Pastor Stephen Dedman

Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭22‬:‭29‬ ‭NKJV

Question
Are you relying more on your own understanding or on the truth and power of God?

Context
In Matthew 22:29, Jesus responds to the Sadducees, a group that did not believe in the resurrection. They tried to trap Him with a complicated question about marriage in heaven, but Jesus answered plainly: “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.” Their confusion did not come from a lack of intelligence, but from a lack of understanding of God’s Word and trust in His power.

Application
We can become overwhelmed by fear, doubt, and confusion when we lean on our own understanding instead of grounding ourselves in Scripture. When we neglect God’s Word, our perspective becomes limited. When we forget His power, our faith becomes weak.

Jesus reminds us that truth is found in knowing both the Scriptures and the power of God. The Bible reveals who God is, how He works, and what He promises. His power reminds us that nothing is impossible for Him. What seems hopeless to us is still fully within His control.

When life feels uncertain, return to God’s Word. Fill your mind with His truth and trust that His power is greater than your circumstances. God has not changed, and neither have His promises.

Truth For The Day
God’s Word gives direction, and God’s power gives confidence.

Pray
Lord, help me know Your Word deeply and trust Your power completely. Strengthen my faith when doubts arise and guide me in Your truth each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I sought the Lord, and He heard me, 
And delivered me from all my fears.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What fear do you need to surrender to the Lord today?

Context
Psalm 34 was written by David during a difficult and frightening season of his life. Surrounded by danger and uncertainty, David did not hide his fear from God. Instead, he sought the Lord. In the middle of trouble, he discovered that God was not distant or silent. God heard him and brought deliverance.

Application
Fear has a way of overwhelming our hearts and controlling our thoughts. We fear the unknown, fear failure, fear loss, and fear what tomorrow may bring. Yet David reminds us that the answer to fear is not found in our own strength but in seeking the Lord. When we bring our worries to God in prayer, He replaces panic with peace and anxiety with confidence in His care.

God may not always remove every difficult circumstance immediately, but He promises His presence in the middle of them. The Lord hears every cry, sees every burden, and walks with us through every valley. When our eyes stay fixed on Him, fear loses its grip.

Truth For The Day
Seeking God in your fear will lead you to His peace and strength.

Pray
Lord, thank You for hearing me when I call on You. Help me to bring every fear and burden into Your presence. Fill my heart with peace and remind me that You are greater than anything I face. Teach me to trust You fully each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What burden do you need to place in God’s hands today?

Context
The psalmist does not say trouble might come. Trouble is part of living in a broken world. Yet the comfort is found in knowing that God remains our refuge in the middle of the storm. A refuge is a place of safety. When fear rises, when uncertainty surrounds you, and when your strength feels weak, you can run to Him. God does not grow tired, and His power never fades.

Application
Life has a way of draining us. Responsibilities pile up, unexpected problems arise, and sometimes the weight of it all can leave us feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. In those moments, it is easy to believe we must carry everything on our own. But Psalm 46 reminds us that God is not distant during our struggles. He is present, available, and strong enough to sustain us.

Sometimes God calms the storm around us, and sometimes He strengthens us while we walk through it. Either way, His presence is enough. Today, instead of focusing on what is against you, focus on the One who stands with you.

Truth For The Day
God is your strength when your own strength runs out.

Pray
Lord, thank You for being my refuge and strength. Help me trust You in every situation and remind me that I never face life alone. Fill my heart with peace and give me strength for today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.