Pastor Stephen Dedman

that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
‭‭I Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
How might God be using your current challenge to deepen your trust in Him?

Context
Peter wrote to Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor who were experiencing persecution and suffering because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Rather than promising that their hardships would soon end, Peter encouraged them to look beyond their present circumstances to the living hope they have through Christ. Peter explained that their trials were not meaningless; God was using them to refine and prove the genuineness of their faith, just as fire refines gold.

Application
No one enjoys going through difficult seasons. We naturally pray for God to remove the trial, calm the storm, or provide immediate relief. Yet Peter reminds believers that God often uses our trials not to destroy our faith, but to refine it. Just as gold is purified through intense heat, our faith is strengthened through seasons of testing.

If you are facing a difficult season today, don’t lose heart. God has not abandoned you. He is shaping your character, deepening your dependence on Him, and preparing you for greater usefulness in His kingdom. The fire may be uncomfortable, but the result is a faith that shines for His glory.

Truth For The Day
God uses your trials to strengthen your faith and conform you to the image of Christ.

Pray
Lord, thank You for walking with me through every trial. Help me to trust You even when I don’t understand what You are doing. Use every difficulty to strengthen my faith, shape my character, and bring glory to Your name. Keep my eyes fixed on You and remind me that You are always working for my good and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“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.