Pastor Stephen Dedman

Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.
‭‭I Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
How can you demonstrate respect and honor toward the authorities God has placed in your life?

Context
Peter wrote to believers living as strangers in a culture that did not always share or support their faith. He reminded them that following Christ should influence every part of their lives, including how they responded to authority. Submission to governing authorities was not simply about obeying people; it was an act of obedience to God. Peter’s words do not mean Christians must obey commands that directly contradict God’s Word, but they do call us to be people known for respect, integrity, and peace.

Application
It is easy to respect authority when we agree with every decision. The real test comes when we disagree. As followers of Jesus, our attitude should be different from the world around us. We can stand firmly for truth while still showing respect. We can disagree without being disrespectful. Our conduct should point people to Christ.

Truth For The Day
Our response to authority is part of our witness for Jesus.

Pray
Lord, help me to live with humility and respect. Give me wisdom to obey You above all things while honoring the authorities You have placed in my life. May my attitude and actions reflect the character of Christ and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.
‭‭James‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are your words today bringing healing and hope, or are they causing harm?

Context
James uses strong imagery to remind us of the incredible power of our words. Just as a small fire can quickly spread and cause enormous destruction, the tongue can damage relationships, reputations, and lives. A careless word spoken in anger may take only seconds to say but can leave wounds that last for years.

Application
We must remember that words have power. Before speaking, we should ask: Will this build up or tear down? Will this bring peace or cause more pain? When emotions rise, wisdom often means pausing before responding. Ask God to help you surrender your tongue to Him and speak with grace, truth, and love.

Truth For The Day
The tongue can be a fire of destruction, but when surrendered to God, our words can bring healing, encouragement, and life.

Pray
Lord, guard my tongue and guide my words. Forgive me for the times I have spoken carelessly or in anger. Help me to pause before I speak and to choose words that honor You. May my words bring encouragement, peace, truth, and life to those around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?
‭‭I Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Who has God placed in your life for you to encourage or disciple?

Context
Paul had a deep love for the believers in Thessalonica. Despite opposition and separation from them, he continued to carry them in his heart. When he thought about the future return of Jesus, Paul did not focus on personal achievements, possessions, or recognition. His joy was found in the people whose lives had been changed by the gospel.

Application
This verse reminds us that people matter eternally. The greatest investments we can make are not in material things, but in lives that can be changed forever through Jesus Christ. Every person we encourage, every child we teach, every neighbor we share the gospel with, and every believer we help grow in faith has eternal significance.

One day, we will stand before the Lord. The question is not simply what we accomplished, but whether we invested in people for His glory. Paul saw the Thessalonian believers as his “joy” and “crown of rejoicing.” What a beautiful reminder that a life spent loving, serving, and pointing others to Christ is never wasted.

Truth For The Day
The greatest legacy we can leave is a life that helps others know and follow Jesus.

Pray
Lord, help me to see people through Your eyes. Give me a heart that invests in others and points them toward Jesus. May my life leave an eternal impact for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.