Pastor Stephen Dedman

For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭19‬

The story of humanity is deeply marked by two pivotal moments: one of disobedience and one of obedience. Through Adam’s choice to rebel against God, sin entered the world, bringing brokenness, separation, and death. None of us had a choice in inheriting this fallen nature, it simply became part of our human condition.

But God, rich in mercy, did not leave the story there. Through one Man, Jesus Christ, obedience opened the door for redemption. Where Adam failed, Jesus succeeded. His perfect life, His sacrificial death, and His triumphant resurrection reversed the curse of sin for all who believe.

This verse reminds us that righteousness is not something we earn. Just as we did not earn our sinful condition, we also cannot earn our right standing with God. It is given to us through the obedience of Christ. His “yes” to the Father’s will secured our freedom.

Today, remember that your righteousness is rooted not in your perfection but in Christ’s obedience. When you struggle with guilt, shame, or feelings of unworthiness, let Romans 5:19 anchor you. You stand forgiven, not because of what you have done, but because of what Jesus has finished.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your obedience that brought me life. Help me to live each day not striving for Your approval but resting in the righteousness You freely give. Teach me to walk in obedience as an act of love and gratitude. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Behold, I am the Lord , the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?
Jeremiah 32:27

In Jeremiah 32:27, we find the prophet Jeremiah delivering a powerful message from God to the people of Israel. The context of this verse is during a challenging time when the Babylonians were about to conquer Jerusalem. Despite the imminent destruction and captivity, God reassures His people through Jeremiah that He is the Lord, the God of all flesh. The question posed, “Is there anything too hard for Me?” is a rhetorical question, emphasizing God’s sovereignty even in the face of seemingly insurmountable circumstances.

In our lives, we often encounter situations that seem out of our control, filled with challenges and uncertainties. Just as God spoke through Jeremiah to the Israelites, He speaks to us today, reminding us of His power and presence. The verse encourages us to trust in God’s ability to handle any circumstance, no matter how difficult it may seem.

We can find peace and strength in surrendering our concerns to God. This verse challenges us to shift our focus from the size of our problems to the greatness of our God. It calls us to live with faith and confidence, knowing that nothing is too hard for Him.

Pray

Lord, I come before You with gratitude for Your presence and power. In moments of uncertainty and difficulty, help me to anchor my faith in Your promises. Grant me the wisdom to trust in Your sovereignty and the courage to surrender my concerns to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭24‬:‭17‬

It’s easy to feel a sense of satisfaction when someone who has wronged us finally faces consequences. Whether it’s a former friend, a toxic coworker, or someone who simply opposed us, their downfall can stir feelings of vindication. But Proverbs 24:17 offers a divine perspective that challenges our natural instincts: Do not gloat.

Why would God ask us to suppress this very human reaction? Because our joy is not to be rooted in another person’s failure, even if they were wrong. God desires that we walk in humility, mercy, and love, even toward our enemies. When we rejoice in someone else’s misfortune, we harden our hearts and forget that justice belongs to God, not us.

God is not only concerned with what happens to our enemies, but what happens in us when it does. Will we allow bitterness to become self-righteousness? Or will we reflect the grace we’ve been given? Jesus modeled this perfectly showing mercy even to those who crucified Him.

Is there someone in your life you’ve silently rejoiced to see fall? Bring that before God today. Ask Him to replace gloating with grace, and vengeance with compassion. Remember: mercy doesn’t make you weak, it makes you like Christ.

Pray

Lord, help me to walk in humility and mercy, even toward those who have hurt me. Keep my heart pure and free from pride. Teach me to trust Your justice and reflect Your grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.