Pastor Stephen Dedman

Devotional For December 9, 2023

If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.
‭‭John‬ ‭12‬:‭26‬

Jesus speaks these words to His disciples during the final days of His earthly ministry, just before He is to suffer on the cross. Jesus emphasizes the cost of discipleship and the connection between service, following Him, and divine honor.

As His followers, Jesus invites us into a life of service and discipleship. True service involves following Christ closely, aligning our actions with His teachings, and being where He is—both in physical presence and spiritual alignment. This involves sacrificial love, humility, and a commitment to living out the principles of God’s kingdom. In doing so, we receive the promise that the Father will honor us.

Today, consciously choose to serve Christ. This may manifest in acts of kindness, compassion, and selflessness. It may require you to step out of your comfort zone, just as Christ did during His earthly ministry.

Pray

Lord, I come before You with a heart open to Your guidance. Teach me to be a true servant, following closely in Your footsteps. Grant me the strength to serve selflessly, the humility to follow obediently, and the grace to embody the values of Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For December 8, 2023

For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;
‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭23‬

Just as we see our reflection in a mirror, the Bible reflects the truth about our lives. As we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, the Holy Spirit gives us understanding of His will.

Simply hearing the Word is not enough; true transformation comes from applying its principles in our daily lives. Hence, the reason why we are to listen to the Holy Spirit of God.

As we reflect on the truths and principles of the Bible, we are led to live a life of liberty and blessing. The Word of God serves as a mirror and allows us to examine our actions, thoughts, and attitudes.

Choose one aspect from your reflection to actively work on throughout the day. Whether it’s showing more love, practicing patience, or seeking forgiveness, strive to live out God’s Word.

Pray

Lord, thank you for the mirror of your Word that guides and shapes my life. Help me not just to hear, but be a doer of your commands. Give me true freedom in living according to your perfect law. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Devotional For December 7, 2023

He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭29‬

Have you had those days when you lost all hope and you didn’t know how you would get through? We all have. Isaiah 40 gives us some hope.

Isaiah unveils a profound truth – our God is the source of unwavering strength. He graciously bestows power upon the weary, breathing hope into the exhausted soul.

When we feel overwhelmed by the challenges before us, we can turn to the Almighty, for He is not only aware of our weaknesses but delights in granting strength to His children. His power is not limited by our inadequacies; rather, it is magnified in our dependence upon Him.

Is there an area of your life that you feel weak? Acknowledge this weakness before the Lord and ask for His strength to carry you and lean on His power and might.

Pray

Lord, today I seek Your strength. Thank You for the promise that You give power to the weak and increase strength to those who have none. Empower me to face each day with the assurance that Your strength is more than sufficient for every circumstance. In Jesus’ name, amen.