Pastor Stephen Dedman

“and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the Lord of hosts.”
‭‭Haggai‬ ‭2‬:‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are you discouraged because you’re focusing on what you see, instead of trusting what God has promised?

Context
The people of Israel had returned from the Babylonian exile and were rebuilding the temple. But there was a problem, it didn’t look like it used to. Compared to Solomon’s temple, this one seemed small, was not as impressive, and definitely lacked glory. The people were discouraged.

God spoke through the prophet Haggai to remind them: Don’t measure this moment by what you see. He promised that He would “shake the nations” and that something greater was coming which would be the true “Desire of all nations.” This was both an encouragement and a future promise pointing to Christ, who would bring a glory far greater than any building.

Application
We tend to measure success by size, beauty, or visible results. But God measures things by His presence. The same God who promised to fill the temple with glory is still at work shaking, preparing, and fulfilling His purposes in ways we don’t always understand.

And ultimately, Jesus is the fulfillment of this promise. He is what every heart is truly longing for even when they don’t realize it.

When things feel unstable, it may be God positioning everything for His greater purpose. Fix your mind on Christ. He is the Desire of all nations.

Truth for Today
God’s greatest work is often happening in places that don’t look impressive.

Pray
Lord, help me to trust You when things don’t look the way I expected. Teach me not to measure my life by outward success, but by Your presence and Your promises. When everything feels like it’s shaking, remind me that You are still in control. in Jesus’ name, Amen.

He (Jesus) said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.”
‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
If Jesus asked you today, “Do you love Me more than anything?”, what would your honest answer be?

Context
In John 21, after His resurrection, Jesus meets His disciples by the Sea of Galilee. Peter, who had previously denied Jesus three times, is now face-to-face with the Savior he failed. Instead of condemning him, Jesus restores him by asking three times, “Do you love Me?” Each question mirrors Peter’s denial and gives him an opportunity to reaffirm his love. With every response, Jesus reassigns purpose: “Feed My sheep.” This moment is not just about forgiveness, it’s about restoration and calling.

Application
It’s easy to get caught up in doing things for God while neglecting our love for Him. Jesus makes it clear that our calling flows from our relationship with Him. Before focusing on what you’re doing, examine why you’re doing it. Let your service, obedience, and leadership be rooted in genuine love for Christ, not obligation, guilt, or routine.

Truth for Today
A restored love for Jesus leads to a renewed purpose in life.

Prayer
Lord, thank You for loving me even when I fall short. Help me not to just go through the motions, but to truly love You with all my heart. Restore any area of my life where my passion has faded, and let my love for You be the foundation of everything I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Will You not revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You?
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭85‬:‭6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Where in your life do you need God to bring renewal and restore your joy?

Context
Psalm 85 is a prayer from God’s people after experiencing His mercy in the past, yet sensing distance from Him in the present. They remember how God restored them before, and now they cry out again, not just for relief from circumstances, but for spiritual renewal. This verse is not a prayer for the lost, but for the people of God who need their hearts stirred again.

Application
It’s possible to know God and still feel spiritually dry. To go through the motions, yet lack joy. To serve, attend, and believe, yet feel distant.

The psalmist teaches us something important: revival starts with recognition. He doesn’t pretend everything is fine.
He doesn’t try to fix himself first.
He simply asks God to do what only God can do and that’s to revive.

Maybe you’ve lost your joy.
Maybe your passion has faded.
Maybe your walk with God feels more routine than relationship. The good news is this: the same God who revived you before can revive you again.

Truth For The Day
God is able and willing to revive my heart again.

Pray
Lord, I need You to revive my heart again. Restore the joy that I’ve lost and renew my passion for You. Forgive me for going through the motions and drawing near with my actions but not my heart. Breathe fresh life into me, and help me to rejoice in You again. In Jesus’ name, Amen.