Pastor Stephen Dedman

The Lord our God spoke to us in Horeb, saying: “You have dwelt long enough at this mountain.”
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What might God be asking you to leave behind so you can move forward in faith?

Context
Deuteronomy chapter 1 begins with Moses reminding Israel of their journey from Egypt toward the Promised Land. God had brought them to Mount Horeb, where they received His law and witnessed His power. But Horeb was never meant to be their permanent destination. After a season of preparation, God told them, “You have stayed long enough at this mountain.”

Application
What mountain have you been living on too long? Perhaps it is a past failure, a painful experience, fear of the future, or even the comfort of what is familiar. God may be calling you to leave behind what was and step into what He has prepared next.

Sometimes we can become comfortable in places God only intended us to pass through. Even good seasons can become places of delay when God is calling us forward.

Moving forward does not mean forgetting the lessons of the past. It means trusting God enough to obey Him in the present. The same God who sustained you at the mountain will guide you on the journey ahead.

Truth For The Day
God never calls us to move forward without promising to go with us.

Pray
Lord, thank You for every season You have used to teach and shape me. Help me not to remain where You are calling me to move on. Give me the courage to leave behind fear, regret, and comfort, and to follow You wherever You lead. I trust that You have brought me this far and will faithfully keep guiding me forward. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭24‬‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Have you truly trusted Jesus as your Savior and Lord?

Context
Jesus spoke these sobering words to people who were religious but refused to believe that He was the Messiah. They knew the Scriptures, followed religious traditions, and believed they had a relationship with God. Yet they rejected Jesus.

Application
This verse reminds us that faith in Jesus is not optional. Sin separates us from God, and no amount of good works, church attendance, or religious activity can remove that separation. Jesus alone can forgive sin and give eternal life.

The phrase “if you don’t believe that I am He” points to Jesus’ identity as the promised Savior and the Son of God. To reject Him is to remain in sin. To believe in Him is to receive forgiveness, freedom, and eternal life.

Today, examine your heart. Are you simply familiar with Jesus, or have you truly placed your faith in Him? Saving faith is more than knowing facts about Christ, it is trusting Him as Savior and surrendering to Him as Lord.

Truth For The Day
Jesus is the only One who can save us from our sins.

Pray
Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to save me from my sins. Help me to place my complete faith in You and to follow You faithfully. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.
‭‭I Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Is there someone God is asking you to welcome, serve, or encourage today?

Context
Peter wrote to believers who were facing difficult circumstances and persecution. In the middle of his instructions about living faithfully, he encouraged Christians to show hospitality. Biblical hospitality is more than inviting someone into your home. It is opening your heart, making room for others, and serving people with a willing spirit.

Application
It is possible to serve others while secretly grumbling about the inconvenience. We may help someone but complain about the time, effort, or sacrifice involved. Peter reminds us that the attitude behind our service matters. God calls us to love people genuinely, not reluctantly.

Hospitality can be as simple as welcoming a visitor, sharing a meal, making a phone call, or giving someone your time and attention. The question is not simply, “What am I doing for others?” but, “What is the attitude of my heart while I do it?”

Truth For The Day
God wants us to serve others with open hearts and without grumbling.

Pray
Lord, give me a heart that is open to others. Help me serve with joy instead of complaining and to love people the way You have loved me. Use my life, my home, and my resources to encourage others and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.