Pastor Stephen Dedman

October 21, 2025

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭12‬

Question
Are there areas in your life where you’re still trying to walk without His light? 

Context
In John 8, Jesus was teaching in the temple courts during the Feast of Tabernacles, a time when large lamps were lit in the temple to remind Israel of how God led them through the wilderness by a pillar of fire. Against that brilliant backdrop, Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world.” He wasn’t just saying He could show the way, He was claiming to be the Light itself, the very presence and guidance of God in human form.

Application
Light reveals what darkness hides. When we walk in Jesus, His truth exposes the things in our lives that don’t belong and His grace gives us the strength to change. In a world full of confusion, compromise, and moral gray areas, Jesus offers clarity. He doesn’t just help us see the right path; He is the path.

Following Him means choosing daily to walk where His light shines, through prayer, His Word, and obedience. It means refusing to stumble through the shadows of fear, sin, or uncertainty, because the One who leads us has already overcome the darkness.

Truth For The Day
When I follow Jesus, I never have to fear the dark because His light leads, reveals, and gives life.

Pray
Lord, thank You for being the Light of the world and the Light of my life. Help me to walk closely with You, to see through Your truth, and to shine Your light wherever I go. Keep me from the shadows of sin and doubt, and let Your presence guide me in every step I take. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

October 20, 2025

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭16‬:‭11‬

Question
Where are you seeking direction or satisfaction outside of God’s presence?

Context
Psalm 16 is a psalm of trust and devotion written by David. Surrounded by uncertainty and potential danger, David declares that his security and joy are not found in circumstances but in God Himself. He isn’t just asking for protection; he’s declaring confidence that God alone provides direction, joy, and eternal security. This psalm also has a prophetic layer as the Apostle Peter quotes it in Acts 2:25–28, connecting it to Jesus’ resurrection, showing that the “path of life” ultimately leads through Christ to eternal life.

Application
Maybe you’re standing at a crossroads, unsure of the next step. Psalm 16:11 invites you to seek God’s direction, not just for answers, but for His presence. When you walk with Him, peace and joy follow, even in difficult seasons. The key is not to chase the destination, but to stay close to the Guide.

Truth For The Day
Where the world promises temporary happiness, God gives lasting joy that springs from being close to Him.

Pray
Lord, thank You for making known to me the path of life. Help me to walk closely with You, trusting Your direction even when I can’t see the whole road ahead. Fill my heart with the joy of Your presence, and remind me that true pleasure and peace are found only at Your side. In Jesus’ name, amen.

October 19, 2025

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬

Question
What burden are you carrying today that Jesus is asking you to lay down at His feet?

Context
When Jesus spoke these words, He was addressing people who were exhausted not just physically, but spiritually. The religious leaders of the time had placed heavy burdens on the people: endless rules, rituals, and expectations that made them feel like they could never measure up. Jesus steps into that moment and gives an invitation that changes everything: “Come to Me.” He wasn’t offering another law to follow but was offering Himself. In a world that demanded performance, Jesus promised peace. In a faith filled with rules, He offered relationship.

Application
Jesus’ words still speak directly to our hearts today. We carry different kinds of burdens such as stress, guilt, fear, financial strain, family pressure, even spiritual weariness. But His invitation hasn’t changed: “Come to Me.” Notice what Jesus doesn’t say. He doesn’t say, “Get yourself together first.” He doesn’t say, “Earn your way to peace.” He says, “Come.” The rest He offers isn’t found in a vacation, a nap, or a change in schedule. It’s found in His presence. When we lay our burdens at His feet, we trade anxiety for assurance, and striving for stillness. Rest doesn’t mean everything goes away. It means Jesus carries what you can’t.

Truth For The Day
True rest is not the absence of work, but the presence of Jesus.

Pray
Lord, thank You for inviting me to come to You just as I am. I confess that I’ve tried to carry too much on my own. Teach me to rest in Your presence, to trust in Your strength, and to find peace in Your promises. Today, I lay my burdens at Your feet. Be my rest, my peace, and my refuge. In Jesus’ name, amen.