Pastor Stephen Dedman

Open the gates, that the righteous nation which keeps the truth may enter in.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭26‬:‭2‬ ‭NKJV‬

Question
Does your daily life demonstrate a commitment to God’s truth, even when it is difficult?

Context
Isaiah 26 is a song of praise celebrating God’s future kingdom and His faithful deliverance of His people. The “gates” symbolize entrance into God’s secure city—a place of salvation, peace, and fellowship with Him. Isaiah emphasizes that those who enter are characterized by righteousness and faithfulness to God’s truth. This is not teaching salvation by works, but describing the lives of those who belong to the Lord and have placed their faith in Him.

Application
Our world often encourages compromise, but God calls His people to remain faithful to His truth. A believer’s life should reflect the transforming work of God’s grace through obedience, integrity, and steadfast trust. While we are saved by grace through faith, genuine faith produces a life that honors Christ. Every day we have the opportunity to live as citizens of God’s kingdom by walking according to His Word rather than the values of the world.

Truth For The Day
Those who belong to Christ are called to live faithfully, reflecting His truth in every area of life.

Pray
Lord, thank You for calling me into Your family through faith. Help me to live in a way that reflects Your righteousness and Your truth. Give me the courage to remain faithful in a world that often rejects Your Word. May my life point others to You and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Where are the roots of your life planted, and are they drawing daily nourishment from God’s Word?

Context
Psalm 1 opens the book of Psalms by contrasting two paths: the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked. The righteous are described as those who delight in God’s Word and meditate on it day and night. Their strength does not come from favorable circumstances but from being deeply rooted in God’s truth. Like a tree planted beside abundant streams, their lives are sustained by a constant source of spiritual nourishment.

Application
Our spiritual health depends on where our roots are planted. If our lives are rooted in success, relationships, or possessions, we will struggle when difficulties come. But when we consistently spend time in God’s Word and walk in obedience, He gives us the strength to endure every season. We may not always see immediate results, but God produces fruit in His perfect timing.

Truth For The Day
A life firmly rooted in God’s Word will remain steady, fruitful, and spiritually strong regardless of life’s changing seasons.

Pray
Lord, help me to delight in Your Word and to remain firmly rooted in You. Strengthen me through every season of life and produce the fruit that brings You glory. Keep me faithful when I cannot yet see the harvest, trusting that You are always at work. May my life reflect Your strength, Your peace, and Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Do your words today reflect the grace of Christ to those who hear them?

Context
Paul closes his letter to the church at Colossae with practical instructions for Christian living. After teaching the supremacy of Christ and encouraging believers to live transformed lives, he turns to how they should interact with those outside the faith. Their words were to reflect the grace they had received while also being “seasoned with salt”—wise, truthful, and appealing. The goal was not simply to speak kindly, but to speak in a way that honored Christ and opened doors for the gospel.

Application
Our words have tremendous power. Every conversation is an opportunity to build up or tear down, to draw someone toward Christ or push them away. Speaking with grace means responding with patience instead of anger, encouragement instead of criticism, and truth spoken in love instead of harshness. Before we speak, we should ask whether our words reflect the character of Jesus.

Truth For The Day
When Christ rules your heart, His grace will shape your words.

Pray
Lord, thank You for the grace You have shown me through Jesus Christ. Help my words to be filled with kindness, wisdom, and truth. Guard my tongue from speaking in ways that dishonor You, and teach me to respond with patience and love. May every conversation I have today point others to the hope found in Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.