Pastor Stephen Dedman

By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are you giving God your best, or simply giving Him what is convenient?

Context
Hebrews 11 highlights men and women who lived by faith and Abel is mentioned first as an example. Hebrews 11:4 says, “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain.” Abel’s offering was accepted because it came from a heart of faith and obedience. Cain gave an offering out of routine, but Abel gave God his best with sincere worship. Though Abel’s life was cut short, his testimony still speaks today.

Application
God is not only concerned with what we give Him, but how we give it. He desires hearts that trust Him completely. Faith is more than words or outward actions. Faith is revealed in surrender, obedience, and worship. Abel teaches us that even a simple act done in faith can leave an eternal impact.

Sometimes we feel unnoticed in our service to God. We may wonder if our faithfulness matters. Yet God sees every act of obedience, every prayer, every sacrifice, and every moment of worship offered from a sincere heart. A life lived by faith will always leave a testimony behind.

Truth For The Day
Faith is not measured by the size of the offering, but by the sincerity of the heart behind it.

Pray
Lord, help me to live by faith and worship You with a sincere heart. Teach me to trust You fully and give You my very best in every area of my life. Let my life be a testimony that points others to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth;
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭20‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What is one thing that may be competing with God for your attention, trust, or affection today?

Context
When God gave the Ten Commandments, He addressed worship. Exodus 20:4 is not merely a forbidden command against carved statues; it is a warning against creating substitutes for God. The Israelites would soon struggle with this very issue when they fashioned a golden calf and worshiped it instead of trusting the God who had delivered them.

Application
While most people today do not bow before carved images, it is still possible to create idols in our hearts. Anything that takes God’s place with our affection, trust, or devotion can become an idol. Careers, possessions, relationships, hobbies, and even ministry can become dangerous when they receive the worship that belongs to God alone.

God desires a relationship with us that is based on faith, not on objects we can control or manipulate. He wants us to know Him as He truly is rather than reducing Him to something that fits our preferences or expectations.

Truth For The Day
God will not share His rightful place with any idol.

Pray
Lord, reveal anything in my life that has taken Your place. Help me to worship You alone and to trust You above all else. Remove every idol from my heart and draw me closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For we walk by faith, not by sight.
‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are you allowing circumstances to change your faith, or are you allowing your faith in God to change how you see your circumstances?

Context
Paul wrote these words to believers who were facing undesirable circumstances. He reminded them that confidence is not based on what is seen, but on who God is and what He can do. Sight focuses on circumstances, but faith focuses on the One who changes the circumstances. When we walk by sight alone, fear and doubt can control your mind. When we walk in faith, we trust that God has all things worked out.

Application
The believer’s life is a journey of faith. There are moments when the future seems uncertain and we wish God would reveal every detail of His plan. Yet God often asks us to keep the faith even when we cannot clearly see what is ahead. That is the heart of faith in God.

Faith is not ignoring reality. It means believing that God is greater than what we face. Even when doors close, prayers seem delayed, or life feels overwhelming, God is still working. Remember that difficult circumstances help build our faith.

Truth For The Day
Faith trusts God’s direction even when the destination is unclear.

Pray
Lord, help me to walk by faith and not by sight. When fear and uncertainty arise, remind me that You are faithful and always in control. Strengthen my trust in You and guide my thoughts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.