Pastor Stephen Dedman

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭58‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Where is God calling you to remain faithful, even when you don’t immediately see the results?

Context
In this chapter, Paul is writing about the resurrection and the victory believers have in Christ. He reminds the church that because Jesus has conquered death, everything we do for Him carries eternal weight. This verse is not just encouragement it’s a command to remain faithful because what we do for God truly matters.

Application
Every act of service, every lesson taught, every prayer prayed, every moment invested in others is never in vain. Even when results aren’t immediately visible, God is working beneath the surface.

It’s easy to wonder if what you’re doing is making a difference. Maybe you’ve served quietly, loved consistently, and poured into others without recognition.

Truth For The Day
What you do for God today will echo into eternity tomorrow.

Pray
Lord, help me to remain faithful in every season. When I grow tired or discouraged, remind me that my labor in You is never wasted. Strengthen my heart to keep serving, keep loving, and keep trusting that You are working through it all. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,
‭‭I Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What is one area of your life where God is calling you to live more set apart for Him?

Context
The apostle Peter wrote this letter to believers scattered across regions facing pressure and persecution. In the verses leading up to this command, Peter reminds them of their living hope through Jesus Christ and the salvation they’ve received. Because of that new identity, they are no longer to live according to their old desires, but according to the character of the God who saved them. Holiness here isn’t presented as an option, it’s a calling rooted in who God is.

Application
Holiness can feel like a heavy word, but it simply means being set apart because we belong to God. This touches every part of life: how we speak, how we treat others, what we pursue privately and publicly, and even what we allow into our minds and hearts.

Peter doesn’t say “be holy in some areas,” but “in all your conduct.” That means our faith isn’t just something we practice on Sundays, it’s what shapes our everyday decisions.

Holiness isn’t about perfection, it’s about direction. It’s choosing, daily, to align our lives with God’s character instead of our old patterns.

Truth For The Day
You are called to reflect the character of God in every area of your life.

Pray
Lord, You are holy, and You have called me to reflect Your character. Help me to live differently, not for my own glory, but for Yours. Show me the areas where I need to grow and give me the strength to walk in obedience. Shape my heart, my thoughts, and my actions so that my life points others to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.””
‭‭John‬ ‭13‬:‭35‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Would the people around you know you belong to Jesus based on how you love them?

Context
In John 13, Jesus Christ is speaking to His disciples on the night before His crucifixion. He has just washed their feet and then gives them a new command: love one another as He has loved them. This isn’t casual love or convenient kindness; it’s sacrificial, humble, and intentional.

Jesus makes it clear that love will be the defining mark of His followers. Not knowledge. Not talent. Not even outward religious activity. Love.

Application
It’s easy to say we follow Jesus, but harder to consistently love people the way He did. Real love shows up in patience when you’re frustrated, forgiveness when you’ve been wronged, and grace when it isn’t deserved.

The world isn’t convinced by what we claim, it’s convinced by how we live. Your love is your testimony. Every interaction is an opportunity to reflect Christ or misrepresent Him.

Truth For The Day
Love is not just something we do it’s the evidence of who we belong to.

Pray
Lord, teach me to love the way You love. Help me to move beyond words and show Your love through my actions. When it’s difficult, remind me of the grace You’ve shown me. Let my life reflect You so clearly that others see You in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.