Pastor Stephen Dedman

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Is there a relationship where you need to take a step toward peace today?

Context
In Romans 12, Paul shifts from theology to practical living. After explaining the mercy and grace of God, he begins to show what a transformed life actually looks like.

He talks about humility, love, serving others, and blessing those who persecute you. Then he gives this instruction: live at peace with everyone… if possible.

That phrase matters. Because Paul acknowledges that not every relationship will be easy. Not every conflict will be mutual. Not every person will choose peace. But as believers, we are called to take responsibility for our part.

Application
God did not ask us to control others. He asks that we walk in love, extend grace, and pursue peace wherever and whenever we can. Hence the phrase, “if it’s possible.”

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is say: “I’ve done what God asked of me and I trust Him with the rest.”

Truth For The Day
You are not responsible for how others act, but you are responsible for how you respond.

Pray
Lord, help me to be a person who pursues peace. Give me wisdom in difficult relationships and humility in moments of conflict. Teach me to respond with grace, even when others don’t. Help me to do my part and trust You with what I cannot control. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭16‬:‭10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What is one “small” thing in your life right now that God may be calling you to be more faithful in?

Context
In Luke 16, Jesus is teaching about stewardship and how to handle what has been entrusted to us. While the passage speaks about resources, the principle stretches far beyond money. Jesus is revealing a deeper truth: faithfulness is not proven in big moments but in small consistent obedience. 

Application
We often wait for “big opportunities” to prove our faith. But most of life isn’t lived on a stage; it’s lived in the tasks that no one applauds, the kindness that no one notices, and in the discipline no one celebrates. Yet Jesus says those are the very places where faithfulness is formed.

God does not measure our impact by visibility, He measures our heart by consistency. Before David stood before Goliath, he was faithful with sheep. Before Jesus preached to crowds, He lived in obscurity. The truth is: what feels small to you is not small to God.

Truth For The Day
Faithfulness in the ordinary is preparation for the extraordinary.

Pray
Lord, help me to be faithful in the small things today. When no one sees, remind me that You do. Give me a heart that serves with joy, not for recognition, but out of love for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

You shall have no other gods before Me.
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭20‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What is competing for God’s place in your heart today?

Context
When God gave the Ten Commandments to Israel, He began with a command that addressed the heart before behavior. Israel had just been delivered from Egypt, a land filled with false gods and idols. God wanted His people to understand that He alone was their Savior, Provider, and King. Before He instructed them on how to live, He reminded them who was to be first in their lives.

Application
While most people today do not bow before carved idols, anything that takes God’s rightful place in our hearts can become a god. Careers, money, possessions, relationships, hobbies, and even ministry can compete for our devotion. The question is not whether God has a place in our lives, but whether He has first place.

Jesus reaffirmed this truth when He taught that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. When God is first, everything else falls into its proper place. When something else takes His place, our priorities, decisions, and peace begin to suffer.

Truth For The Day
God will not share His throne. He deserves first place in every area of our lives.

Pray
Lord, forgive me for allowing other things to take priority over You. Help me examine my heart and remove anything that competes with my devotion to You. Teach me to love You above all else and to honor You as Lord of every area of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.