Pastor Stephen Dedman

July 17, 2025

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭8‬:‭3‬-‭4‬

As we contemplate the beauty and grandeur of the heavens, we are reminded of the awe-inspiring power and creativity of our Creator. The universe, with its countless stars, galaxies, and celestial wonders, stands as a testimony of God’s infinite wisdom and glory.

Despite our smallness and insignificance in comparison to all of creation, God chooses to bestow His love and attention upon us.

Today, we should echo the psalmist’s sense of wonder and gratitude for God’s love and care for us. May we be humbled by the majesty of God’s creation and His concern for our well-being. And may we respond with hearts full of praise and adoration, magnifying the name of our great and glorious Creator.

Take a moment to look up at the night sky and marvel at the beauty of God’s creation. Allow the glory of the heavens to remind you of the greatness of our Creator and His unfailing love for you. And let your heart overflow with gratitude and praise for the privilege of being known and loved by God.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the beauty and majesty of Your creation, which reflects Your glory and greatness. Help me to marvel at Your handiwork and to recognize Your love and care. Let my heart be filled with gratitude and praise for Your unfailing love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

July 16, 2025

He shall come down like rain upon the grass before mowing, like showers that water the earth.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭72‬:‭6‬

Psalm 72:6 uses the imagery of rain and showers to illustrate the abundance of blessings that flow from the righteous rule of a king. Just as rain refreshes the earth, nourishing the grass, so too does the righteous king bring blessing and prosperity to the land.

We can apply this imagery to our understanding of Jesus Christ, the ultimate King of kings whose reign brings blessing and salvation to all who trust in Him. Jesus is described as the “Sun of Righteousness” who brings healing and restoration (Malachi 4:2). His reign is characterized by justice, righteousness, and compassion, and His blessings are poured out abundantly upon His people.

The imagery of rain serves as a reminder of the dependability of God’s provision. Just as rain falls upon the earth at the appointed time, so too does God’s grace and blessings flow into our lives according to His perfect timing and purposes. Even in times of drought or difficulty, we can trust that God will send His refreshing rain to nourish and sustain us.

Consider how you can be a channel of God’s blessings to others. Strive to live in righteousness and compassion, allowing God’s grace to flow through you to refresh and nourish those around you.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the abundant blessings that flow from Your righteous rule. Help me to live in righteousness and compassion, reflecting Your character. May I be a channel of Your blessings to those in need, bringing refreshment and nourishment to the world around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

July 15, 2025

”Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “that I will perform that good thing which I have promised to the house of Israel and to the house of Judah:”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭33‬:‭14‬

The prophet Jeremiah received a message of hope from the Lord for the people of Israel and Judah. They were in captivity and exile but God promised to fulfill His covenant with them and bring about a time of renewal and blessing.

In the midst of our challenging and uncertain times, God assures His people that He will perform the good things He has promised to them. As believers, we are heirs to the promises of God through Jesus Christ. Just as God remained faithful to His covenant with Israel and Judah, so too will He remain faithful to His promises to us.

Furthermore, Jeremiah 33:14 points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises in the person of Jesus Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus fulfills the promises of God and establishes His kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy.

Today, let us hold fast to the promises of God and trust in His faithfulness to bring about His purposes in our lives. Take comfort in the assurance that God is at work, even in the midst of your difficult circumstances. He will bring about His good and perfect will in His perfect timing.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness to fulfill Your promises. Help me to trust in Your goodness and to rest in the assurance of Your faithfulness. I hold fast to Your promises and look forward with hope to the fulfillment of Your plans in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.