Pastor Stephen Dedman

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.

Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What area of your life are you struggling to trust God with?

Context
Psalm 27 was written by David during a season of difficulty and opposition. Throughout the psalm, David declares his confidence in God despite being surrounded by enemies and facing uncertainty. As he closes the psalm, he gives both himself and others a powerful reminder: wait on the Lord. David understood that God’s timing is often different from ours, but His faithfulness never fails.

Application
Waiting is one of the hardest parts of the Christian life. We want immediate answers, quick solutions, and clear direction. Yet God often uses seasons of waiting to deepen our faith, strengthen our character, and teach us dependence on Him. When circumstances tempt us to become anxious or discouraged, we must remember that waiting on God is trusting, praying, obeying, and believing while God works behind the scenes.

Truth For The Day
God strengthens the hearts of those who trust Him while they wait.

Pray
Lord, help me to trust You in every season of waiting. When I become impatient or discouraged, remind me that Your timing is perfect. Strengthen my heart, renew my faith, and give me courage to stand firm in Your promises. Teach me to wait with confidence, knowing that You are working all things for Your glory and my good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Then Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands knowingly, for Manasseh was the firstborn.
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭48‬:‭14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Am I trusting God’s plan when it differs from my expectations?

Context
As Jacob neared the end of his life, Joseph brought his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, to receive their grandfather’s blessing. According to tradition, the oldest son, Manasseh, should have received the greater blessing. Joseph carefully positioned the boys so Jacob’s right hand would rest on Manasseh’s head.

But Jacob crossed his hands.

Though his eyesight was dim, his spiritual vision was clear. Guided by God, Jacob placed the greater blessing upon Ephraim, the younger son. Joseph tried to correct him, but Jacob understood that God’s plans do not always follow human expectations.

Application
This moment reminds us that God’s purposes are not limited by man’s traditions, assumptions, or rankings. God often chooses the unlikely, the overlooked, and the unexpected to accomplish His will. What matters is not our position in the eyes of people but our place in the plan of God.

Perhaps you feel overlooked, forgotten, or less qualified than others. Remember that God’s blessing is not determined by human standards. He sees what others cannot see and works according to His perfect wisdom.

Trust God’s hand even when it seems crossed. What may look confusing from our perspective is often the very path God has chosen to fulfill His purpose.

Truth For The Day
God’s blessing is not determined by human position but by His divine purpose.

Pray
Lord, thank You for reminding me that Your plans are greater than my expectations. Help me trust You when I do not understand the path before me. Thank You that Your blessings and purpose for my life are secure in Your hands. Guide me today to walk in faith and confidence, knowing that You are working all things according to Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.