Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For December 28, 2023

Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power,
‭‭II Thessalonians‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬

The apostle Paul’s prayer in 2 Thessalonians 1:11 expresses a deep desire that God would count us worthy of the divine calling placed upon our lives.

This prayer unveils a profound truth — that our calling is not a random occurrence, but a purposeful design crafted by God Himself. As we navigate the twists and turns of life, Paul’s prayer encourages us to seek worthiness in our response to this divine calling.

God’s goodness plays a pivotal role in this journey. It is His goodness that propels us forward, guiding us along the path of righteousness. The fulfillment of God’s good pleasure is closely connected to the work of faith. As we exercise faith in Him, His power is unleashed, enabling us to live out the calling with strength and purpose.

Today, let us embrace this prayer as our own, seeking worthiness in our response to God’s calling. May His goodness guide our steps, and may the work of faith in our lives be accompanied by His mighty power. As we align ourselves with His purpose, we discover the true fulfillment that comes from living out our calling with God’s divine strength.

Pray

Lord, help me to embrace Your goodness in my life. Thank You for loving me and guiding me by Your power. Give me wisdom to fully understand the plans You have for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For December 27, 2023

The nobleman said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies!” Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way.
‭‭John‬ ‭4‬:‭49‬-‭50‬

In the urgency of our troubles and trials, we often cry out to the Lord for His immediate help. A desperate father implored Jesus to come and heal his sick and dying child. This man’s plea echoes our own cries in times of distress, seeking immediate relief.

Jesus responded in a way that challenges our understanding of divine intervention. Instead of physically going with the man, He speaks a powerful word of healing: “Go your way; your son lives.” This moment captures the essence of faith — believing in the unseen and trusting the words of Christ.

In our journey of faith, we encounter situations that demand trust beyond what our eyes can perceive. Jesus invites us to believe in His promises, even when circumstances seem dire. The nobleman embraced this faith, and as he walked away, his belief in Jesus’ word transformed his desperate plea into a victory.

Today, let’s approach our challenges with active faith, remembering that the One who speaks life into our situations is worth trusting. Through faith, our circumstances can be transformed by the living word of Jesus. Believe his words!

Pray

Lord, help my faith to grow and help me to trust Your word. In every circumstance, let me see Your promise of assurance that You are near. Give me courage to walk in faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For December 26, 2023

I will stand my watch And set myself on the rampart, And watch to see what He will say to me, And what I will answer when I am corrected.
‭‭Habakkuk‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬

The prophet Habakkuk expresses a posture of waiting and anticipation. He positions himself to listen for God’s guidance and remains open to correction. After Christmas, when the festivities have quieted, this verse invites us to reflect on the past season and look forward to what God may reveal to us in the days ahead.

As we stand on the “rampart” of our lives, let’s take a moment to review the messages and experiences of the Christmas season. What have we learned about God’s love, grace, and our purpose in Christ? Like Habakkuk, let’s watch and listen for what God may be saying to us through the celebrations, challenges, and moments of quiet reflection.

Furthermore, Habakkuk’s readiness for correction encourages us to be open to God’s guidance as we move forward. Whether it’s making adjustments in our priorities, relationships, or spiritual walk, let’s approach the coming days with humility and a willingness to align our lives with God’s purposes.

Pray

Lord, I am listening for Your voice and guidance. Help me today to reflect on everything I have heard and seen in the last few days. Give me wisdom to discern Your ways. In Jesus’ name, amen.