Pastor Stephen Dedman

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Where in your life are you tempted to rush ahead of God instead of trusting His perfect timing?

Context
In the letter to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul is addressing believers who were being pressured to return to the Mosaic Law as a means of righteousness. In chapter 4, Paul uses the illustration of an heir who, though destined for inheritance, lives under guardians and restrictions until the time appointed by the father.

Paul then connects that imagery to redemptive history. Humanity was under the guardianship of the Law, aware of sin but unable to overcome it. Then, “in the fullness of time,” God acted decisively. Jesus was born of a woman (fully human) and born under the law (fully obedient to it), so He could redeem those under it.

This was not a reaction to human failure. It was a divine plan executed at the exact appointed moment in history.

Application
God’s timing is perfect. He knows exactly what we need and at the right time. If God orchestrated the coming of Christ with perfect precision, He is also orchestrating the details of our life. What feels delayed may actually be divinely scheduled. Learn to trust in the sovereignty of God and allow His goodness to overpower your own perception of might be best. 

Truth For The Day
God is never early or never late. He is always perfectly on time.

Pray
Lord, thank You that You are a God of perfect timing. When I grow impatient or uncertain, remind me that You sent Your Son at exactly the right moment in history. Help me trust that You are working in my life with the same precision and purpose. I surrender my timeline to You today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Is there a relationship where you need to take a step toward peace today?

Context
In Romans 12, Paul shifts from theology to practical living. After explaining the mercy and grace of God, he begins to show what a transformed life actually looks like.

He talks about humility, love, serving others, and blessing those who persecute you. Then he gives this instruction: live at peace with everyone… if possible.

That phrase matters. Because Paul acknowledges that not every relationship will be easy. Not every conflict will be mutual. Not every person will choose peace. But as believers, we are called to take responsibility for our part.

Application
God did not ask us to control others. He asks that we walk in love, extend grace, and pursue peace wherever and whenever we can. Hence the phrase, “if it’s possible.”

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is say: “I’ve done what God asked of me and I trust Him with the rest.”

Truth For The Day
You are not responsible for how others act, but you are responsible for how you respond.

Pray
Lord, help me to be a person who pursues peace. Give me wisdom in difficult relationships and humility in moments of conflict. Teach me to respond with grace, even when others don’t. Help me to do my part and trust You with what I cannot control. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭16‬:‭10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What is one “small” thing in your life right now that God may be calling you to be more faithful in?

Context
In Luke 16, Jesus is teaching about stewardship and how to handle what has been entrusted to us. While the passage speaks about resources, the principle stretches far beyond money. Jesus is revealing a deeper truth: faithfulness is not proven in big moments but in small consistent obedience. 

Application
We often wait for “big opportunities” to prove our faith. But most of life isn’t lived on a stage; it’s lived in the tasks that no one applauds, the kindness that no one notices, and in the discipline no one celebrates. Yet Jesus says those are the very places where faithfulness is formed.

God does not measure our impact by visibility, He measures our heart by consistency. Before David stood before Goliath, he was faithful with sheep. Before Jesus preached to crowds, He lived in obscurity. The truth is: what feels small to you is not small to God.

Truth For The Day
Faithfulness in the ordinary is preparation for the extraordinary.

Pray
Lord, help me to be faithful in the small things today. When no one sees, remind me that You do. Give me a heart that serves with joy, not for recognition, but out of love for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.