Pastor Stephen Dedman

September 5, 2025

But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation.
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭9‬:‭11‬

Hebrews 9:11 paints a picture of Jesus as our High Priest. In the Old Testament, the high priest held the honor and responsibility of entering the Most Holy Place of the temple to make atonement for the sins of the people. However, Jesus is described as the High Priest of the “good things to come,” and His tabernacle is “greater and more perfect.”

This verse is a reminder of the extraordinary nature of Christ’s priesthood. He doesn’t enter an earthly sanctuary but the heavenly one, not made by human hands. His work is not confined to temporary rituals but secures eternal salvation for those who believe in Him. In Christ, we have a High Priest who mediates for us before God, ensuring that the “good things to come” are ours to inherit.

We should be grateful for the perfect High Priest we have in Jesus. He has accomplished what no other high priest could—eternal redemption. We can approach God with confidence, knowing that Christ’s work is complete, and we are welcomed into the presence of God. May this truth fill us with hope and assurance as we live out our faith in Him.

Pray

Lord, thank You for being the perfect High Priest and entering the heavenly tabernacle to secure my eternity. Help me to grasp the significance of this wonderful work. Give me confidence and assurance as I anticipate the “good things to come” that You have promised. In Jesus’ name, amen.

September 4, 2025

When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom.
‭‭John 2:9

In John 2 we find a miraculous moment at a wedding in Cana where Jesus turned water into the finest wine. Verse 9 encapsulates not only the transformation of water into wine but also the essence of Christ’s ministry, showcasing His boundless grace and ability to turn ordinary things into the extraordinary.

We often encounter situations that seem mundane or lacking. Just as the water in the jars symbolize the ordinary, Jesus can take ordinary aspects of our lives and infuse them with His grace. This verse invites us to trust that, in Christ, our moments of lack can become opportunities for abundance.

Remember that Jesus is not only present but is capable of transforming and changing our circumstances. Surrender your ordinary moments to Him, trusting that His grace can turn the ordinary into something great and wonderful. Maybe it’s a job, a position, a relationship or a financial or health situation, Jesus can turn it into something magnificent.

Pray

Lord, I am reminded of Your ability to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. I surrender my life to You, trusting that Your grace can infuse greatness into my circumstances. Turn my ordinary days into extraordinary opportunities to experience Your transformative power. In Jesus’ name, amen.

September 3, 2025

Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,
‭‭Acts‬ ‭3‬:‭19‬

Repentance is the act of turning away from sin and a turning toward God. There are incredible blessings that flow from genuine repentance. Let’s consider the blessings of having a repentant heart. 

First of all, repentance begins with recognizing our need for it. It’s acknowledging our shortcomings, mistakes, and sins. It’s understanding that our hearts require cleansing and renewal. Only Jesus can renew and cleanse us from our sins. 

Once we repent we can be converted. Conversion is a beautiful process of turning away from our old ways and embracing a new life in Christ. It’s a transformation that impacts our thoughts, actions, and character. 

Through repentance and conversion, God graciously blots out our sins. They are forgiven and remembered no more. The burden of guilt is lifted, and we experience the liberating power of God’s grace.

The verse promises that times of refreshing come from the presence of the Lord. Repentance brings spiritual renewal and rejuvenation. It’s like a breath of fresh air for our souls. There is nothing like being set free from your sin and shame. 

Have you repented of your sins? True repentance guides us to a life where we are always aware of our sins and always ready to stop sinning. Only Jesus can give us the power to turn away from sin. 

Pray

Lord, I come before You in repentance, acknowledging my need for Your forgiveness and renewal. Thank You for the promise of conversion and blotting out my sins. Let me experience the refreshment that come from Your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.