Pastor Stephen Dedman

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.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭30‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Is there any attitude, habit, or relationship in your life today that is grieving the Holy Spirit?

Context
In Ephesians 4, Paul urges believers to live differently because they belong to Christ. After explaining the new identity, he gives practical instructions about putting away sinful attitudes and behaviors such as lying, uncontrolled anger, stealing, corrupt speech, bitterness, and unforgiveness. In the middle of these commands comes a sobering reminder: our actions affect our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Though we are eternally sealed for the day of redemption, our sin grieves the Spirit who lives within us.

Application
The Holy Spirit is not merely a force but the living presence of God dwelling in every believer. When we choose words that wound, harbor resentment, or cling to sinful habits, we grieve Him. To grieve the Holy Spirit means to cause sorrow, pain or distress. Every decision we make is an opportunity either to resist or to follow the Spirit’s work in us.

Truth For The Day
Because the Holy Spirit lives in you, live in a way that brings Him joy, not grief.

Pray
Lord, thank You for sealing me with Your Holy Spirit. Forgive me for the attitudes and actions that grieve You. Help me to walk in obedience, speak with grace, and live in a way that honors Your presence within me. Shape my heart to reflect Christ each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭25‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
How has God demonstrated His faithfulness to you during a difficult season?

Context
David wrote these words near the end of his life. Looking back over many years of victories, failures, blessings, and hardships, he could testify to one unchanging truth: God had always been faithful. Though David endured seasons of hiding in caves, fleeing from enemies, and experiencing deep personal loss, he never found God to be absent or unfaithful.

Application
This verse does not promise that believers will never experience difficulty or financial hardship. Rather, it reminds us that God never abandons His children. His provision may not always come in the way we expect, but it always comes according to His perfect wisdom and timing. Even in our darkest moments, God remains present, sustaining us with His grace, strength, and peace.

When fear whispers that God has forgotten you, remember David’s testimony. The same God who carried him through every trial is the God who walks beside you today. His faithfulness has not changed. You may not know what tomorrow holds, but you can rest in the assurance that the One who has never forsaken His people never will.

Truth For The Day
God may allow trials in your life, but He will never abandon you in them.

Pray
Lord, thank You for Your unfailing faithfulness. When circumstances tempt me to doubt, remind me that You have never forsaken Your children. Help me to trust Your provision, rest in Your promises, and confidently follow You each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.