Pastor Stephen Dedman

And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.
‭‭James‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are your words today bringing healing and hope, or are they causing harm?

Context
James uses strong imagery to remind us of the incredible power of our words. Just as a small fire can quickly spread and cause enormous destruction, the tongue can damage relationships, reputations, and lives. A careless word spoken in anger may take only seconds to say but can leave wounds that last for years.

Application
We must remember that words have power. Before speaking, we should ask: Will this build up or tear down? Will this bring peace or cause more pain? When emotions rise, wisdom often means pausing before responding. Ask God to help you surrender your tongue to Him and speak with grace, truth, and love.

Truth For The Day
The tongue can be a fire of destruction, but when surrendered to God, our words can bring healing, encouragement, and life.

Pray
Lord, guard my tongue and guide my words. Forgive me for the times I have spoken carelessly or in anger. Help me to pause before I speak and to choose words that honor You. May my words bring encouragement, peace, truth, and life to those around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?
‭‭I Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Who has God placed in your life for you to encourage or disciple?

Context
Paul had a deep love for the believers in Thessalonica. Despite opposition and separation from them, he continued to carry them in his heart. When he thought about the future return of Jesus, Paul did not focus on personal achievements, possessions, or recognition. His joy was found in the people whose lives had been changed by the gospel.

Application
This verse reminds us that people matter eternally. The greatest investments we can make are not in material things, but in lives that can be changed forever through Jesus Christ. Every person we encourage, every child we teach, every neighbor we share the gospel with, and every believer we help grow in faith has eternal significance.

One day, we will stand before the Lord. The question is not simply what we accomplished, but whether we invested in people for His glory. Paul saw the Thessalonian believers as his “joy” and “crown of rejoicing.” What a beautiful reminder that a life spent loving, serving, and pointing others to Christ is never wasted.

Truth For The Day
The greatest legacy we can leave is a life that helps others know and follow Jesus.

Pray
Lord, help me to see people through Your eyes. Give me a heart that invests in others and points them toward Jesus. May my life leave an eternal impact for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews?”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are your actions fully lining up with the truth you profess to believe?

Context
In Galatians 2:14, Paul confronted Peter because Peter’s actions were not consistent with the truth of the gospel. Peter knew that salvation was by grace through faith, yet he began withdrawing from Gentile believers when certain Jewish believers arrived. His behavior created a message that contradicted the gospel he preached.

Application
It is possible to know the truth and still fail to live consistently with it. Our words may say that we trust God, but our actions may reveal fear. We may speak about grace while withholding grace from others. We may preach faith while allowing the opinions of people to control us.

The gospel should not only be something we believe; it should shape the way we live. God calls us to walk in a manner that is “in line with the truth of the gospel.” This means allowing our convictions, relationships, attitudes, and decisions to reflect what we say we believe.

Truth For The Day
The truth of the gospel should shape both what I believe and how I live.

Pray
Lord, help me to live consistently with the truth of Your gospel. Show me where fear, pressure, or the opinions of others are causing me to compromise. Give me the courage to walk in truth and to reflect Your grace in both my words and actions. In Jesus’ name, Amen.