Pastor Stephen Dedman

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭5‬

The apostle Paul contrasts the mindset of those who are controlled by the flesh with those who are led by the Spirit. He emphasizes the importance of setting our minds on spiritual things rather than earthly desires, highlighting the power of living according to the Spirit.

Paul identifies two distinct ways of living: according to the flesh and according to the Spirit. Those who live according to the flesh are characterized by their preoccupation with worldly desires, selfish ambitions, and sinful inclinations. Their minds are consumed with temporal pleasures and pursuits, leading to spiritual bondage and death.

In contrast, those who live according to the Spirit are guided by a different mindset—one that is focused on the things of God. Their minds are set on spiritual truths, heavenly realities, and eternal values. They are led by the Spirit of God, who empowers them to live in obedience to His will and to experience the abundant life that Jesus promised.

Living according to the Spirit produces fruit in our lives—fruit that is evidence of our spiritual transformation and intimacy with God. This fruit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23), qualities that reflect the character of Christ and draw others to Him.

May we surrender our thoughts to the leading of the Spirit, allowing Him to transform us from the inside out and to bear fruit in our lives for His glory.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Spirit. Help me to set my mind on the things of the Spirit, turning away from the desires of the flesh. Renew my mind and transform my heart, that I may bear fruit that is pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

His name shall endure forever; His name shall continue as long as the sun. And men shall be blessed in Him; All nations shall call Him blessed.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭72‬:‭17‬

The name of the Lord is not merely a label; it represents His character, authority, and eternal nature. It is a name that endures throughout all generations. As we reflect on the enduring nature of God’s name, we are reminded of His faithfulness, grace, mercy, and compassion towards His people.

In Jesus, we have a visual of the embodiment of God’s name—His character, attributes, and purposes fully revealed. He came to earth to reconcile humanity to God, to bring salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Him. Through His death and resurrection, He established a kingdom that will never end.

As believers in Christ, we are blessed to be recipients of God’s grace. In Him, we find forgiveness, redemption, and new life. Through faith in Jesus, we are adopted into God’s family, co-heirs with Christ, and recipients of every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 1:3).

But the blessings of God are not meant to be kept to ourselves. They are meant to be shared with others, to be a source of blessing and encouragement to others. As we live each day in Christ and reflect His love and grace to those around us, we become channels of God’s blessing, agents of His kingdom, and ambassadors of His grace.

May we, as followers of Christ, be known as a people who bring blessing wherever we go—blessing our families, communities, and nations with the love, mercy, and compassion of Jesus Christ. And may all nations call Him blessed, as they come to know and experience the eternal blessings found in Him alone.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the enduring nature of Your name and the eternal blessings You give. Help me to abide in You, to walk in Your ways, and to reflect Your love and grace to the world around me. Use me as an instrument of Your blessing, that others may come to know and call You blessed. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.”
‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭29‬

In the midst of life’s uncertainties and trials, there is one constant source of security and comfort for believers – the unwavering love and protection of our Heavenly Father. Jesus reassures His followers of this truth, emphasizing the immeasurable security found in being held in the hands of the Father.

The assurance is twofold. First, Jesus affirms the greatness of the Father, emphasizing His sovereignty and power over all things. The One who has given believers to Jesus is greater than any force or enemy that may seek to harm them. Nothing and no one can stand against the omnipotence of God.

Second, Jesus declares the absolute security of those who belong to the Father. Just as no one is able to snatch the sheep out of the hands of the shepherd, so too is no one able to snatch believers out of the hands of the Father. His grip is firm, His love is unwavering, and His protection is unyielding.

Rest in the assurance that His love never fails, His promises are true, and His protection is absolute. And let us live each day with boldness and faith, knowing that we are secure in the hands of our Heavenly Father, who is greater than all.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the immeasurable security and comfort found in Your loving embrace. Help me to trust in Your sovereignty and Your goodness, knowing that no one can snatch me out of Your hands. Help me to live each day with confidence and faith, knowing that I am secure in Your unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, amen.