Pastor Stephen Dedman

Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: “Consider your ways!”
‭‭Haggai‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What area of your life does God want you to stop and reconsider today?

Context
God gave this message to His people after they had returned from exile. They had built and improved their own houses while neglecting the temple. Life had become centered around their own priorities, and God called them to stop and examine the direction they were going.

Application
The phrase “consider your ways” is an invitation to pause and honestly evaluate our lives. Are we spending our time, energy, money, and attention on what matters most to God or simply pursuing what matters most to us?

Sometimes we become frustrated because life feels empty or unproductive, yet we have never stopped to ask whether our priorities are aligned with God’s purposes. Before asking God to change our circumstances, perhaps we need to allow Him to examine our direction.

Truth For The Day
A life going in the wrong direction doesn’t need more speed, it needs a change of direction.

Pray
Lord, help me honestly examine my ways. Show me where my priorities have drifted from You, and give me the courage to make the changes You desire. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Does the way you live reveal what you say you believe about Jesus?

Context
Paul is explaining that salvation is not merely about knowing the right things, it is about believing Christ from the heart and openly identifying with Him. Genuine faith begins on the inside, but it doesn’t stay there. What we truly believe eventually makes its way into our words, choices, and actions.

Application
It is possible to say the right words while our hearts are far from God. But when our hearts have genuinely been changed by Christ, our lives begin to reflect that change. Our conversations, priorities, attitudes, and decisions become evidence of what we believe.

Faith isn’t simply something we claim on Sunday. It is something we live every day.

Truth For The Day:
Real faith begins in the heart and becomes visible through the life.

Pray
Lord, help me to believe You deeply, not just with my words but with my whole heart. Let my words, choices, attitudes, and actions reflect the faith I profess. May the people around me see Jesus in the way I live. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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.