Pastor Stephen Dedman

But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What have you been treating as “gain” that might be distracting you from Christ?

Context
Paul had every reason to boast due to his status, knowledge, influence, and religious achievement. By the world’s standards, he had everything going for him. Yet he made a bold statement: all of it was loss compared to knowing Christ.

Application
We live in a world that celebrates more money, more recognition, more accomplishments. But Paul flips the script. He says the greatest gain in life isn’t what you accumulate, it’s who you know.

Sometimes we can unknowingly place value on things that don’t truly satisfy. We chase progress, approval, or security, thinking they’ll fulfill us. But in the end, none of it compares to a deep, personal relationship with Jesus. Paul didn’t say those things were evil, he said they were nothing in comparison.

When Jesus becomes your greatest gain, everything else finds its proper place. Take a moment to evaluate what you’ve been prioritizing and intentionally put Christ first in your decisions.

Truth For The Day
Nothing compares to knowing Jesus; He is my greatest gain.

Pray
Lord, help me to see my life through Your perspective. Shift my priorities where they’ve become misplaced, and teach me to value knowing You above everything else. You are my greatest treasure. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.”
‭‭John‬ ‭17‬:‭21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Is there someone in your life with whom you need to pursue reconciliation or extend grace?

Context
In John 17, Jesus prays not only for His disciples but also for all who would believe in Him through their message. This means Jesus was praying for future believers, including us. One of the central requests in His prayer is unity among His followers. Jesus points to the perfect unity between Himself and the Father as the model for how believers should live together.

Application
Unity among believers is not just a nice idea, it is part of our witness to the world. When Christians love, support, and forgive one another, they reflect the character of Christ. Division, bitterness, and pride weaken that testimony. Living in unity requires humility, grace, and a shared commitment to Christ.

Truth For The Day
Unity among believers points the world to Jesus.

Pray
Lord, thank You for making me part of Your family. Help me walk in humility and love toward others. Teach me to pursue unity so that my life reflects the truth of the gospel. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are you carrying a burden today that belongs in the Shepherd’s hands instead of your own?

Context
Psalm 23 was written by David, a man who understood both the responsibilities of a shepherd and the pressures of leadership. He had faced lions, bears, giants, and enemies, yet when he reflected on God’s care, he simply declared, “The Lord is my shepherd.”

A shepherd doesn’t merely point the way, he stays with his sheep. He leads them to green pastures, provides fresh water, protects them from danger, and searches for them when they wander. David knew that God had done all of those things in his own life.

Application
The same is true for every believer today. We often carry burdens we were never meant to bear. We worry about tomorrow, try to solve every problem, and exhaust ourselves striving for control. But our Shepherd never asks His sheep to carry the weight of the flock. He simply calls us to follow Him.

When Jesus identified Himself as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), He demonstrated the greatest expression of shepherding love by laying down His life for His sheep. Because of His sacrifice, we can trust that He will faithfully provide everything we truly need.

Today, remember that your peace is not found in having all the answers but in staying close to the Shepherd. His guidance is perfect, His provision is sufficient, and His presence is constant.

Truth For The Day
The safest place you can be is following the Good Shepherd one step at a time.

Pray
Lord, thank You for being my faithful Shepherd. Forgive me for trying to carry burdens You never intended for me to bear. Help me to trust Your leadership, rest in Your provision, and follow wherever You lead. Thank You that Your presence is with me through every valley and every mountaintop. Teach me to walk closely with You today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.