Pastor Stephen Dedman

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.

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Who is Jesus to you, and does the way you live reflect your answer?

Context
Jesus had been asking His disciples what people were saying about Him. Then He made the question personal: “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered with a declaration of faith: Jesus is the Christ, God’s promised Savior.

Application
It is easy to know what others say about Jesus. We can hear sermons, read books, attend church, and know the right answers. But Jesus asks each of us a personal question: Who do you say that I am?

Your answer determines how you live. If Jesus is merely a teacher, you may admire Him. If He is the Christ, you surrender to Him. Following Jesus begins with recognizing who He truly is.

Truth For The Day
Jesus is not simply someone to admire; He is the Christ to follow.

Pray
Lord Jesus, help me to see You for who You truly are; the Christ, my Savior and Lord. May my words, decisions, and actions demonstrate that I belong to You. Give me the courage to follow You faithfully each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.