Pastor Stephen Dedman

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are you willing to obey God even when it requires sacrifice or surrender?

Context
In Philippians 2, Paul encourages believers to walk in unity, humility, and selflessness. He points to Jesus as the ultimate example. Though Christ was fully God, He willingly laid aside His heavenly glory, took on the form of a servant, and walked in complete obedience to the Father. His obedience was not easy or comfortable. It led Him all the way to the cross.

Application
Obedience often requires humility. Pride wants control, recognition, and comfort, but humility says, “Lord, Your will be done.” Jesus obeyed even when it involved suffering, rejection, and sacrifice. His example reminds us that obedience is not based on convenience but on trust.

There are moments when God asks us to forgive when it hurts, serve when we are tired, give when it costs us, or follow Him into uncertain places. In those moments, we can look to Jesus and remember that obedience always has purpose. What looked like defeat at the cross became the greatest victory the world has ever known.

God honors the heart that humbly says yes to Him.

Truth For The Day
True obedience is rooted in humility and trust in God’s plan.

Pray
Lord, teach me to walk in humility and obedience like Jesus. Help me trust You even when the path is difficult. Give me strength to surrender my will and follow You faithfully each day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

I made haste, and did not delay to keep Your commandments.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭60‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What has God spoken to your heart that you need to stop delaying?

Context
Psalms 119 is a powerful chapter centered on the beauty and authority of God’s Word. Throughout the entire psalm, the writer expresses deep love for God’s commandments and a desire to walk faithfully before Him. In verse 60, the psalmist reveals an attitude of immediate obedience. He did not hesitate, make excuses, or postpone what God had spoken. He responded quickly and wholeheartedly.

Application
One of the greatest dangers to obedience is delay. We often know what God is asking us to do, but we convince ourselves to wait for a better time, better circumstances, or greater confidence. Delayed obedience can slowly harden the heart and weaken spiritual sensitivity.

God honors a willing heart that responds quickly to His voice. Whether He is calling us to forgive, pray, serve, give, repent, or step out in faith, obedience should not be postponed. Every moment of obedience strengthens our walk with Him and deepens our trust in His direction.

The enemy wants us to procrastinate what God has already made clear. But faith moves when God speaks.

Truth For The Day
Immediate obedience is evidence of trust in God’s Word.

Pray
Lord, give me a heart that responds quickly when You speak. Help me remove excuses, fear, and hesitation from my life. Teach me to trust Your Word completely and to walk in obedience without delay. In Jesus’ name, amen.

So Samuel said: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.”
‭‭I Samuel‬ ‭15‬:‭22‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Is there an area in your life where God is calling you to obey instead of justify?

Context
In 1 Samuel 15, King Saul was commanded by God to completely destroy the Amalekites and everything they possessed. Instead of fully obeying, Saul spared the best animals and kept King Agag alive. When confronted by Samuel, Saul tried to justify his actions by saying the animals would be used as sacrifices to God. Samuel responded with a powerful truth: God desires obedience more than religious activity.

Application
It is possible to appear spiritual while still being disobedient. We can attend church, serve others, give offerings, and still ignore what God has clearly spoken to our hearts. Partial obedience is still disobedience. God is not looking for excuses or outward performances. He is looking for hearts that fully trust Him enough to obey Him.

Obedience often requires surrender. Sometimes God asks us to let go of habits, relationships, attitudes, or plans that we want to keep. Yet every act of obedience draws us closer to Him and strengthens our faith.

Truth For The Day
God values a surrendered and obedient heart more than outward acts of religion.

Pray
Lord, help me to obey You completely and not just outwardly. Give me a heart that listens quickly and follows faithfully. Remove pride and excuses from my life, and teach me to trust Your way above my own. In Jesus’ name, amen.