Pastor Stephen Dedman

For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.
‭‭I Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬

Just as a thief comes unexpectedly in the night, so too will the day of the Lord arrive without warning. This truth calls us to live each day in readiness and anticipation of Christ’s coming. Let’s explore how we can apply this verse to our lives today:

Paul emphasizes that the Thessalonian believers were already aware of the imminent return of Christ. Similarly, as followers of Christ today, we too should be conscious of the reality that His return could happen at any moment. This awareness should shape our perspective on life, prompting us to prioritize eternal matters over temporal concerns.

Just as a thief’s arrival prompts immediate action to protect one’s belongings, the imminent return of Christ should motivate us to be spiritually prepared. We must examine our hearts, confessing and repenting of sin, and drawing near to God in prayer and devotion. Living with a sense of urgency, we seek to live holy and righteous lives, pleasing to the Lord.

Rather than living in fear or anxiety about the unknown timing of Christ’s return, we are called to live in readiness and anticipation. This means faithfully fulfilling our calling as disciples of Christ, serving others in love, and proclaiming the gospel to those who have yet to hear. Each day is an opportunity to live out our faith boldly and intentionally, knowing that we may not have tomorrow.

Let us embrace each day as a gift from God, using our time, talents, and resources to honor Him and advance His kingdom until He comes again.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the assurance of Your return. Help me to live each day with a sense of readiness and anticipation, knowing that You could come at any moment. May I be found faithful and diligent in service to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭58‬

Jesus reveals to us a profound truth about His identity. He didn’t claim to be older than Abraham; He declared His divinity with the words “I AM.” This phrase harkens back to God’s revelation of Himself to Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3:14. It’s a declaration of eternality and deity.

As we reflect on this truth, we are reminded of the timeless nature of Christ, the “I AM.” He existed before Abraham, before time itself, and He continues to exist as the eternal God.

In our own lives, we often face situations that seem insurmountable, challenges that test our faith, and uncertainties that weigh heavily on our hearts. In those moments, we can find peace in knowing that the great “I AM” is with us. Jesus, who is before all things, is by our side, offering His guidance, comfort, and strength.

When we face our biggest doubt and fears, we can trust in Jesus to give us what we need to endure all things. He is unchanging and eternal. Let the great “I AM” guide your thoughts and actions today. 

Pray

Lord, thank You for the assurance of Your presence in my life. Grant me strength to trust in You, the great “I AM,” and to find refuge in Your everlasting love. I pray for wisdom to follow Your teachings and the courage to live out Your example in my daily walk. In Jesus’ name, amen.

And the Lord said to me, “Amos, what do you see?” And I said, “A plumb line.” Then the Lord said: “Behold, I am setting a plumb line In the midst of My people Israel; I will not pass by them anymore.“
‭‭Amos‬ ‭7‬:‭8‬

The prophet Amos received a vision from the Lord in which God showed him a plumb line—a tool used in construction to ensure that walls are straight and level. The plumb line represents God’s standard of justice and righteousness, which He used to measure the nation of Israel. Through this vision, God revealed His judgment upon Israel for their disobedience and sin.

The vision of the plumb line serves as a reminder of God’s holiness and His expectations for His people. Just as a plumb line reveals any crookedness, so too does God’s standard of righteousness expose the shortcomings of His people. Despite His patience and long-suffering, God cannot overlook sin indefinitely, and His judgment is sure.

Amos interceded on behalf of the people, pleading with God to relent from His judgment. Amos recognized the severity of the situation and the consequences of God’s judgment, and he stood in the gap, advocating for the people before God.

Just as Amos stood in the gap for the nation of Israel, we are called to stand in the gap for our families, communities, and nations. We must be willing to align our hearts with God’s purposes and to boldly approach His throne of grace on behalf of others, trusting in His mercy and compassion.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the example of Amos and the power of intercession. Help me to be a faithful intercessor, standing in the gap for those in need. Give me a heart of compassion and humility, that I may fervently plead for Your mercy and grace to be poured out upon others. In Jesus’ name, amen.