Pastor Stephen Dedman

Happy New Year!

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬

Jeremiah 29:11 is a promise God spoke to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon. Despite their circumstances, God assured them that He had plans for their welfare and a hopeful future. This verse highlights God’s sovereign control over our lives, offering a comforting perspective amidst uncertainty.

As we enter the new year, let us trust in God’s plans for our lives. Regardless of the past, present challenges, or unknowns of the future, God’s intentions for us are rooted in prosperity, hope, and a meaningful future. This verse invites us to surrender our anxieties and embrace the assurance that God is orchestrating our paths.

In 2024, let’s walk in confidence, knowing that the Creator of the universe has a purposeful plan for each of us.

Pray

Lord, as I step into the new year, I entrust my life to Your sovereign plan. Help me to surrender my worries and uncertainties, trusting that Your intentions are filled with hope and prosperity. Lead me in the path You have prepared. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For December 31, 2023

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭22‬-‭23‬

This passage is nestled within the lament (or cry) of the prophet Jeremiah during a time of deep distress for the people of Israel. Despite the hardships, Jeremiah finds his hope in the faithfulness of God. These verses serve as a reminder that God’s love is steadfast, His mercies are endless, and each new day is an opportunity to witness His faithfulness.

As we bid farewell to 2023, let’s carry the assurance of God’s faithfulness into the unknown terrain of the coming days, weeks, and months. Pause to reflect on the moments God sustained you, guided you, and showered you with His mercy throughout the year. Recognize that just as His mercies were new every morning in the past, they will continue to be so in 2024.

Take a moment to surrender your plans, hopes, and fears for the future to the One whose faithfulness knows no bounds. Set aside some time for prayer, expressing gratitude for God’s faithfulness in the past year and seeking His guidance for the one to come. Trust that, no matter what the new year holds, God’s love will remain steadfast, and His mercies will be there to meet you each morning.

Pray

Lord, I confess my fears or anxieties about the unknown future. Replace them with a deep trust in Your providence. Let Your light illuminate my path, and may I walk confidently, knowing that Your love surrounds me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For December 30, 2023

For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭9‬:‭24‬

In the Old Testament, the high priest would enter the earthly holy of holies to offer a sacrifice for the sins of the people. However, the author of Hebrews reveals a greater reality — Jesus, our eternal High Priest, has entered heaven itself on our behalf.

This verse points to the continuous work of Christ for us. He stands before the Father, representing us, and making a way for our forgiveness and reconciliation. Our Savior doesn’t enter an earthly sanctuary but the heavenly realm, securing an everlasting redemption.

We can find much comfort in the truth that Jesus is actively interceding for us in the heavenly places. His work on our behalf is not confined to a temporal space but is eternal and effective.

Today’s meditation of Scripture gives us assurance that Christ is working on our behalf. When we face a challenge or trial, just know that Jesus is there to give us victory. Don’t let the weight of this world beat you down. Keep your eyes focussed on the eternal victory.

Pray

Lord, thank You for working on my behalf. My trust is in You for all things to work out for Your glory. Give me hope and assurance today to keep my eyes looking toward heaven. In Jesus’ name, amen.