Pastor Stephen Dedman

“Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Is there something God may be removing from your life so that you can grow closer to Him and become more fruitful?

Context
In John 15, Jesus uses the picture of a vineyard to describe the believer’s relationship with Him. He is the true Vine, the Father is the Vinedresser, and His followers are the branches. A healthy vine requires careful pruning. While pruning may seem harsh, it is done with a purpose to remove what hinders growth so the branch can become even more fruitful.

Application
God often works in our lives the same way. There are seasons when He removes distractions, changes our plans, or allows difficulties that we don’t understand. At the time, those moments can feel painful. Yet the Father never wastes pain. He lovingly cuts away anything that keeps us from becoming more like Christ. What feels like loss today may actually be preparation for greater spiritual fruit tomorrow.

Instead of resisting God’s work, we should remain connected to Christ, trusting that the Gardener knows exactly what is needed. Our responsibility is not to control the pruning but to abide in the Vine.

Truth For The Day
God’s pruning is always an act of love, preparing you to bear greater fruit for His glory.

Pray
Lord, thank You for loving me enough to shape my life according to Your will. Even when I don’t understand what You are doing, help me trust Your wisdom and remain close to Christ. Remove anything that keeps me from bearing fruit for Your kingdom, and produce in me a life that reflects Your character and brings You glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭13‬:‭22‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
If future generations followed your example, what kind of spiritual inheritance would they receive?

Context
The book of Proverbs is filled with practical wisdom for living a God-honoring life. In this verse, Solomon reminds us that true success is measured by more than what we accumulate. A righteous person thinks beyond the present moment, living in a way that blesses future generations. While financial provision has value, the greater inheritance is a legacy of faith, integrity, wisdom, and devotion to God.

Application
Every decision we make today is shaping tomorrow. Our children will remember more than the possessions we leave behind, they will remember the example we set. They will see how we loved our spouse, served our church, treated others, and trusted God through life’s joys and trials. The greatest inheritance we can leave is a life that points others to Christ. Whether you have children or not, your influence can impact generations through discipleship, encouragement, and faithful obedience.

Truth For The Day
The richest legacy is not found in your bank account but in your walk with God and the lives you influence for His glory.

Pray
Lord, help me live with eternity in view. Teach me to invest my life in things that matter most and to leave a legacy of faith, love, and obedience. May those who follow after me see You clearly through my words and actions. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What is competing for your heart today, and what step can you take to seek God more intentionally?

Context
Jeremiah wrote these words to the Jewish exiles living in Babylon. They longed for a quick return home, but God told them their captivity would last seventy years. Rather than lose hope, they were to trust His plan, settle where they were, and seek Him wholeheartedly. God’s promise was not simply that He would change their circumstances, it was that He would reveal Himself to those who genuinely sought Him.

Application
It is easy to seek God only when life falls apart, but the Lord desires more than occasional attention. He calls us to pursue Him with our whole heart. A wholehearted pursuit of God is cultivated through His Word, prayer, worship, and daily obedience. As we seek Him consistently, we discover that His presence satisfies us more deeply than the answers we are looking for. While He may not always change our circumstances immediately, He will always transform our hearts as we draw near to Him.

Truth For The Day
The greatest reward of seeking God is not receiving what you want, it’s knowing the One who loves you.

Pray
Lord, forgive me for the times I have sought Your blessings more than I have sought You. Give me a heart that longs for Your presence above everything else. Help me to pursue You faithfully through Your Word and in prayer, trusting that You will guide my steps and shape my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.