Pastor Stephen Dedman

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭20‬:‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
When challenges arise, what do you instinctively trust first: your own abilities or the Lord?

Context
Throughout Israel’s history, military strength was often measured by the number of horses, chariots, and soldiers a nation possessed. The temptation was to place confidence in visible power rather than the unseen God. David reminds God’s people that true security has never been found in earthly resources but in the Lord Himself.

Application
We face similar temptations today. We place confidence in our bank accounts, careers, education, health, or even our own abilities. While these things have value, they cannot provide lasting peace or guarantee tomorrow. Circumstances change, but God never does.

Confidence in the Lord is not pretending life will always be easy. It is the settled assurance that God is faithful, sovereign, and present regardless of what we face. When our confidence rests in Him, fear loses its grip because we know the One who holds our future.

The stronger our relationship with God becomes, the stronger our confidence grows. As we remember His faithfulness in the past, we gain courage to trust Him with today and tomorrow.

Truth For The Day
Confidence in God never disappoints because His faithfulness never fails.

Pray
Lord, forgive me for the times I place my confidence in myself or in things that cannot last. Teach me to trust You with every part of my life. Remind me that You are faithful, powerful, and always present. Help me face each day with confidence that comes from knowing You, not from my circumstances. May my life reflect unwavering trust in Your promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What situation in your life do you need to view through the lens of Christ’s faithfulness today?

Context
The book of Hebrews was written to believers who were facing hardship, persecution, and the temptation to give up on their faith. In chapter 12, the writer encourages them to run the race of faith with endurance by fixing their eyes on Jesus. Verse 3 reminds them that when life becomes difficult, they should consider Christ and all that He endured.

Application
Jesus faced rejection, mockery, betrayal, false accusations, and ultimately the cross. Yet He remained faithful to the Father’s will. When we focus only on our problems, we can become weary and discouraged. But when we look to Jesus, we are reminded that He understands our struggles and has already overcome the world.

The Christian life is not free from trials, but we do not face them alone. Christ’s example gives us strength to persevere. His faithfulness in suffering encourages us to remain faithful in our own challenges. Whatever burden you are carrying today, remember that Jesus endured far more than we can imagine, and He will give us the grace to keep going.

Truth For The Day
When you focus on Jesus rather than your circumstances, you will find strength to endure.

Pray
Lord, thank You for enduring the cross and remaining faithful through every trial. Help me keep my eyes on You when I am weary and discouraged. Strengthen my heart to persevere and trust Your plan, knowing that You are with me every step of the way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Who in your life needs encouragement, help, or compassion from you today?

Context
In Philippians 2, Paul encourages believers to live in unity, humility, and selfless love. The church at Philippi was facing challenges that could have lead to division. Paul reminds them that true Christian maturity is not found in promoting ourselves but in serving others. He points to Jesus as the ultimate example of humility, who willingly set aside His rights to meet our greatest need of salvation.

Application
Our natural tendency is to focus on our own needs, schedules, and concerns. Yet God calls us to intentionally notice and care for the needs of those around us. This may mean offering encouragement to a struggling friend, helping a neighbor, listening to someone who feels forgotten, or praying for another person’s burden. When we look beyond ourselves, we reflect the heart of Christ.

Truth For The Day
A Christ-centered life is marked by genuine concern for others.

Pray
Lord, thank You for the example of Jesus, who loved and served others sacrificially. Help me to look beyond my own concerns and see the needs of those around me. Give me a humble heart that reflects Your love through kindness, compassion, and service. Use me today to encourage someone and point them closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.