Pastor Stephen Dedman

June 2, 2023

Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭2‬

As Christ followers, we are called to be a light in the world, reflecting the love and grace of God to everyone around us. Our lives should be characterized by a genuine concern for the well-being of others. Building others up requires us to set aside our own desires and preferences and focus on what is beneficial for others.

When we seek to please our neighbors, we are driven by a desire to demonstrate Christ’s love and bring glory to God. This is accomplished by showing kindness, speaking words of encouragement, offering support, and meeting the needs of those around us.

Building others up requires being intentional and having a willingness to invest in others lives. It means taking time to listen and offer a helping hand. It means using our gifts and talents to bless others. It means praying for them and pointing them to the hope found in Jesus.

As we build up our neighbors, we become instruments of God. Our actions and attitudes have the power to transform others lives and bring them to Christ.

Strive to please your neighbors for their good, always seeking opportunities to build them up in Christ.

Pray

Lord, help me to live in a way that pleases my neighbors and builds them up. Give me wisdom and discernment to know how to encourage and support others. Help me to be intentional in my relationships and to use my gifts to bless those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

May 30, 2023

For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, There is no beauty that we should desire Him.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭53‬:‭2‬

Isaiah 53 is a prophetic chapter that describes the Messiah’s sacrificial, earthly life. In verse 2 lies a profound revelation that invites us to survey the humble beauty of our Savior.

With human eyes, we are captivated by physical appearances. But when it comes to our Savior, Isaiah illustrates a different picture. He reveals that Jesus did not have the kind of attractiveness that some think He would have.

Jesus’ physical appearance during His earthly ministry did not draw the attention of others. He did not possess a public figure that would be fitting for royalty. He chose to come in the most unexpected way. He did not attract attention through outward beauty but touched hearts through His words and actions of the beauty of His inner character.

The beauty of Jesus was in His humility, compassion, and selflessness. It was in His inner nature and character that His true beauty shone brightly.

As followers of Christ, we are called to display the same spirit of humility and selflessness. Our lives should reflect the inner beauty that comes from a heart devoted to God and a willingness to serve others selflessly.

Today, try fixing your gaze on the beauty of our Savior. Seek to reflect His character in your life and embrace humility and compassion for others.

Pray

Lord, thank You for revealing to me the humble beauty of Jesus through the words of Isaiah. Help me to see beyond external beauty and teach me the value of humility and selfless love that reflects Your nature and character. In Jesus’ name, amen.

May 29, 2023

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭13‬

On Memorial Day, we are reminded of the love displayed by those who have laid down their lives for the sake of others. These words of Christ hold deep meaning not only in the context of His own sacrificial death but also in the brave acts of service performed by our fallen heroes.

As we remember and honor the fallen, let’s take a moment to express gratitude for those who have given themselves in service to their country. Let us forever appreciate their sacrifice, recognizing the immeasurable debt we owe to them.

Memorial Day is more than a day off. It is a special time to remember those who have given their all. We offer prayers of remembrance for their families and loved ones who still bear the weight of their absence.

The remembrance of the fallen should stir us to live purposefully. Let their sacrifice remind us of the importance of selflessness, service, and love in our own lives. May we honor their memory by extending kindness, compassion, and grace to those around us.

May we always remember the selfless acts of love performed by those who have gone on before us. Their sacrifice reflects the love of Jesus, reminding us of the power found in laying down one’s life for others. May the hope found in God’s promises sustain us as we carry their legacy forward.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the many women and men who have sacrificed their life for the freedoms I have today. Help me to be selfless toward others. May my life reflect the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.