Pastor Stephen Dedman

But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Have you become so independent that you are trying to live without the childlike dependence and trust Jesus desires?

Context
Jesus’ disciples were trying to keep people from bringing their children to Him. Perhaps they thought Jesus had more important things to do. But Jesus became upset. He called the children to Himself and used them as an example of what it means to enter the kingdom of God. Children were dependent, trusting, and willing to receive what they were given. Jesus was teaching that the kingdom is not earned through status, achievement, or importance, it is received with humble faith.

Application
We can easily become like the disciples. We may unintentionally decide who is important enough to receive our attention, our time, or our invitation. But Jesus reminds us that no one is insignificant to Him.

This is especially important when it comes to children. The church should never view children as a distraction from ministry. Every child who walks through the doors of our church is an opportunity to introduce them to Jesus, teach them His Word, and help them understand His love.

Sometimes our greatest spiritual struggle is that we have become too self-sufficient. We want to understand everything before we trust God. We want to control everything before we surrender. Jesus says that kingdom living begins with the humble faith of a child.

Truth For The Day
Jesus welcomes those who come to Him with humble, trusting faith.

Pray
Lord, give me a heart that trusts You like a child. Help me never to become so busy, important, or self-sufficient that I miss what You are doing around me. Help me welcome others to Jesus and especially teach the next generation to know and love You. Remove my pride and teach me to simply trust and receive from You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Your people shall be volunteers In the day of Your power; In the beauties of holiness, from the womb of the morning, You have the dew of Your youth.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭110‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are you serving God because you feel obligated, or because you’re willingly surrendering yourself to Him?

Context
Psalm 110 is a prophetic psalm pointing to the reign and victory of Christ. Verse 3 describes God’s people willingly giving themselves to His purposes. They are not serving because they are forced, pressured, or manipulated. They serve because their hearts belong to their King.

Application
There is something powerful about a willing heart. God has never been interested merely in our outward actions; He desires hearts that freely respond to Him.

That is an important distinction for us. We can serve God while our hearts are reluctant. We can attend church, teach a class, sing a song, give an offering, or help someone while inwardly thinking, “I have to do this.” But God wants something deeper than obligation. He wants willingness. Willingness often begins with a simple decision: “Lord, I am available. Use me however You choose.”

When we surrender our plans, our time, and our abilities to Christ, serving Him becomes an expression of love rather than a burden.

Truth For The Day
God can do great things through an ordinary person who simply makes themselves available to Him.

Pray
Lord, give me a willing heart. Help me stop focusing on what I cannot do and instead surrender what I can place in Your hands. Make me available to serve You and others with joy, humility, and love. Use my life for Your purposes, and renew my strength each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭23‬:‭11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Where do you need to hear Jesus say, “Be of good cheer” today?

Context
Paul was in a difficult and frightening situation. He had been arrested in Jerusalem, faced angry crowds, and was now surrounded by opposition and uncertainty. Yet in the middle of the night, Jesus anppeared and stood beside him. The Lord did not promise Paul that the trouble would immediately disappear. Instead, He gave Paul something greater: His presence and a purpose to continue.

Application
Paul had every reason to be discouraged. He had preached faithfully, yet he was imprisoned. He had obeyed God, yet he was facing opposition. But Jesus reminded him that his story wasn’t over.

Maybe you are in a season where you feel surrounded by problems, uncertain about the future, or discouraged by what isn’t going the way you hoped. Remember what Jesus told Paul: “Be of good cheer.” The word used in the Greek means to take courage or to have confidence.

God knows what He is doing and where He is taking you. Your present difficulty does not cancel God’s future purpose. You may not know what tomorrow holds, but you can know who holds tomorrow. The same Lord who stood beside Paul stands with you today.

Don’t give up because the road is difficult. Don’t assume God has abandoned you because life isn’t going according to plan. His presence is still with you, and His purpose is still at work.

Truth for the Day
God’s presence gives us courage to keep going when circumstances give reasons to quit.

Pray
Lord, thank You that I never face difficult circumstances alone. When I am discouraged, remind me that You are near. Give me courage when I am afraid, faith when I cannot see the way forward, and strength to remain faithful to the purpose You have given me. Give me courage to keep going. In Jesus’ name, Amen.