Pastor Stephen Dedman

They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.
‭‭Titus‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
If someone examined your life instead of listening to your words, would they see clear evidence that you belong to Jesus?

Context
Paul wrote the book of Titus to encourage Titus as he organized and strengthened the churches on the island of Crete. A major concern was the presence of false teachers who were misleading believers with empty teaching and legalistic practices. In Titus 1:10–16, Paul exposes these teachers for what they truly were. They claimed to know God, but their lives contradicted their confession. Their doctrine was corrupt because their hearts were corrupt. Paul is not teaching that good works save us; rather, he is emphasizing that genuine faith in Christ always produces a life that is increasingly marked by obedience and holiness.

Application
It is easy to say the right things in church, quote Scripture, or identify as a Christian. The more important question is whether our daily lives reflect the One we claim to follow. The people closest to us should see evidence of Christ in our attitudes, our speech, our integrity, and our love for others.

This passage also reminds us to examine ourselves before criticizing others. We should regularly ask whether our profession of faith is supported by a growing desire to obey God’s Word. While none of us are perfect, a believer should be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Truth For The Day
A genuine relationship with Jesus Christ is revealed not merely by what we say but by the way we live.

Pray
Lord, thank You for saving me by Your grace. Help me to live in a way that honors the gospel I profess. Search my heart and reveal any areas where my actions do not align with Your truth. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, shape my character so that my life points others to Christ. May my obedience never be an attempt to earn Your favor but a grateful response to the grace You have already given me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What burden have you been trying to carry on your own that God is inviting you to place into His hands today?

Context
Paul wrote the book of Philippians while imprisoned in Rome. Although confined in chains and facing an uncertain future, his letter overflows with joy, gratitude, and confidence in Christ. In Philippians 4, Paul encourages believers not to be consumed by anxiety but to bring every concern to God through prayer with thanksgiving. His promise is not that every difficulty will disappear, but that God’s supernatural peace will stand guard over the hearts and minds of those who trust Him.

Application
The world offers peace only when circumstances are favorable. If life is going well, relationships are healthy, and the bills are paid, we feel peaceful. But the moment trouble comes, that peace quickly disappears.

The peace Paul describes does not depend on circumstances, it depends on the presence of Christ. It is a peace that “surpasses all understanding,” meaning it cannot be fully explained by human reasoning. It is the calm confidence that God is still on His throne when life feels out of control.

Whatever you’re carrying today, you don’t have to carry it alone. Lay it before the Lord. Trust His wisdom even when you don’t understand His ways.

Truth For The Day
God’s peace will accomplish what your own strength never could.

Pray
Lord, thank You for offering a peace that this world cannot give. Forgive me for allowing worry and fear to control my thoughts instead of trusting You. Help me to bring every concern before You in prayer and to remember Your faithfulness in every season. Guard my heart and mind with Your perfect peace, and let my confidence rest in Christ alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
‭‭I Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
How might God be using your current challenge to deepen your trust in Him?

Context
Peter wrote to Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor who were experiencing persecution and suffering because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Rather than promising that their hardships would soon end, Peter encouraged them to look beyond their present circumstances to the living hope they have through Christ. Peter explained that their trials were not meaningless; God was using them to refine and prove the genuineness of their faith, just as fire refines gold.

Application
No one enjoys going through difficult seasons. We naturally pray for God to remove the trial, calm the storm, or provide immediate relief. Yet Peter reminds believers that God often uses our trials not to destroy our faith, but to refine it. Just as gold is purified through intense heat, our faith is strengthened through seasons of testing.

If you are facing a difficult season today, don’t lose heart. God has not abandoned you. He is shaping your character, deepening your dependence on Him, and preparing you for greater usefulness in His kingdom. The fire may be uncomfortable, but the result is a faith that shines for His glory.

Truth For The Day
God uses your trials to strengthen your faith and conform you to the image of Christ.

Pray
Lord, thank You for walking with me through every trial. Help me to trust You even when I don’t understand what You are doing. Use every difficulty to strengthen my faith, shape my character, and bring glory to Your name. Keep my eyes fixed on You and remind me that You are always working for my good and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.