Pastor Stephen Dedman

For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭4‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What is God asking you to trust Him with today, even though you cannot yet see how He will work it out?

Context
Romans 4 points us back to Abraham, a man who was declared righteous not because of his accomplishments, good works, or religious performance, but because he believed God. Paul uses Abraham to make an important truth clear: salvation has always been a matter of faith. Abraham trusted God’s promise even when circumstances made that promise seem impossible.

Application
It is easy to believe that we must somehow earn God’s approval. We may think that if we pray enough, serve enough, or do enough good things, God will accept us. But Romans 4:3 reminds us that our relationship with God begins with faith.

Faith doesn’t mean that we understand everything God is doing. It means we trust the One who does. Abraham believed God’s promise before he could see the fulfillment of it. In the same way, we are called to trust God even when the circumstances around us seem to contradict what He has promised.

Truth For The Day
God is not asking us to earn His approval; He is calling us to trust His promises.

Pray
Lord, help me to trust You like Abraham did. When I cannot see the answer, help me believe Your promises. Keep me from trying to earn what You have freely given through faith. Strengthen my faith and teach me to trust You even when circumstances seem impossible. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What have you been hesitant to ask God for because you are unsure how He will respond?

Context
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches His followers about the importance of prayer. Just before this verse, He encourages us to ask, seek, and knock. He then uses the example of an earthly father. Even imperfect parents understand the desire to provide good things for their children.

Application
Sometimes we hesitate to bring our needs before God. We may wonder if He cares, if He is listening, or if our requests are too small. Jesus reminds us that God is a loving Father who invites His children to come to Him. This does not mean God will give us everything we want, but we can trust Him to give what is truly good and what we genuinely need. His wisdom is greater than ours, and His love never fails.

Truth For The Day
You can trust your heavenly Father. He hears you, loves you, and always knows what is best for you.

Pray
Lord, thank You for being a good and loving Father. Help me to trust Your heart, Your wisdom, and Your provision. Give me the confidence to bring every need and concern to You, knowing that You always desire what is best for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, For He shall receive me.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭49‬:‭15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Where are you placing your confidence: in temporary things or in the eternal promises of God?

Context
Psalm 49 reminds us that wealth, status, and earthly success cannot save us from death. No amount of money can purchase eternal life or redeem a soul. Rich and poor alike will eventually face death. The psalmist’s confidence was not in his possessions, accomplishments, or power. His hope was in God.

For believers, this truth finds its fullest expression in Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has conquered the power of sin and death. The grave is not the end for those who belong to Him. God has redeemed us, and one day He will receive us into His presence.

Application
It is easy to place our confidence in temporary things such as our finances, health, possessions, or plans. Psalm 49:15 reminds us that our greatest security is found in God alone. Everything in this world will eventually fade, but our relationship with Christ is eternal.

When you face uncertainty, remember this: you have been redeemed by God, and death does not have the final word. Your future is secure in His hands.

Truth For The Day
What you cannot save yourself from, God has the power to redeem you from.

Pray
Lord, thank You for redeeming my life through Jesus Christ. Help me not to place my hope in the things of this world, but in You alone. When I face fear and uncertainty, remind me that You hold my life and my future in Your hands. Thank You that death is not the end and that one day You will receive me into Your eternal presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.