Pastor Stephen Dedman

“For I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy. Neither shall you defile yourselves with any creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
‭‭Leviticus‬ ‭11‬:‭44‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are you living a holy life?

Context
God’s call to holiness has never been about outward appearance alone, it begins with a heart devoted to Him. In Leviticus, God reminded Israel that they belonged to Him and were to live differently from the nations around them. Their lives were to reflect the character of the One they served.

Application
That same truth applies to believers today. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we have been set apart as God’s people. Holiness is not about earning God’s favor but responding to the grace He has already given us. As we spend time in His Word, follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, and choose obedience over compromise, we become more like Christ.

Our world often encourages us to fit in, but God calls us to stand apart. Every act of integrity, kindness, purity, and faithfulness becomes a testimony of His transforming power.

Truth For The Day
Holiness is not a burden but a privilege. We belong to a holy God.

Pray
Lord, thank You for calling me to be Yours. Help me live a life that reflects Your holiness. Give me the strength to obey You each day and to honor You in all I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children,
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭103‬:‭17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are you living each day with confidence in God’s unchanging mercy, and are you passing that confidence on to the next generation?

Context
Psalm 103 is David’s song of praise celebrating God’s compassion, forgiveness, and unfailing love. Earlier in the chapter, David reminds us that our lives are like grass, we flourish for a season and then fade away. In contrast to our temporary existence, God’s mercy never ends. His covenant love stretches from eternity past into eternity future and extends its blessings to those who honor Him and to future generations.

Application
In a world where relationships, circumstances, and emotions can change quickly, God’s love remains constant. His mercy does not depend on our performance but on His faithful character. When we trust Him and walk in reverence before Him, we can rest in the assurance that His grace is sufficient for today and His promises remain true tomorrow. Our faithfulness also leaves a spiritual legacy that can influence our children and grandchildren for Christ.

Truth For The Day
God’s mercy is not temporary, it is everlasting. His faithful love never runs out and never lets His children go.

Pray
Lord, thank You for Your everlasting mercy and unfailing love. When everything around me changes, remind me that You never do. Help me to live in reverence before You and to leave a legacy of faith that points my family and others to Your goodness. May my life reflect the steadfast love You have shown me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭36‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Am you using the freedoms God has given you to live faithfully and share the hope of Christ with others?

Context
When Jesus spoke these words, He wasn’t referring to freedom from earthly governments but freedom from the bondage of sin. Every person is born enslaved to sin, unable to save themselves. Through His death and resurrection, Christ broke sin’s power and offers forgiveness, new life, and eternal hope to all who trust in Him.

Application
The Fourth of July reminds us of the tremendous blessing of living in a nation that values liberty. We are grateful for those who sacrificed their lives so that future generations could enjoy freedom. Yet, as precious as political freedom is, it cannot compare to the spiritual freedom that Jesus Christ offers.

As we celebrate America’s independence today, let it remind us to celebrate an even greater victory, the day Christ set us free. Our greatest citizenship is not found in any earthly nation but in the kingdom of God. Because of Jesus, we are no longer condemned, no longer slaves to our past, and no longer without hope.

Thank God for our country, pray for its leaders, and use the freedoms we enjoy to boldly proclaim the gospel while we still have the opportunity.

Truth For The Day
The greatest freedom is not political liberty but freedom from sin through Jesus Christ.

Pray
Lord, thank You for the blessing of living in a free nation and for those who have sacrificed to preserve that freedom. Above all, thank You for the freedom that was purchased through Your death and resurrection. Help me never to take that gift for granted. May I live each day as one who has been truly set free, bringing glory to You and sharing the gospel with those around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.