Pastor Stephen Dedman

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭9‬:‭10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What is currently in your hands that God is asking you to give your full effort to?

Context
The book of Ecclesiastes is written from the perspective of someone reflecting on life “under the sun.” Traditionally associated with King Solomon, it wrestles with the brevity of life, the mystery of God’s ways, and the seeming unpredictability of outcomes.

In chapter 9, the writer emphasizes a sobering truth: life is short, and opportunities are not guaranteed forever. Verse 10 comes as a call to urgency. Since our time is limited and uncertain, whatever God places in front of us today matters deeply.

Application
It’s easy to fall into the trap of waiting for something bigger, better, or more meaningful before giving our full effort. We tell ourselves, “When I get there, then I’ll give it my all.” But Scripture flips that thinking. God doesn’t ask us to wait for the perfect opportunity, He calls us to be faithful with what’s already in our hands.

That task you’ve been putting off. That responsibility that feels ordinary. That moment that seems small. Those are not distractions from your purpose, they are your purpose in this season. Remember: faithfulness in small things leads to greater things

Truth For The Day
What you do today matters more than you think so give it everything you’ve got.

Pray
Lord, thank You for the opportunities You’ve placed in my life today. Forgive me for the times I’ve approached them with a half-hearted attitude. Help me to see value in what’s right in front of me and to give my best in everything I do. Teach me to work with excellence, not for recognition, but for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord: “For He is good, For His mercy endures forever toward Israel.” Then all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.
‭‭Ezra‬ ‭3‬:‭11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What “foundation” has God laid in your life that you need to be praising Him for today?

Context
The people of Israel had returned from exile in Babylon to a land that once felt like home but now was in ruins. Jerusalem was broken. The temple was destroyed. Everything familiar was gone. Yet in Ezra 3, under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua, the foundation of the new temple was finally constructed. And what did the people do? They didn’t wait for completion of the entire temple. They began to worshipping and praising the Lord singing: “For He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.”

Application
The temple wasn’t completely rebuilt yet. The city wasn’t restored. Life wasn’t fully put back together. But the foundation was laid, and that was enough to spark worship.

Too often, we delay our praise until everything looks right: “I’ll rejoice when the breakthrough comes”or “I’ll give thanks when the answer shows up.”

Ezra 3:11 reminds us that God is worthy of praise even in the early stages when all we see is a foundation. Some of the older men wept because they remembered the former temple. It didn’t look the same. It didn’t feel the same. But the younger generation shouted for joy.

And Scripture says the sound of weeping and rejoicing was so mixed that it couldn’t be distinguished. That’s real life. You can grieve what was and still praise God for what He is doing.

Truth For The Day
Don’t have to wait for the finished product to give God praise.

Pray
Lord, You are good, and Your love endures forever. Help me to praise You not just when things are complete, but while You are still working. Teach me to trust You in the process and to celebrate what You have started in my life. Even in the rubble, I choose to worship You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, it came to pass that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying:
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are you dwelling on what has ended or listening for what God is saying next?

Context
The book of Book of Joshua opens at a moment of uncertainty. Moses, the great leader who delivered Israel from Egypt, is dead. For years, the people leaned on his leadership. Now, a new chapter begins as God speaks directly to Joshua, calling him to step into a role that likely felt overwhelming.

This is more than a leadership change, it’s a reminder that God’s work does not stop when a season ends.

Application
“After the death of Moses…” Those words carry weight. They represent loss, change, and the closing of something familiar. But notice what happens next: “the Lord said…”Before Joshua ever moves, God speaks. Joshua may have felt unready. He had always been the assistant, never the one in charge. Now the responsibility was his. Yet God doesn’t begin with Joshua’s ability, He begins with His voice.

That’s the turning point. When one season ends, God is not silent. He is already speaking into what’s next. The same God who was with Moses was speaking to Joshua. The same God who was faithful yesterday is faithful today. The transition didn’t catch God off guard and it didn’t disqualify Joshua.

God is not finished with you yet, He may just be repositioning you.

Truth For The Day
When one season ends, God is already preparing you for the next.

Pray
Lord, help me trust You in seasons of transition. When things change and I feel uncertain, remind me that You are still speaking and still leading. Give me the courage to step into what You are calling me to, even when I feel unprepared. Thank You that You are faithful in every season. In Jesus’ name, Amen.