Pastor Stephen Dedman

Then He (Jesus) said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭4‬:‭24‬

In our distracting and noisy world, it’s easy to become passive listeners, allowing countless messages to bombard our minds without discernment or reflection. Yet, Jesus calls us to a higher standard of listening—one marked by attentiveness, discernment, and intentionality.

When Jesus told His disciples to “take heed what you hear,” He urged them to be selective and discerning about the messages they allow into their hearts and minds. Not all words are equal in value or truthfulness, and it’s essential to filter what we hear through the lens of God’s Word and His truth.

Jesus also highlighted the nature of hearing and receiving. The measure with which we listen and receive God’s truth will determine the measure of blessing and understanding we receive in return. Those who listen with open hearts and receptive spirits will be granted deeper insights, greater understanding, and a richer experience of God’s truth.

As followers of Christ, we need to develop a habit of listening with purpose in our spiritual lives. This means prioritizing time in God’s Word, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and actively engaging with His truth. It means being discerning about the messages we allow into our minds and hearts, filtering out that which is contrary to God’s Word.

When we listen with purpose, we position ourselves to receive more of God’s grace, wisdom, and revelation. Our spiritual growth and understanding deepen, and we become better equipped to live out our faith and impact the world around us.

Pray

Lord, help me to listen to You with purpose and intentionality. Give me discernment to filter out messages that are contrary to Your truth and wisdom to receive Your Word with an open heart. May I be attentive to Your voice, receptive to Your guidance, and faithful in applying Your truth to my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

For all people walk each in the name of his god, But we will walk in the name of the Lord our God Forever and ever.
‭‭Micah‬ ‭4‬:‭5‬

In a world filled with competing ideologies, beliefs, and priorities, we are constantly faced with choices about where we will place our allegiance. The prophet Micah reminds us that while others may choose to follow the gods of this world—whether they be wealth, power, or pleasure—we are called to walk in the name of the Lord our God. Our allegiance to God should be unwavering and absolute, guiding every aspect of our lives.

Walking in the name of the Lord entails more than just lip service; it requires a life of obedience and submission to God’s will. As followers of Christ, we are called to walk in His footsteps, imitating His love, humility, and compassion. This means living according to God’s Word, following His commandments, and seeking His guidance in all that we do.

Walking in the name of the Lord gives our lives meaning and purpose. It means living with an eternal perspective, recognizing that our ultimate allegiance is to the kingdom of God. As we walk in obedience to God, we participate in His redemptive work in the world, bringing light and hope to those around us.

Walking in the name of the Lord requires faith and trust in His promises. It means trusting that God’s ways are higher than our ways and that His plans are for our good. Even when the path ahead seems uncertain or difficult, we can walk in confidence, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.

May we be challenged to examine our hearts and lives, ensuring that we are walking in the name of the Lord our God. May our allegiance be to Him alone, and may our lives reflect His love, grace, and truth to a world in need.

Pray

Lord, help me to walk in Your ways and to live with unwavering allegiance to You. Give me strength and courage to follow You wholeheartedly, even when the world around me seeks to lead us astray. May my life be a reflection of Your love and grace, bringing glory and honor to Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.

For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.
‭‭I Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬

Just as a thief comes unexpectedly in the night, so too will the day of the Lord arrive without warning. This truth calls us to live each day in readiness and anticipation of Christ’s coming. Let’s explore how we can apply this verse to our lives today:

Paul emphasizes that the Thessalonian believers were already aware of the imminent return of Christ. Similarly, as followers of Christ today, we too should be conscious of the reality that His return could happen at any moment. This awareness should shape our perspective on life, prompting us to prioritize eternal matters over temporal concerns.

Just as a thief’s arrival prompts immediate action to protect one’s belongings, the imminent return of Christ should motivate us to be spiritually prepared. We must examine our hearts, confessing and repenting of sin, and drawing near to God in prayer and devotion. Living with a sense of urgency, we seek to live holy and righteous lives, pleasing to the Lord.

Rather than living in fear or anxiety about the unknown timing of Christ’s return, we are called to live in readiness and anticipation. This means faithfully fulfilling our calling as disciples of Christ, serving others in love, and proclaiming the gospel to those who have yet to hear. Each day is an opportunity to live out our faith boldly and intentionally, knowing that we may not have tomorrow.

Let us embrace each day as a gift from God, using our time, talents, and resources to honor Him and advance His kingdom until He comes again.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the assurance of Your return. Help me to live each day with a sense of readiness and anticipation, knowing that You could come at any moment. May I be found faithful and diligent in service to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.