Pastor Stephen Dedman

January 24, 2026

The LORD is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭1‬

Question
What fear are you carrying today that God is inviting you to place in His hands?

Context
Life has a way of shaking what feels secure. Plans change. Weather turns. Circumstances shift without warning. Yet David doesn’t say, “The Lord gives me light” or “The Lord provides salvation.” He says, “The Lord is my light… my salvation… my stronghold.”

Faith doesn’t deny the uncertainty around us; it declares that uncertainty does not have the final word. God does.

Application
Our confidence isn’t rooted in what God does for us but in who God is to us. When the Lord is your light, you don’t have to see the whole path, just the next step. When He is your salvation, fear loses its grip. When He is your stronghold, you are held even when everything else feels unsteady.

Today, instead of asking God to remove every challenge, ask Him to anchor your heart in His presence. Speak Psalm 27:1 aloud. Let it reframe your fears and steady your soul. Walk forward knowing you are not walking alone.

Truth For The Day
God’s faithfulness does not change according to our circumstances.

Pray
Lord, You are my light when things feel dark, my salvation when I feel weak, and my stronghold when life feels uncertain. Help me trust You today for assurance. I place my confidence in who You are. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

January 23, 2026

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬

Question
When facing trials, how can you choose to persevere in faith rather than give in to frustration or fear?

Context
Life is full of challenges, trials, and moments that test our faith. Sometimes it feels like the weight is too heavy, and the path too difficult. Yet, in the midst of these struggles, James reminds us that perseverance is not in vain.

To “endure” is trusting God even when circumstances seem hopeless. It’s continuing to obey Him, love Him, and lean on Him when every part of us wants to give up. The promise is powerful: those who remain steadfast will receive the crown of life, a reward that reflects God’s eternal faithfulness and love.

Application
Trials are not punishments; they are opportunities to strengthen our faith and deepen our relationship with God. Each challenge we face can become a stepping stone to spiritual maturity. When we hold on, choosing God’s way over our own, we are aligning our hearts with His promises.

Keep your eyes on the eternal reward, the “crown of life,” and let that promise motivate you to stand firm.

Truth For The Day
Faithfulness through trials brings blessing, not just in eternity, but in our daily walk with God.

Pray
Lord, help me to persevere when trials come. Strengthen my faith and remind me of Your promises. Let me trust You fully, knowing that my endurance is seen by You and will be rewarded. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

January 22, 2026

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬

Question
What decision are you currently facing that you need to bring before God instead of handling on your own?

Context
James wrote to believers who were facing pressure, uncertainty, and hardship. Rather than promising quick relief, James points them to a dependable promise: God gives wisdom freely to those who ask. This wisdom is not hidden or reserved for the spiritually elite, it is generously available to every child of God who recognizes their need.

Application
We often rush into decisions relying on instinct, experience, or emotion, and only pray after things become complicated. God invites us to reverse that order. Wisdom begins when we pause and ask Him first. Whether the decision is large or small, God promises guidance without criticism or shame. Today is an opportunity to slow down, acknowledge your need, and trust that God delights in leading you.

Truth For The Day
God’s wisdom is not earned through strength—it is received through humility.

Pray
Lord, I confess that I often rely on my own understanding. Teach me to pause, pray, and seek Your wisdom first. Thank You for Your promise to guide me generously and faithfully. Help me to walk in obedience to Your Word today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.