesus’ response to the disciples’ request reveals the significance of a heartfelt and purposeful prayer life.

Just as the disciples sought to learn from Jesus, may we seek His guidance in our prayer life. Let our prayers be characterized by sincere faith and a desire to align our hearts with God’s will. Through prayer, we open the door to a deeper connection and understanding with our Heavenly Father.

Pray

Lord, teach me to pray with faith and purpose. Let my prayers be a reflection of my desire to commune with You and align my heart with Your will. Help me to approach prayer with faith, knowing that You hear and respond. In Jesus’ name, amen.