Pastor Stephen Dedman

So the LORD spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.
‭‭Jonah‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Is there an area where God is giving you another opportunity to obey Him?

Context
Jonah was running from God, ended up in the belly of a great fish, and finally cried out to the Lord. After Jonah prayed and surrendered, God commanded the fish to release him. Jonah’s failure did not cancel God’s purpose for his life.

Application
Sometimes we find ourselves in difficult places because of our own choices. But even there, God hears our heart crying out to Him. Jonah’s story reminds us that God can bring us out of places we never should have entered and give us another opportunity to obey Him.

Being brought back to “dry land” was not the end of Jonah’s story, it was the beginning of his obedience.

Truth For The Day
God’s discipline may interrupt your plans, but His grace can restore you to His purpose.

Pray
Lord, thank You for Your mercy when I fail. Help me learn from my mistakes, surrender completely to You, and faithfully follow where You lead. Give me the courage to obey You when You give me another opportunity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
‭‭Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Is there an area of your life where you know God’s truth but are resisting obedience?

Context
Paul begins Romans by explaining humanity’s need for the gospel. God has made His truth known, yet people can choose to reject, suppress, or ignore that truth. Romans 1:18 reminds us that God takes sin seriously because sin stands against His holiness and truth.

Application
It is easy to see the sin and rebellion around us and think this verse is primarily about other people. But God’s Word calls us to look inward first. Are there areas where we know what is right but choose to ignore it? Sometimes we don’t deny the truth, we simply push it aside because obeying it is inconvenient.

The gospel reminds us that God’s response to our sin is not only judgment but also an invitation to repentance and redemption through Jesus Christ. We don’t have to hide from the truth. We can bring our sin into the light and receive God’s grace.

Truth For The Day
God’s truth is not something to suppress; it is something to surrender to.

Pray
Lord, help me never to suppress Your truth because it challenges my desires. Give me the humility to recognize sin, the courage to repent, and the faith to follow Your truth. Thank You for the grace and forgiveness found in Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry,
‭‭I Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are you depending on your own ability, or are you trusting Christ to enable you?

Context
Paul looks back at his life and recognizes that his ministry was not the result of his own abilities or worthiness. He had once persecuted Christians, yet Christ showed him mercy and entrusted him with the gospel. Paul’s calling was ultimately an act of God’s grace. And Paul is thankful for the calling God entrusted him with.

Application
It is easy to focus on what we lack… our weaknesses, failures, past mistakes, or feelings of inadequacy. But God does not call us because we are already sufficient. He enables and equips those He calls. Paul didn’t say, “Christ used me because I was capable.” He thanked Christ because Christ enabled him.

Whatever God has called you to do today, you don’t have to accomplish it in your own strength. His grace is sufficient, and His strength is available.

Truth For The Day
God doesn’t just call you; He enables you to fulfill what He has called you to do.

Pray
Lord, thank You for calling me and giving me the strength to serve You. Remind me that I don’t have to depend on my own abilities. Give me faith to trust Your grace, courage to follow Your calling, and strength to faithfully serve You today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.