Pastor Stephen Dedman

God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What burden do you need to place in God’s hands today?

Context
The psalmist does not say trouble might come. Trouble is part of living in a broken world. Yet the comfort is found in knowing that God remains our refuge in the middle of the storm. A refuge is a place of safety. When fear rises, when uncertainty surrounds you, and when your strength feels weak, you can run to Him. God does not grow tired, and His power never fades.

Application
Life has a way of draining us. Responsibilities pile up, unexpected problems arise, and sometimes the weight of it all can leave us feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. In those moments, it is easy to believe we must carry everything on our own. But Psalm 46 reminds us that God is not distant during our struggles. He is present, available, and strong enough to sustain us.

Sometimes God calms the storm around us, and sometimes He strengthens us while we walk through it. Either way, His presence is enough. Today, instead of focusing on what is against you, focus on the One who stands with you.

Truth For The Day
God is your strength when your own strength runs out.

Pray
Lord, thank You for being my refuge and strength. Help me trust You in every situation and remind me that I never face life alone. Fill my heart with peace and give me strength for today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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.