Pastor Stephen Dedman

I made haste, and did not delay to keep Your commandments.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭60‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What has God spoken to your heart that you need to stop delaying?

Context
Psalms 119 is a powerful chapter centered on the beauty and authority of God’s Word. Throughout the entire psalm, the writer expresses deep love for God’s commandments and a desire to walk faithfully before Him. In verse 60, the psalmist reveals an attitude of immediate obedience. He did not hesitate, make excuses, or postpone what God had spoken. He responded quickly and wholeheartedly.

Application
One of the greatest dangers to obedience is delay. We often know what God is asking us to do, but we convince ourselves to wait for a better time, better circumstances, or greater confidence. Delayed obedience can slowly harden the heart and weaken spiritual sensitivity.

God honors a willing heart that responds quickly to His voice. Whether He is calling us to forgive, pray, serve, give, repent, or step out in faith, obedience should not be postponed. Every moment of obedience strengthens our walk with Him and deepens our trust in His direction.

The enemy wants us to procrastinate what God has already made clear. But faith moves when God speaks.

Truth For The Day
Immediate obedience is evidence of trust in God’s Word.

Pray
Lord, give me a heart that responds quickly when You speak. Help me remove excuses, fear, and hesitation from my life. Teach me to trust Your Word completely and to walk in obedience without delay. In Jesus’ name, amen.

So Samuel said: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.”
‭‭I Samuel‬ ‭15‬:‭22‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Is there an area in your life where God is calling you to obey instead of justify?

Context
In 1 Samuel 15, King Saul was commanded by God to completely destroy the Amalekites and everything they possessed. Instead of fully obeying, Saul spared the best animals and kept King Agag alive. When confronted by Samuel, Saul tried to justify his actions by saying the animals would be used as sacrifices to God. Samuel responded with a powerful truth: God desires obedience more than religious activity.

Application
It is possible to appear spiritual while still being disobedient. We can attend church, serve others, give offerings, and still ignore what God has clearly spoken to our hearts. Partial obedience is still disobedience. God is not looking for excuses or outward performances. He is looking for hearts that fully trust Him enough to obey Him.

Obedience often requires surrender. Sometimes God asks us to let go of habits, relationships, attitudes, or plans that we want to keep. Yet every act of obedience draws us closer to Him and strengthens our faith.

Truth For The Day
God values a surrendered and obedient heart more than outward acts of religion.

Pray
Lord, help me to obey You completely and not just outwardly. Give me a heart that listens quickly and follows faithfully. Remove pride and excuses from my life, and teach me to trust Your way above my own. In Jesus’ name, amen.

So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭17‬:‭20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What mountain in your life do you need to place before God in faith today?

Context
The disciples were discouraged because they had failed to cast out a demon. Jesus explained that their lack of faith had limited what God desired to do through them. He then reminded them that even small faith, when placed in God, can accomplish what seems impossible.

Application
Many people believe they need great faith to see God move in their lives. Yet Jesus used the example of a mustard seed, one of the smallest seeds known in that day, to teach His disciples an important truth. It is not the size of our faith that matters most, but the greatness of the God in whom our faith is placed.

Sometimes we feel overwhelmed by the mountains in front of us. A mountain of fear, sickness, financial pressure, broken relationships, or uncertainty can make us feel powerless. But Jesus teaches us not to focus on the size of the mountain. Instead, we are to focus on the power of God. Even a small step of faith can open the door for God to work in mighty ways.

Faith grows as we continue trusting God day after day. The more we depend on Him, the stronger our confidence becomes.

Truth For The Day
Small faith in a big God can move mountains.

Pray
Lord, strengthen my faith and help me trust You in every situation. When obstacles seem too great, remind me that nothing is impossible for You. Teach me to depend on Your power instead of my own strength. In Jesus’ name, amen.