Pastor Stephen Dedman

For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are you viewing yourself with humility, or are you allowing pride or insecurity to shape how you see yourself?

Context
In Romans 12, Paul shifts from explaining what God has done for us through Christ to how believers should live in response. He calls Christians to offer themselves to God and to live as part of the body of Christ. In verse 3, Paul warns believers not to develop an inflated view of themselves. Instead, we are to think about ourselves honestly and humbly, recognizing that everything we have, including our abilities and gifts, is ultimately from God.

Application
Humility doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself; it means thinking about yourself accurately. Pride says, “I can do this without God.” Insecurity says, “I have nothing valuable to offer.” Both perspectives miss the truth. God has uniquely gifted you, but He never intended those gifts to become reasons for boasting.

Ask God to help you see yourself through His eyes. Be grateful for the gifts He has given you, while remembering that those gifts are meant to serve others and bring Him glory.

Truth For The Day
We can humbly use what God has given us for His glory.

Pray
Lord, help me to see myself honestly and humbly. Thank You for the gifts and abilities You have given me. Keep me from pride, but also keep me from believing I have nothing to offer. Teach me to use what You have given me to serve others and glorify You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Have you become so independent that you are trying to live without the childlike dependence and trust Jesus desires?

Context
Jesus’ disciples were trying to keep people from bringing their children to Him. Perhaps they thought Jesus had more important things to do. But Jesus became upset. He called the children to Himself and used them as an example of what it means to enter the kingdom of God. Children were dependent, trusting, and willing to receive what they were given. Jesus was teaching that the kingdom is not earned through status, achievement, or importance, it is received with humble faith.

Application
We can easily become like the disciples. We may unintentionally decide who is important enough to receive our attention, our time, or our invitation. But Jesus reminds us that no one is insignificant to Him.

This is especially important when it comes to children. The church should never view children as a distraction from ministry. Every child who walks through the doors of our church is an opportunity to introduce them to Jesus, teach them His Word, and help them understand His love.

Sometimes our greatest spiritual struggle is that we have become too self-sufficient. We want to understand everything before we trust God. We want to control everything before we surrender. Jesus says that kingdom living begins with the humble faith of a child.

Truth For The Day
Jesus welcomes those who come to Him with humble, trusting faith.

Pray
Lord, give me a heart that trusts You like a child. Help me never to become so busy, important, or self-sufficient that I miss what You are doing around me. Help me welcome others to Jesus and especially teach the next generation to know and love You. Remove my pride and teach me to simply trust and receive from You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Your people shall be volunteers In the day of Your power; In the beauties of holiness, from the womb of the morning, You have the dew of Your youth.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭110‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are you serving God because you feel obligated, or because you’re willingly surrendering yourself to Him?

Context
Psalm 110 is a prophetic psalm pointing to the reign and victory of Christ. Verse 3 describes God’s people willingly giving themselves to His purposes. They are not serving because they are forced, pressured, or manipulated. They serve because their hearts belong to their King.

Application
There is something powerful about a willing heart. God has never been interested merely in our outward actions; He desires hearts that freely respond to Him.

That is an important distinction for us. We can serve God while our hearts are reluctant. We can attend church, teach a class, sing a song, give an offering, or help someone while inwardly thinking, “I have to do this.” But God wants something deeper than obligation. He wants willingness. Willingness often begins with a simple decision: “Lord, I am available. Use me however You choose.”

When we surrender our plans, our time, and our abilities to Christ, serving Him becomes an expression of love rather than a burden.

Truth For The Day
God can do great things through an ordinary person who simply makes themselves available to Him.

Pray
Lord, give me a willing heart. Help me stop focusing on what I cannot do and instead surrender what I can place in Your hands. Make me available to serve You and others with joy, humility, and love. Use my life for Your purposes, and renew my strength each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.