Pastor Stephen Dedman

He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Where are the roots of your life planted, and are they drawing daily nourishment from God’s Word?

Context
Psalm 1 opens the book of Psalms by contrasting two paths: the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked. The righteous are described as those who delight in God’s Word and meditate on it day and night. Their strength does not come from favorable circumstances but from being deeply rooted in God’s truth. Like a tree planted beside abundant streams, their lives are sustained by a constant source of spiritual nourishment.

Application
Our spiritual health depends on where our roots are planted. If our lives are rooted in success, relationships, or possessions, we will struggle when difficulties come. But when we consistently spend time in God’s Word and walk in obedience, He gives us the strength to endure every season. We may not always see immediate results, but God produces fruit in His perfect timing.

Truth For The Day
A life firmly rooted in God’s Word will remain steady, fruitful, and spiritually strong regardless of life’s changing seasons.

Pray
Lord, help me to delight in Your Word and to remain firmly rooted in You. Strengthen me through every season of life and produce the fruit that brings You glory. Keep me faithful when I cannot yet see the harvest, trusting that You are always at work. May my life reflect Your strength, Your peace, and Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Do your words today reflect the grace of Christ to those who hear them?

Context
Paul closes his letter to the church at Colossae with practical instructions for Christian living. After teaching the supremacy of Christ and encouraging believers to live transformed lives, he turns to how they should interact with those outside the faith. Their words were to reflect the grace they had received while also being “seasoned with salt”—wise, truthful, and appealing. The goal was not simply to speak kindly, but to speak in a way that honored Christ and opened doors for the gospel.

Application
Our words have tremendous power. Every conversation is an opportunity to build up or tear down, to draw someone toward Christ or push them away. Speaking with grace means responding with patience instead of anger, encouragement instead of criticism, and truth spoken in love instead of harshness. Before we speak, we should ask whether our words reflect the character of Jesus.

Truth For The Day
When Christ rules your heart, His grace will shape your words.

Pray
Lord, thank You for the grace You have shown me through Jesus Christ. Help my words to be filled with kindness, wisdom, and truth. Guard my tongue from speaking in ways that dishonor You, and teach me to respond with patience and love. May every conversation I have today point others to the hope found in Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭30‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Is there any attitude, habit, or relationship in your life today that is grieving the Holy Spirit?

Context
In Ephesians 4, Paul urges believers to live differently because they belong to Christ. After explaining the new identity, he gives practical instructions about putting away sinful attitudes and behaviors such as lying, uncontrolled anger, stealing, corrupt speech, bitterness, and unforgiveness. In the middle of these commands comes a sobering reminder: our actions affect our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Though we are eternally sealed for the day of redemption, our sin grieves the Spirit who lives within us.

Application
The Holy Spirit is not merely a force but the living presence of God dwelling in every believer. When we choose words that wound, harbor resentment, or cling to sinful habits, we grieve Him. To grieve the Holy Spirit means to cause sorrow, pain or distress. Every decision we make is an opportunity either to resist or to follow the Spirit’s work in us.

Truth For The Day
Because the Holy Spirit lives in you, live in a way that brings Him joy, not grief.

Pray
Lord, thank You for sealing me with Your Holy Spirit. Forgive me for the attitudes and actions that grieve You. Help me to walk in obedience, speak with grace, and live in a way that honors Your presence within me. Shape my heart to reflect Christ each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.