Pastor Stephen Dedman

In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
‭‭I John‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬-‭10‬

Question
Are you trying to earn a love that God has already freely given?

Context
John writes to believers about the nature of true love. In a world where love is often reduced to emotion, attraction, and romance, John defines love in something deeper. He doesn’t point first to human affection. He points to divine sacrifice.

Application
Valentine’s Day celebrates love and rightly so. God designed love. He created marriage. He created companionship. He is not against romance; He designed it. But the greatest love ever displayed was not written on a card. It was written in blood.

Before you ever loved Him, ever sought Him, or ever chose Him. Human love can disappoint but God’s love never will. Human love can fluctuate but God’s love remains steadfast.

Today, remember that you are fully loved. Let the love you’ve received from Christ overflow in your heart and mind.

Truth For The Day
You don’t earn God’s love, you receive it.

Pray
Lord, thank You for loving me first. On this Valentine’s Day, remind me that Your love is greater than any human affection and deeper than any emotion. Help me reflect Your sacrificial love to those around me. Anchor my heart in the unchanging truth that I am fully known and fully loved in Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.

who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
‭‭I Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬

Question
Where are you relying on your own strength instead of resting in the power that keeps you?

Context
Peter wrote to believers who were facing persecution, uncertainty, and suffering. These Christians were scattered, pressured, and misunderstood. Yet instead of focusing on their vulnerability, Peter reminds them of something stronger than their circumstances: They were kept by the power of God.

Application
Some days may feel uncertain. The economy shifts. Health fluctuates. Plans change. People disappoint. But Peter says your salvation is not resting in your grip on God. It is resting in God’s grip on you. You are not held together by your strength. You are guarded by His.

When anxiety rises today, remind yourself: “I am kept. I am guarded. I am not alone.” Stand on the promise that God’s protection is active, even when invisible.

Truth For The Day
You are not surviving on your own strength. You are being guarded by the power of God.

Pray
Lord, thank You that my security does not depend on my performance but on Your power. When I feel uncertain or weak, remind me that I am kept by You. Guard my heart, steady my faith, and help me rest in Your protection today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭2‬

Question
Where in your life do you need to shift from demanding deliverance to trusting His presence?

Context
Isaiah 43 was spoken to Israel during a time of fear and uncertainty. They were facing exile, discipline, and national chaos. Yet in the middle of correction and consequence, God gave a promise, not of escape, but of His presence.

Notice the wording: when you pass through the waters… when you walk through the fire. God did not promise exemption. He promised He will be with us when we encounter such suffering

Application
Instead of asking, “Why is this happening?” Ask, “Lord, how are You protecting and shaping me through this?” Today, choose trust over fear. Stand on the promise that you are not alone in what you face.

Truth For The Day
God’s protection does not always keep you from the storm, but it will always keep the storm from separating you from Him.

Pray
Lord, thank You that Your protection is not fragile or temporary. Even when I walk through difficulty, You are with me. Help me to trust Your hand in the fire and Your presence in the waters. Replace my fear with faith and anchor my heart in Your promises. In Jesus’ name, amen.