Pastor Stephen Dedman

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing— Life forevermore.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭133‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Have you ever noticed how quickly division drains joy, but unity multiplies it?

Context
Psalm 133 is part of the Song of Ascents, sung when traveling to worship in Jerusalem. As families and tribes journeyed together toward the presence of God, unity was considered to be sacred. David paints two pictures: oil running down Aaron’s beard and the dew of Hermon falling on Zion. Both images speak of something flowing downward symbolizing the blessing that begins with God and covers His people.

Biblically, the oil represents consecration and the dew represents refreshment. Unity sets people apart for God’s purposes and revives what has become dry and lifeless.

Application
Unity is not uniformity. It does not mean we think alike on everything, it means we are aligned in heart and purpose. In homes, churches, and leadership teams, unity creates an atmosphere where God’s blessing can flow freely.

Division drains strength. Bitterness dries out vision. But unity invites the anointing of God. The Holy Spirit moves freely where hearts are knit together. Unity does not happen accidentally. It is cultivated through humility, patience, and love.

Truth For The Day
Where unity is guarded, blessing is commanded. Where hearts are joined, life flows.

Pray
Lord, make me a builder of unity. Guard my heart from pride and my words from division. Help me pursue peace in my home, my church, and every place You have planted me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3‬:‭29‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Question
Are you trying to earn God’s approval?

Context
Paul is confronting the idea that believers must follow the Law to truly belong to God. Some were teaching that faith in Christ was not enough and that identity came through heritage and rule-keeping. Paul reminds them about the promise God made to Abrahawas always rooted in faith. Long before the Law, Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness. Now, through Christ, that same promise extends to everyone who believes.

Belonging is not earned. It is received.

Application
One of the deepest human needs is to belong. We try to find identity in family, success, reputation, culture, and achievement. But all of those can change. Paul anchors our identity in something unshakable: “You belong to Christ.”

If you belong to Christ you are not an outsider. You are not spiritually second-class. You are not trying to earn your place. You are an heir.

An heir doesn’t beg for inheritance. An heir receives what has already been secured. Through Jesus, the promises of God are not distant hopes, they are your inheritance. Your identity is not fragile. It is rooted in Christ.

Truth For The Day
If you belong to Christ, you already belong in the family of God and every promise attached to that family is yours through Him.

Pray
Lord, thank You that my identity is secure in Christ. Help me live from belonging, not striving. Remind me that I am an heir to Your promises, not because of my performance, but because of Your grace. Teach me to walk confidently as Your child today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭19‬ ‭NKJV‬

Question
What current affliction do you need to place fully in God’s hands today instead of trying to carry it yourself?

Context
Psalm 34 was written by David after he escaped danger while fleeing from King Saul. David had to pretend insanity before Abimelech to save his life (1 Samuel 21). This psalm rises out of fear, uncertainty, and real affliction. Yet instead of focusing on the threat, David magnifies the Lord.

Verse 19 is honest: righteousness does not exempt us from trouble. Faith does not create a pain-free life. But the promise is greater than the problem: the Lord delivers.

Application
Some days feel heavier than others. You may be walking through stress, disappointment, grief, or pressure that no one else sees. The enemy whispers, “If you were really blessed, this wouldn’t be happening.” But Scripture says the opposite. Afflictions are not proof of God’s absence; they are opportunities for His deliverance.

Notice the word “many.” David doesn’t sugarcoat reality. But he also uses the word “all.” The same God who allows you to walk through trouble promises to bring you out of it. Deliverance may not always be immediate, but it is always certain in God’s timing and way.

Truth For The Day
You are not alone in your affliction, and it will not have the final word. The Lord is your Deliverer.

Pray
Lord, You see every burden I carry. Thank You that my struggles do not surprise You. Strengthen my heart in the middle of difficulty. Help me trust that You will deliver me in Your perfect timing. Teach me to magnify You even before I see the breakthrough. In Jesus’ name, amen.