Pastor Stephen Dedman

For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord.
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are you more concerned with being approved by people or being faithful before God?

Context
Paul reminds us that even when our conscience tells us we are doing what is right, that is not the final measure of our lives. We can convince ourselves that our motives are pure, our decisions are right, and our actions are justified. But God sees what no one else can see, the heart.

Application
This is both humbling and comforting. We do not have to live trying to prove ourselves to everyone around us. People may misunderstand our motives, question our decisions, or judge us unfairly. Yet the Lord knows the truth.

Our responsibility is not to win everyone’s approval but to faithfully live before the One who knows us completely. Let God examine your heart today. Ask Him to reveal anything that needs to change and give you grace to walk faithfully before Him.

Truth For The Day
God knows our heart better than we know ourself, so you can trust His judgment above your own or anyone else’s.

Pray
Lord, You know my heart completely. Search me, correct me, and help me live with a clear conscience before You. Give me humility when I am wrong and confidence when I am misunderstood. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭11‬:‭36‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What part of your life are you holding onto as though it belongs to you instead of God?

Context
In this last verse of chapter 11, Paul reaches the conclusion of a powerful section about God’s wisdom, mercy, and sovereign plan. After explaining truths that are far beyond human understanding, he responds with worship. Everything begins with God, exists through God, and ultimately belongs to God.

Application
We often live as though our plans, possessions, abilities, careers, and accomplishments all belong to us. Romans 11:36 reminds us that everything we have is ultimately from God and for God. Whatever you accomplish today, use it to bring Him glory.

Truth For The Day
Our life is about recognizing what God has given us and using it for His glory.

Pray
Lord, remind me today that everything I have comes from You. Help me surrender my plans, abilities, possessions, and future to You. May everything I do bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
‭‭III John‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What truth from God’s Word do you need to put into practice today?

Context
John’s words reveal something beautiful about spiritual leadership and relationships: there is tremendous joy in seeing someone we love not merely know the truth, but walk in it.

It is one thing to hear someone quote Scripture. It is another to see Scripture shaping the way they live. Truth becomes visible when forgiveness replaces bitterness, obedience replaces compromise, generosity replaces selfishness, and faith replaces fear.

Application
John calls these believers his “children,” and his joy came from seeing their lives reflect what they had been taught. This is a powerful reminder for parents, grandparents, pastors, teachers, and every believer who has invested in someone else spiritually. We may not always see immediate results, but our faithfulness can produce fruit long after the conversation, lesson, or example has passed.

The goal of following Jesus is not merely to know more about Him. It is to allow His truth to transform the way we live every day.

Truth For The Day
The greatest evidence that we know the truth is that we live the truth.

Pray
Lord, help me not only to know Your truth but to walk in it. Let my life reflect Jesus in my words, choices, relationships, and actions. May those who watch my life see the reality of a faith that is lived out. In Jesus’ name, Amen.