Pastor Stephen Dedman

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭19‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Question
Is there an area of your life where you need to release your plans and trust God’s purpose instead?

Context
The book of Proverbs is a collection of God-given wisdom that teaches us how to live with discernment and reverence for the Lord. In Proverbs 19, Solomon contrasts human thinking with God’s sovereign wisdom. While planning is encouraged throughout Scripture, this verse reminds us that our plans are never greater than God’s purpose. We may carefully organize our future, but the Lord ultimately directs history according to His perfect will.

Application
Most of us have experienced the disappointment of plans that never came together. A job opportunity falls through, a relationship changes, or a dream takes an unexpected turn. In those moments, it’s easy to question God. Yet Proverbs 19:21 reminds us that God’s purpose is never threatened by our setbacks. Sometimes He redirects us not because He is withholding something good, but because He is leading us to something better. Our responsibility is to plan wisely, pray faithfully, and trust Him completely with the outcome. Peace comes when we surrender our agenda to His greater plan.

Truth For The Day
God’s purpose is always greater than your plans, and His will is always worthy of your trust.

Pray
Lord, thank You for being sovereign over every detail of my life. Help me to make wise plans while keeping my heart surrendered to Your will. When my expectations are interrupted, remind me that Your purpose is always better than my own. Give me faith to trust You even when I cannot see what You are doing. May my life reflect confidence in Your perfect plan. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Question
What area of your life is God asking you to trust Him with instead of relying only on what you can see?

Context
In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul reminds believers that this world is not our permanent home. He speaks of the hope of eternity, the promise of a glorified body, and the confidence we have because of Christ. Although we cannot yet see everything God has prepared for us, we live with the assurance that His promises are true.

Application
Most of us prefer to walk by sight. We want clear answers, guaranteed outcomes, and visible proof that everything will work out. But the Christian life rarely unfolds that way. God often calls us to take the next step before revealing the entire path.

Walking by faith means choosing obedience even when the destination is unclear. It means believing God’s Word over our fears, His promises over our doubts, and His presence over our feelings. Every step of faith deepens our dependence on Him and strengthens our testimony to others.

Truth For The Day
Faith is trusting God’s promises even when you cannot yet see His plan.

Pray
Lord, thank You for being faithful even when I cannot see what You are doing. Help me to trust Your promises more than my circumstances. Give me the courage to obey You one step at a time, knowing that You are guiding my path. Strengthen my faith, calm my fears, and remind me that Your plans are always good. May my life reflect confidence in You rather than confidence in what I can see. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Does the way you treat others reflect the sacrificial love that Christ has shown to you?

Context
In Ephesians 4 and 5, Paul encourages believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling in Christ. After explaining the riches of God’s grace and salvation, he shifts to practical Christian living. Believers are to put away sinful attitudes and actions and instead imitate God by demonstrating His love. Paul points to Jesus as the ultimate example, whose sacrificial death on the cross perfectly displayed God’s love for humanity.

Application
Love is more than an emotion, it is a choice to put others before ourselves. Christ didn’t simply tell us He loved us; He demonstrated it through His sacrifice. As followers of Jesus, we are called to reflect that same selfless love in our homes, churches, workplaces, and communities. Loving others often requires forgiveness when we’ve been hurt, patience when we’re frustrated, and kindness when it’s undeserved. Every act of Christlike love points people to the Savior who first loved us.

Truth For The Day
The greatest evidence of a life transformed by Christ is how we love others.

Pray
Lord, thank You for demonstrating Your incredible love through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Help me to walk in that same love each day. Give me a heart that is quick to forgive, eager to serve, and willing to put the needs of others before my own. May my words, attitudes, and actions reflect the love of Christ so that others may see Him through my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.