Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For December 14, 2023

Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!
‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬

As the shepherds were out in the fields, suddenly an angel appeared to them and announced the birth of Jesus. Then they heard a multitude of angels singing and praising God. Heaven was rejoicing loud and proud.

Jesus is God’s goodwill toward humanity and He came to bring peace that surpasses understanding. Even during trying circumstances we can have the assurance that through Christ, we can experience peace in our hearts.

Take a moment each day to reflect on this promise and intentionally seek the peace that comes from a relationship with Jesus. We may never see peace on earth but as long as we have Jesus in our heart, we have a peace that helps us overcome and endure everything we face.

Do you have peace with God through the person of Jesus Christ? Praise God just as the heavenly host rejoiced and let the world know that you have peace.

Pray

Lord, I thank You for the source of true peace. In a world filled with turmoil, help me to experience the peace that only You can provide. Grant me the wisdom to turn to You in moments of distress, trusting in Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For December 13, 2023

But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.
‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭19‬

In the quiet moments after the miraculous birth of Jesus, Mary did something profound – she pondered. She took time to reflect, to consider the significance of the events that had unfolded before her. In the hustle and bustle of our lives, we can learn from Mary’s example to embrace the gift of Christ with a reflective heart.

It’s easy to lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas. This verse reminds us to pause and intentionally ponder the wonderful gift of Jesus. If it wasn’t for Jesus, we wouldn’t be celebrating this season with joy.

This Christmas season, make an attempt to do something different or start a new tradition. Make each day leading up to Christmas count by reflecting on the miraculous birth of our Savior.

Take a few moments today to reflect on the profound love God demonstrated by sending His Son. Allow the truth of Christmas to penetrate your heart and transform your perspective. How has God’s love changed your life?

Pray

Lord, in the midst of the busyness that often surrounds this season, I come before You with a heart of gratitude. Help me to follow Mary’s example, to keep and ponder these things in my heart. Give me moments of quiet reflection, where I can fully embrace the depth of Your love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For December 12, 2023

And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
‭‭II Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬

Paul presents a concise but powerful message from the to his brother in Christ, Timothy. In this analogy, Paul uses the image of an athlete and underscores the importance of following the rules in order to receive the reward of victory.

The Christian journey is much like a race or a competition, and in this race, we must adhere to God’s principles. Just as an athlete must follow the rules to attain victory, believers are called to live according to the commandments of God’s Word. It’s not merely about reaching the finish line but doing it with integrity, obedience, and a commitment to God’s standards.

In your spiritual race, be mindful of the rules set forth in Scripture. Living a life aligned with God’s principles not only honors Him but also positions you to receive blessings. The race may be challenging, with obstacles and trials, but our focus on running according to God’s rules ensures that we are on the path to victory.

As a Christian, we have victory in Jesus, so go fight and win today with a clear conscience.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the wisdom found in Your Word. Give me strength and discernment to live according to Your rules and Your plans. Keep me focused on righteousness, and guide me in every step of of the journey. In Jesus’ name, amen.