Pastor Stephen Dedman

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬

Question
Where might God be calling you to live or speak unashamed of the gospel today?

Context
Paul wrote these words to the Roman believers living in a city marked by power, pride, and pressure to conform. To openly identify with the gospel in that culture required courage. Yet Paul declared that he is not ashamed. Why? Because the gospel is not merely a message to be admired; it is the power of God to save, transform, and give life.

Application
Being unashamed does not mean being loud or confrontational. t means being convinced. Convinced that the message of Jesus is still good news in a hurting world. Convinced that God still saves, still changes hearts, and still works through ordinary people who trust Him.

Ask yourself where you may be tempted to shrink back at work, in conversations, or in quiet moments when faith could be spoken but isn’t. Remember that the power is not in your eloquence or confidence, but in the gospel itself. Today, choose to live unashamed, trusting God to work through your obedience.

Truth For The Day
The gospel doesn’t need to be defended; it needs to be declared.

Pray
Lord, thank You for the gospel that saved me and continues to shape my life. Remove any fear or hesitation that keeps me silent. Help me live with humble boldness, confident that Your power is at work through Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What have you been treating as “gain” that might be distracting you from Christ?

Context
Paul had every reason to boast due to his status, knowledge, influence, and religious achievement. By the world’s standards, he had everything going for him. Yet he made a bold statement: all of it was loss compared to knowing Christ.

Application
We live in a world that celebrates more money, more recognition, more accomplishments. But Paul flips the script. He says the greatest gain in life isn’t what you accumulate, it’s who you know.

Sometimes we can unknowingly place value on things that don’t truly satisfy. We chase progress, approval, or security, thinking they’ll fulfill us. But in the end, none of it compares to a deep, personal relationship with Jesus. Paul didn’t say those things were evil, he said they were nothing in comparison.

When Jesus becomes your greatest gain, everything else finds its proper place. Take a moment to evaluate what you’ve been prioritizing and intentionally put Christ first in your decisions.

Truth For The Day
Nothing compares to knowing Jesus; He is my greatest gain.

Pray
Lord, help me to see my life through Your perspective. Shift my priorities where they’ve become misplaced, and teach me to value knowing You above everything else. You are my greatest treasure. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.”
‭‭John‬ ‭17‬:‭21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Is there someone in your life with whom you need to pursue reconciliation or extend grace?

Context
In John 17, Jesus prays not only for His disciples but also for all who would believe in Him through their message. This means Jesus was praying for future believers, including us. One of the central requests in His prayer is unity among His followers. Jesus points to the perfect unity between Himself and the Father as the model for how believers should live together.

Application
Unity among believers is not just a nice idea, it is part of our witness to the world. When Christians love, support, and forgive one another, they reflect the character of Christ. Division, bitterness, and pride weaken that testimony. Living in unity requires humility, grace, and a shared commitment to Christ.

Truth For The Day
Unity among believers points the world to Jesus.

Pray
Lord, thank You for making me part of Your family. Help me walk in humility and love toward others. Teach me to pursue unity so that my life reflects the truth of the gospel. In Jesus’ name, Amen.