Pastor Stephen Dedman

You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth;
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭20‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What is one thing that may be competing with God for your attention, trust, or affection today?

Context
When God gave the Ten Commandments, He addressed worship. Exodus 20:4 is not merely a forbidden command against carved statues; it is a warning against creating substitutes for God. The Israelites would soon struggle with this very issue when they fashioned a golden calf and worshiped it instead of trusting the God who had delivered them.

Application
While most people today do not bow before carved images, it is still possible to create idols in our hearts. Anything that takes God’s place with our affection, trust, or devotion can become an idol. Careers, possessions, relationships, hobbies, and even ministry can become dangerous when they receive the worship that belongs to God alone.

God desires a relationship with us that is based on faith, not on objects we can control or manipulate. He wants us to know Him as He truly is rather than reducing Him to something that fits our preferences or expectations.

Truth For The Day
God will not share His rightful place with any idol.

Pray
Lord, reveal anything in my life that has taken Your place. Help me to worship You alone and to trust You above all else. Remove every idol from my heart and draw me closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For we walk by faith, not by sight.
‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are you allowing circumstances to change your faith, or are you allowing your faith in God to change how you see your circumstances?

Context
Paul wrote these words to believers who were facing undesirable circumstances. He reminded them that confidence is not based on what is seen, but on who God is and what He can do. Sight focuses on circumstances, but faith focuses on the One who changes the circumstances. When we walk by sight alone, fear and doubt can control your mind. When we walk in faith, we trust that God has all things worked out.

Application
The believer’s life is a journey of faith. There are moments when the future seems uncertain and we wish God would reveal every detail of His plan. Yet God often asks us to keep the faith even when we cannot clearly see what is ahead. That is the heart of faith in God.

Faith is not ignoring reality. It means believing that God is greater than what we face. Even when doors close, prayers seem delayed, or life feels overwhelming, God is still working. Remember that difficult circumstances help build our faith.

Truth For The Day
Faith trusts God’s direction even when the destination is unclear.

Pray
Lord, help me to walk by faith and not by sight. When fear and uncertainty arise, remind me that You are faithful and always in control. Strengthen my trust in You and guide my thoughts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬

Question
Where might God be calling you to live or speak unashamed of the gospel today?

Context
Paul wrote these words to the Roman believers living in a city marked by power, pride, and pressure to conform. To openly identify with the gospel in that culture required courage. Yet Paul declared that he is not ashamed. Why? Because the gospel is not merely a message to be admired; it is the power of God to save, transform, and give life.

Application
Being unashamed does not mean being loud or confrontational. t means being convinced. Convinced that the message of Jesus is still good news in a hurting world. Convinced that God still saves, still changes hearts, and still works through ordinary people who trust Him.

Ask yourself where you may be tempted to shrink back at work, in conversations, or in quiet moments when faith could be spoken but isn’t. Remember that the power is not in your eloquence or confidence, but in the gospel itself. Today, choose to live unashamed, trusting God to work through your obedience.

Truth For The Day
The gospel doesn’t need to be defended; it needs to be declared.

Pray
Lord, thank You for the gospel that saved me and continues to shape my life. Remove any fear or hesitation that keeps me silent. Help me live with humble boldness, confident that Your power is at work through Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.