Pastor Stephen Dedman

Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?
‭‭James‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
If someone examined your life, would they conclude that your greatest treasure is Christ or something of this world?

Context
James wrote to Jewish believers who had been scattered because of persecution. Throughout his letter, he emphasizes that genuine faith is demonstrated through everyday actions. In James 2, he confronts the sin of favoritism within the church. Some believers were showing honor to the wealthy while neglecting those who were poor. James reminds them that God’s values are very different from the world’s. While society often measures people by their wealth, status, or influence, God looks at the heart.

Application
This verse is not saying that wealth is sinful or that poverty automatically produces faith. Rather, James teaches that God’s kingdom operates on a different value system. Faith, humility, and love for Christ are treasures that far outweigh earthly possessions. A person can have little materially and still be spiritually wealthy, while another may have abundant resources yet be spiritually bankrupt.

The question is not, “How much do I have?” but, “Where is my treasure?” When Christ is our greatest treasure, we become truly rich because nothing in this world can take Him away.

Truth For The Day
God measures true wealth by faith in Christ, not by earthly possessions.

Pray
Lord, thank You for reminding me that true riches are found in You alone. Forgive me for the times I have valued people by worldly standards or placed too much importance on material things. Help me to see others through Your eyes and to treasure what You treasure. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.
‭‭Titus‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
If someone examined your life instead of listening to your words, would they see clear evidence that you belong to Jesus?

Context
Paul wrote the book of Titus to encourage Titus as he organized and strengthened the churches on the island of Crete. A major concern was the presence of false teachers who were misleading believers with empty teaching and legalistic practices. In Titus 1:10–16, Paul exposes these teachers for what they truly were. They claimed to know God, but their lives contradicted their confession. Their doctrine was corrupt because their hearts were corrupt. Paul is not teaching that good works save us; rather, he is emphasizing that genuine faith in Christ always produces a life that is increasingly marked by obedience and holiness.

Application
It is easy to say the right things in church, quote Scripture, or identify as a Christian. The more important question is whether our daily lives reflect the One we claim to follow. The people closest to us should see evidence of Christ in our attitudes, our speech, our integrity, and our love for others.

This passage also reminds us to examine ourselves before criticizing others. We should regularly ask whether our profession of faith is supported by a growing desire to obey God’s Word. While none of us are perfect, a believer should be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Truth For The Day
A genuine relationship with Jesus Christ is revealed not merely by what we say but by the way we live.

Pray
Lord, thank You for saving me by Your grace. Help me to live in a way that honors the gospel I profess. Search my heart and reveal any areas where my actions do not align with Your truth. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, shape my character so that my life points others to Christ. May my obedience never be an attempt to earn Your favor but a grateful response to the grace You have already given me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What burden have you been trying to carry on your own that God is inviting you to place into His hands today?

Context
Paul wrote the book of Philippians while imprisoned in Rome. Although confined in chains and facing an uncertain future, his letter overflows with joy, gratitude, and confidence in Christ. In Philippians 4, Paul encourages believers not to be consumed by anxiety but to bring every concern to God through prayer with thanksgiving. His promise is not that every difficulty will disappear, but that God’s supernatural peace will stand guard over the hearts and minds of those who trust Him.

Application
The world offers peace only when circumstances are favorable. If life is going well, relationships are healthy, and the bills are paid, we feel peaceful. But the moment trouble comes, that peace quickly disappears.

The peace Paul describes does not depend on circumstances, it depends on the presence of Christ. It is a peace that “surpasses all understanding,” meaning it cannot be fully explained by human reasoning. It is the calm confidence that God is still on His throne when life feels out of control.

Whatever you’re carrying today, you don’t have to carry it alone. Lay it before the Lord. Trust His wisdom even when you don’t understand His ways.

Truth For The Day
God’s peace will accomplish what your own strength never could.

Pray
Lord, thank You for offering a peace that this world cannot give. Forgive me for allowing worry and fear to control my thoughts instead of trusting You. Help me to bring every concern before You in prayer and to remember Your faithfulness in every season. Guard my heart and mind with Your perfect peace, and let my confidence rest in Christ alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.