Pastor Stephen Dedman

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What burden do you need to stop carrying alone and place in the hands of Jesus today?

Context
Jesus was speaking to people who were exhausted physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The religious leaders of the day had placed heavy burdens on the people through rules and traditions, while life itself brought hardship and uncertainty. Into that exhaustion, Jesus offered an invitation, not to religion, but to Himself.

Application
The same invitation still stands today. Many people carry invisible burdens such as stress, disappointment, fear, regret, or anxiety about the future. We often try to handle everything on our own, believing we must stay strong at all times. Yet Jesus reminds us that true rest is not found in escaping problems, but in bringing them to Him.

Christ does not promise a life without difficulty, but He does promise His presence and peace in the middle of it. When we surrender our burdens to Him, we discover that His grace is sufficient for every season.

Truth For The Day
Jesus is still calling weary hearts to find rest in Him.

Pray
Lord, thank You for inviting me to come to You just as I am. Help me to trust You with the burdens I have been carrying. Fill my heart with Your peace and remind me that I do not have to face life alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭22‬:‭29‬ ‭NKJV

Question
Are you relying more on your own understanding or on the truth and power of God?

Context
In Matthew 22:29, Jesus responds to the Sadducees, a group that did not believe in the resurrection. They tried to trap Him with a complicated question about marriage in heaven, but Jesus answered plainly: “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.” Their confusion did not come from a lack of intelligence, but from a lack of understanding of God’s Word and trust in His power.

Application
We can become overwhelmed by fear, doubt, and confusion when we lean on our own understanding instead of grounding ourselves in Scripture. When we neglect God’s Word, our perspective becomes limited. When we forget His power, our faith becomes weak.

Jesus reminds us that truth is found in knowing both the Scriptures and the power of God. The Bible reveals who God is, how He works, and what He promises. His power reminds us that nothing is impossible for Him. What seems hopeless to us is still fully within His control.

When life feels uncertain, return to God’s Word. Fill your mind with His truth and trust that His power is greater than your circumstances. God has not changed, and neither have His promises.

Truth For The Day
God’s Word gives direction, and God’s power gives confidence.

Pray
Lord, help me know Your Word deeply and trust Your power completely. Strengthen my faith when doubts arise and guide me in Your truth each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
Whose sin is covered.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭32‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV

Question
Are you still carrying guilt over something God has already forgiven?

Context
Psalm 32 is a song of David celebrating the joy and freedom that come through God’s forgiveness. David understood the weight of sin and the pain of guilt. Before confessing his sin, he described feeling spiritually drained and burdened. But when he finally brought his failures before the Lord, he discovered the beauty of mercy and restoration.

Application
Many people carry hidden shame, regrets, and mistakes that continue to weigh heavily on their hearts. The enemy wants us to believe that our failures define us, but God’s forgiveness tells a different story. Through His grace, our sins are not only forgiven but covered. God no longer sees us through the lens of our past when we repent and place our trust in Him.

Forgiveness does not erase the lessons of yesterday, but it removes the condemnation attached to them. In Christ, we can walk in freedom instead of fear and peace instead of guilt. What a blessing it is to know that God’s mercy is greater than our worst mistakes.

Truth For The Day
God’s forgiveness brings freedom, restoration, and peace to every repentant heart.

Pray
Lord, thank You for Your mercy and forgiveness. Help me to release my guilt and fully embrace the freedom You have given me through Your grace. Teach me to walk each day in the joy of being forgiven. In Jesus’ name, Amen.