Pastor Stephen Dedman

Then He (Jesus) said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭4‬:‭24‬

In our distracting and noisy world, it’s easy to become passive listeners, allowing countless messages to bombard our minds without discernment or reflection. Yet, Jesus calls us to a higher standard of listening—one marked by attentiveness, discernment, and intentionality.

When Jesus told His disciples to “take heed what you hear,” He urged them to be selective and discerning about the messages they allow into their hearts and minds. Not all words are equal in value or truthfulness, and it’s essential to filter what we hear through the lens of God’s Word and His truth.

Jesus also highlighted the nature of hearing and receiving. The measure with which we listen and receive God’s truth will determine the measure of blessing and understanding we receive in return. Those who listen with open hearts and receptive spirits will be granted deeper insights, greater understanding, and a richer experience of God’s truth.

As followers of Christ, we need to develop a habit of listening with purpose in our spiritual lives. This means prioritizing time in God’s Word, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and actively engaging with His truth. It means being discerning about the messages we allow into our minds and hearts, filtering out that which is contrary to God’s Word.

When we listen with purpose, we position ourselves to receive more of God’s grace, wisdom, and revelation. Our spiritual growth and understanding deepen, and we become better equipped to live out our faith and impact the world around us.

Pray

Lord, help me to listen to You with purpose and intentionality. Give me discernment to filter out messages that are contrary to Your truth and wisdom to receive Your Word with an open heart. May I be attentive to Your voice, receptive to Your guidance, and faithful in applying Your truth to my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.
‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬

In John 1:1-18, the Gospel of John introduces Jesus as the Word (Logos) who existed from the beginning with God. This divine Word is not only in union with God but is, in fact, God Himself.

Specifically in verse 10, the focus is on the earthly existence of the Word. Despite being the very agent through which the world was created, Jesus entered into the world He made, and yet the world did not recognize Him. This lack of recognition is not merely a physical oversight but a spiritual one. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus encounters disbelief, rejection, and misunderstanding from those He came to save.

Today, believers are encouraged to reflect on their own recognition of Jesus in their lives. It prompts a deeper understanding of the significance of Christ’s presence and the importance of acknowledging Him as the divine Word who brings light and life to a world that often remains unaware of its Creator.

How often do we overlook the sacred in the ordinary, missing the profound connection between the Creator and His creation?

Pray

Lord, open my eyes to recognize Your Word in the midst of daily life. May I not be blinded to Your presence but, instead, embrace that You are with me. Help me find purpose, hope, and comfort in Your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭5‬-‭6‬

As followers of Christ, we are called to be ambassadors of His love and truth in the world. The apostle Paul provides us with practical guidance on how to fulfill this calling, particularly in our interactions with those outside the faith.

Firstly, Paul urges us to “walk in wisdom toward those who are outside.” This reminds us to conduct ourselves with discernment and holiness, especially when engaging with non-believers. Our actions and attitudes should reflect the wisdom and grace of Christ, drawing others to Him through our example.

Secondly, Paul encourages us to “redeem the time.” In a world filled with distractions and competing priorities, we are called to make the most of every opportunity to share the gospel and demonstrate Christ’s love. Time is a precious resource, and we are to use it wisely for the advancement of God’s kingdom.

Finally, Paul emphasizes the importance of our speech. He instructs us to let our speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt. Our words have the power to build up or tear down, to encourage or discourage, to point others to Christ or push them away. Therefore, we are to speak with kindness, gentleness, and respect, allowing the flavor of God’s grace to permeate our conversations.

As we strive to walk in wisdom, redeem the time, and let our speech be seasoned with salt, may we be empowered by the Holy Spirit to effectively share the hope and truth of the gospel with those around us. May our lives be a living testimony to the transformative power of God’s love, compelling others to seek Him and find salvation in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the privilege of being Your ambassador in the world. Help me to walk in wisdom, redeeming the time, and let my speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt. May I reflect Your love and truth in all that I say and do, drawing others to You and glorifying Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.