Pastor Stephen Dedman

Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭20‬:‭12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
How can you intentionally show honor to your parents or parental figures today?

Context
Exodus 20 records the Ten Commandments, God’s foundational instructions for His covenant people. The first four commandments focus on our relationship with God, while the remaining six focus on our relationships with others. The command to honor father and mother stands at the center, bridging both areas. It is the first commandment accompanied with a promise, a promise of blessing and longevity.

Application
To honor our parents means more than simple obedience as children. It involves respect, gratitude, and care throughout our lives. Even when parents are imperfect, God calls us to maintain an attitude of honor. This does not mean approving of wrongdoing or enduring abuse, but it does mean treating them with dignity and respect. Our attitude toward parental authority often reflects our attitude toward God’s authority.

In a culture that frequently dismisses authority and values independence above all else, believers are called to be different. Honoring our parents demonstrates humility, obedience, and trust in God’s design for the family.

Truth For The Day
A heart that honors God will seek to honor the people of authority He has placed in its life.

Pray
Lord, thank You for the people You have placed in my life to guide, teach, and influence me. Help me to honor my parents with my words, actions, and attitude. Forgive me for times I have been disrespectful or ungrateful. Teach me to reflect Your love and grace in my relationships and to walk in obedience to Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭20‬:‭8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are you making intentional time to rest in God’s presence, or has busyness crowded Him out?

Context
When God gave the Ten Commandments, He included a command that often gets overlooked: “Remember the Sabbath day.” Unlike the other commandments that begin with “You shall not,” this one begins with “Remember.” God knew His people would be tempted to forget the importance of resting in Him.

The Sabbath was not merely about taking a day off; it was about setting aside time to worship, reflect, and trust God. By resting, the Israelites demonstrated their faith that God would provide for them even when they were not working. The Sabbath reminded them that their identity was not found in their labor but in their relationship with the Lord.

Context
In our busy world, it is easy to become consumed by schedules, responsibilities, and endless tasks. We often measure our worth by our productivity. Yet God invites us to pause and remember that He is the source of our strength, provision, and peace. Taking time to worship and rest is an act of faith that declares God is in control.

When we intentionally set aside time for God, we find renewal for our souls and a deeper awareness of His presence.

Truth For The Day
Rest is a gift from God that reminds you to trust Him.

Pray
Lord, thank You for the gift of rest. Help me to remember that my value is not found in what I accomplish but in who I am in You. Teach me to trust You enough to pause, worship, and rest in Your presence. Renew my strength and draw me closer to You each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭20‬:‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Do my words and actions bring honor to God’s name, or do they diminish the testimony of Christ in my life?

Context
As God gave the Ten Commandments to Israel at Mount Sinai, He established principles that would govern their relationship with Him and with one another. The third commandment focuses on God’s name. In Scripture, a person’s name represented their character, reputation, and authority. God’s name is holy because He is holy. This commandment goes beyond avoiding profanity; it includes treating God’s name, His character, and our association with Him with reverence and sincerity.

Application
As followers of Christ, we bear God’s name before the world. We can misuse His name not only through careless speech but also by claiming to represent Him while living contrary to His Word. Our words, actions, promises, and worship should reflect the honor due to the Lord. Before speaking, posting, or making commitments in God’s name, we should ask ourselves, “Am I representing Him truthfully and respectfully?”

Truth For The Day
God’s name is holy, and our lives should reflect the honor and reverence He deserves.

Pray
Lord, thank You for revealing Yourself to us and allowing us to bear Your name as Your children. Forgive me for the times I have spoken carelessly or lived in a way that did not honor You. Help me to treat Your name with reverence and to represent You faithfully in my words, actions, and attitudes. May my life bring glory to You and point others to Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.