Pastor Stephen Dedman

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry,
‭‭I Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are you depending on your own ability, or are you trusting Christ to enable you?

Context
Paul looks back at his life and recognizes that his ministry was not the result of his own abilities or worthiness. He had once persecuted Christians, yet Christ showed him mercy and entrusted him with the gospel. Paul’s calling was ultimately an act of God’s grace. And Paul is thankful for the calling God entrusted him with.

Application
It is easy to focus on what we lack… our weaknesses, failures, past mistakes, or feelings of inadequacy. But God does not call us because we are already sufficient. He enables and equips those He calls. Paul didn’t say, “Christ used me because I was capable.” He thanked Christ because Christ enabled him.

Whatever God has called you to do today, you don’t have to accomplish it in your own strength. His grace is sufficient, and His strength is available.

Truth For The Day
God doesn’t just call you; He enables you to fulfill what He has called you to do.

Pray
Lord, thank You for calling me and giving me the strength to serve You. Remind me that I don’t have to depend on my own abilities. Give me faith to trust Your grace, courage to follow Your calling, and strength to faithfully serve You today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Who is Jesus to you, and does the way you live reflect your answer?

Context
Jesus had been asking His disciples what people were saying about Him. Then He made the question personal: “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered with a declaration of faith: Jesus is the Christ, God’s promised Savior.

Application
It is easy to know what others say about Jesus. We can hear sermons, read books, attend church, and know the right answers. But Jesus asks each of us a personal question: Who do you say that I am?

Your answer determines how you live. If Jesus is merely a teacher, you may admire Him. If He is the Christ, you surrender to Him. Following Jesus begins with recognizing who He truly is.

Truth For The Day
Jesus is not simply someone to admire; He is the Christ to follow.

Pray
Lord Jesus, help me to see You for who You truly are; the Christ, my Savior and Lord. May my words, decisions, and actions demonstrate that I belong to You. Give me the courage to follow You faithfully each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Then He (Jesus) said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What is one area of your life where Jesus is asking you to surrender your will to His?

Context
Jesus was teaching His disciples what it truly means to follow Him. Following Jesus was never presented as simply believing certain things, it meant surrendering our lives to Him. The cross represented sacrifice, obedience, and complete commitment.

Application
Jesus says we must do this daily. Every day brings choices between what we want and what Jesus wants. Denying ourselves means laying aside our own agenda, pride, comfort, and desires when they conflict with God’s will. Taking up our cross means willingly choosing obedience, even when it is difficult or inconvenient.

Following Jesus is not a one-time decision we make and then forget. It is a daily walk of surrender.

Truth For The Day
You cannot truly follow Jesus while insisting on always leading your own life. Following Him begins when we surrender our will to His.

Pray
Lord, help me deny myself, take up my cross, and follow You today. Give me the courage to surrender my plans, desires, and comfort to Your will. May my life demonstrate that I am truly following Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.