Pastor Stephen Dedman

But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What truth from God’s Word do you need to put into practice today?

Context
In Luke 11, a woman in the crowd called out to Jesus and praised His mother for giving birth to Him. While Jesus honored His mother, He redirected the focus to something even greater. He declared that true blessing belongs to those who hear God’s Word and obey it. Jesus emphasized that spiritual blessing is not found in proximity to Him alone, but in responding to His truth with faith and obedience.

Application
Many people hear God’s Word regularly through sermons, Bible studies, and personal reading. Yet hearing alone is not enough. The blessing Jesus described comes when we allow God’s Word to shape our actions, attitudes, and decisions.

It is easy to admire Scripture without applying it. We can agree with God’s commands and still fail to live them out. Jesus teaches that obedience is the bridge between hearing and blessing. Every time we put God’s Word into practice, we strengthen our faith and deepen our relationship with Him.

God’s Word was never intended to be information alone. It is meant to bring transformation.

Truth For The Day
The greatest blessings come not from merely hearing God’s Word, but from obeying it.

Pray
Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Word. Help me not only to hear what You say but also to obey it faithfully. Let Your truth guide my thoughts, actions, and decisions each day. May my life reflect a heart that honors You through obedience. In Jesus’ name, amen.

This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.
‭‭II John‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Does your daily walk reflect a genuine love for God through obedience?

Context
The apostle John wrote 2 John to encourage believers to remain faithful to truth and to walk in love. In a world filled with deception and false teaching, John reminded the church that genuine love for God is revealed through obedience to His Word. Biblical love is more than emotion or words. It is shown through the way we live and follow God daily.

Application
Our culture often defines love by feelings alone, but Scripture connects love with obedience. Jesus taught that if we love Him, we will keep His commandments. True love for God changes the way we speak, act, forgive, and serve others.

Obedience is not meant to feel like a burden. It is the response of a heart that knows and trusts God. When we walk in His ways, we reflect His character to the world around us. Love and obedience work together. One without the other becomes incomplete.

Every choice to obey God is an expression of our love for Him. Whether in public or private moments, our lives become a testimony of devotion to Christ.

Truth For The Day
Real love for God is demonstrated through daily obedience to His Word.

Pray
Lord, help me to walk in both truth and love. Teach me to obey Your Word with a willing heart and let my life reflect my love for You. Guide my steps each day so that others may see You through me. In Jesus’name, amen.

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are you willing to obey God even when it requires sacrifice or surrender?

Context
In Philippians 2, Paul encourages believers to walk in unity, humility, and selflessness. He points to Jesus as the ultimate example. Though Christ was fully God, He willingly laid aside His heavenly glory, took on the form of a servant, and walked in complete obedience to the Father. His obedience was not easy or comfortable. It led Him all the way to the cross.

Application
Obedience often requires humility. Pride wants control, recognition, and comfort, but humility says, “Lord, Your will be done.” Jesus obeyed even when it involved suffering, rejection, and sacrifice. His example reminds us that obedience is not based on convenience but on trust.

There are moments when God asks us to forgive when it hurts, serve when we are tired, give when it costs us, or follow Him into uncertain places. In those moments, we can look to Jesus and remember that obedience always has purpose. What looked like defeat at the cross became the greatest victory the world has ever known.

God honors the heart that humbly says yes to Him.

Truth For The Day
True obedience is rooted in humility and trust in God’s plan.

Pray
Lord, teach me to walk in humility and obedience like Jesus. Help me trust You even when the path is difficult. Give me strength to surrender my will and follow You faithfully each day. In Jesus’ name, amen.