Pastor Stephen Dedman

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What area of your life is God asking you to trust Him with today?

Context
Faith is not pretending everything is fine. Faith is trusting God even when we cannot yet see the outcome. Hebrews 11 was written to believers facing hardship and uncertainty. They needed encouragement to keep walking with God when circumstances were difficult. The writer reminds them that faith is confidence in God’s promises, even before those promises are fulfilled.

Application
Many times we want visible proof before we move forward. We want answers before obedience. Yet faith often requires us to take the next step while trusting that God is already working ahead of us. Noah built an ark before rain ever fell. Abraham left home without knowing where he was going. Their faith was not based on comfort but on confidence in God.

The same is true for us today. Faith believes God is still present in the waiting, still faithful in the struggle, and still powerful when life feels uncertain. Even when prayers seem delayed, God has not forgotten you.

Truth For The Day
Faith grows when we choose to trust God more than our fears.

Pray
Lord, help me walk by faith and not by sight. Strengthen my heart when doubt and fear try to overwhelm me. Teach me to trust Your promises even when I cannot see the outcome. Thank You for always being faithful. In Jesus’ name, amen.

By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are you giving God your best, or simply giving Him what is convenient?

Context
Hebrews 11 highlights men and women who lived by faith and Abel is mentioned first as an example. Hebrews 11:4 says, “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain.” Abel’s offering was accepted because it came from a heart of faith and obedience. Cain gave an offering out of routine, but Abel gave God his best with sincere worship. Though Abel’s life was cut short, his testimony still speaks today.

Application
God is not only concerned with what we give Him, but how we give it. He desires hearts that trust Him completely. Faith is more than words or outward actions. Faith is revealed in surrender, obedience, and worship. Abel teaches us that even a simple act done in faith can leave an eternal impact.

Sometimes we feel unnoticed in our service to God. We may wonder if our faithfulness matters. Yet God sees every act of obedience, every prayer, every sacrifice, and every moment of worship offered from a sincere heart. A life lived by faith will always leave a testimony behind.

Truth For The Day
Faith is not measured by the size of the offering, but by the sincerity of the heart behind it.

Pray
Lord, help me to live by faith and worship You with a sincere heart. Teach me to trust You fully and give You my very best in every area of my life. Let my life be a testimony that points others to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭18‬ ‭NKJV‬

Question
Is there a relationship in your life where you need to take a step toward peace?

Context
In Romans 12, Paul gives practical instruction on what a transformed life looks like. After speaking about love, humility, and serving others, he reminds believers to pursue peace. This verse is both encouraging and realistic. Paul understood that peace does not always depend entirely on us. Some people resist reconciliation, hold onto bitterness, or continue conflict no matter how kindly you respond. Yet God still calls His people to do their part.

Application
Notice the phrase, “as much as depends on you.” We are responsible for our own attitude, our own words, and our own actions. We cannot control another person’s heart, but we can choose grace over revenge, patience over anger, and forgiveness over resentment. Living peaceably does not mean compromising truth, but it does mean reflecting the character of Christ in the way we treat others.

Jesus Himself is the Prince of Peace. Even when He was mocked, rejected, and crucified, He responded with mercy and love. As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers in a world filled with division and conflict.

Truth For The Day
God calls us to pursue peace through humility, grace, and love.

Pray
Lord, help me to reflect Your peace in my relationships. Guard my words and my attitude so that I honor You in the way I respond to others. Give me wisdom, humility, and a forgiving spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.