Pastor Stephen Dedman

Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach,
‭‭Mark‬ ‭3‬:‭14‬

Just as Jesus chose twelve ordinary men, He extends an invitation to each of us today. In the midst of our busy lives, responsibilities, and distractions, He calls us to spend time with Him daily. He desires to be our constant companion, guiding us, comforting us, and revealing the truths of His kingdom.

Being with Jesus allows us to witness firsthand His compassion for the broken, His wisdom in handling challenges, and His unwavering faith in God the Father. As we walk with Him, we learn invaluable lessons, not just for ourselves but also to share with others.

We have a special purpose as disciples of Christ. We are not called to walk alone or merely perform tasks in our own strength. We are called to be with Him, to abide in His love, and to allow His truth to shape every aspect of our lives.

Have you responded to Jesus’ invitation wholeheartedly? It is a privilege to be one of His followers.

Pray

Lord, thank You for calling me to be one of Your followers. Help me to embrace Your presence so that I will grow close to You. Give me the courage to follow You wholeheartedly. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭13‬:‭24‬

Jesus’ words in this verse are a sobering reminder that following Him requires effort, commitment, and sincerity. The “narrow gate” represents the way of salvation through Christ alone. Many may desire eternal life, but only those who truly surrender to Him and walk in obedience will enter.

The word strive implies action, discipline, and perseverance. It’s not about earning salvation because salvation is by grace through faith. It’s about being intentional in our walk with Christ. The world offers an easy, broad path that appeals to the flesh, but it leads to destruction. The narrow way requires us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus wholeheartedly.

Are you striving to walk through the narrow gate? This doesn’t mean striving in your own strength but relying on God’s grace and being diligent in your faith. Stay committed, stay faithful, and keep pressing toward Christ, knowing that He is with you every step of the way.

Pray

Lord, help me to stay on the path that leads to life. Strengthen me to resist the distractions of the world and to strive for the narrow gate with all my heart. Guide me in truth and keep me close to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭15‬:‭8‬

It’s easy to say the right words, to sing the right songs, and to appear devoted to God on the outside. But Jesus warns that outward expressions of worship mean nothing if our hearts are not truly near to Him. True worship is not just about what we say or do, it’s about the condition of our hearts.

God desires a relationship with us, not just routine religious actions. He longs for hearts that are fully surrendered to Him, not just lips that speak His name. It’s possible to attend church, pray, and serve while still being distant from God inwardly. That’s why we must continually examine our hearts, ensuring that our love for Him is genuine and not just surface-level.

Today, take a moment to reflect: Is your heart truly close to God, or have you been going through the motions? He is inviting you into deeper intimacy with Him, where worship is not just an outward act, but an expression of a heart fully devoted to Him.

Pray

Lord, I don’t want to just honor You with my words, I want my heart to be truly close to You. Help me to seek You with sincerity, to worship You in spirit and truth, and to live a life that reflects genuine love for You. Draw me nearer, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.