Pastor Stephen Dedman

By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are you giving God your best, or simply giving Him what is convenient?

Context
Hebrews 11 highlights men and women who lived by faith and Abel is mentioned first as an example. Hebrews 11:4 says, “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain.” Abel’s offering was accepted because it came from a heart of faith and obedience. Cain gave an offering out of routine, but Abel gave God his best with sincere worship. Though Abel’s life was cut short, his testimony still speaks today.

Application
God is not only concerned with what we give Him, but how we give it. He desires hearts that trust Him completely. Faith is more than words or outward actions. Faith is revealed in surrender, obedience, and worship. Abel teaches us that even a simple act done in faith can leave an eternal impact.

Sometimes we feel unnoticed in our service to God. We may wonder if our faithfulness matters. Yet God sees every act of obedience, every prayer, every sacrifice, and every moment of worship offered from a sincere heart. A life lived by faith will always leave a testimony behind.

Truth For The Day
Faith is not measured by the size of the offering, but by the sincerity of the heart behind it.

Pray
Lord, help me to live by faith and worship You with a sincere heart. Teach me to trust You fully and give You my very best in every area of my life. Let my life be a testimony that points others to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭18‬ ‭NKJV‬

Question
Is there a relationship in your life where you need to take a step toward peace?

Context
In Romans 12, Paul gives practical instruction on what a transformed life looks like. After speaking about love, humility, and serving others, he reminds believers to pursue peace. This verse is both encouraging and realistic. Paul understood that peace does not always depend entirely on us. Some people resist reconciliation, hold onto bitterness, or continue conflict no matter how kindly you respond. Yet God still calls His people to do their part.

Application
Notice the phrase, “as much as depends on you.” We are responsible for our own attitude, our own words, and our own actions. We cannot control another person’s heart, but we can choose grace over revenge, patience over anger, and forgiveness over resentment. Living peaceably does not mean compromising truth, but it does mean reflecting the character of Christ in the way we treat others.

Jesus Himself is the Prince of Peace. Even when He was mocked, rejected, and crucified, He responded with mercy and love. As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers in a world filled with division and conflict.

Truth For The Day
God calls us to pursue peace through humility, grace, and love.

Pray
Lord, help me to reflect Your peace in my relationships. Guard my words and my attitude so that I honor You in the way I respond to others. Give me wisdom, humility, and a forgiving spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“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.