Pastor Stephen Dedman

But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭25‬

God’s Word is called the perfect law of liberty because it brings true freedom. Many believe that freedom means living without restrictions, but real freedom comes from surrendering to God’s will. His Word guides us away from sin, deception, and destruction, leading us into a life of peace, joy, and righteousness.

James challenges us not only to hear the Word but to do what it says. Too often, we listen to sermons, read devotionals, or study Scripture but fail to apply it in our daily lives. James compares this to someone who looks in a mirror and then forgets their own reflection. God’s Word reveals who we are in Christ and what He calls us to do. When we ignore it, we miss out on the transformation and blessing that come from obedience.

The key is to continue in it—to make God’s Word a daily guide and foundation for our lives. When we commit to living by His truth, we will see His blessings unfold—not just in material ways, but in the richness of a life filled with His presence, wisdom, and peace.

Are you merely hearing the Word, or are you living it out? Choose today to walk in obedience and experience the blessings that come from living in God’s truth.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your Word, which brings freedom and life. Help me to not only hear it but to apply it daily. Give me the strength to walk in obedience and trust that Your ways lead to true blessing. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power,
‭‭II Thessalonians‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬

The apostle Paul’s prayer in 2 Thessalonians 1:11 expresses a deep desire that God would count us worthy of the divine calling placed upon our lives. 

This prayer unveils a profound truth — that our calling is not a random occurrence, but a purposeful design crafted by God Himself. As we navigate the twists and turns of life, Paul’s prayer encourages us to seek worthiness in our response to this divine calling.

God’s goodness plays a pivotal role in this journey. It is His goodness that propels us forward, guiding us along the path of righteousness. The fulfillment of God’s good pleasure is closely connected to the work of faith. As we exercise faith in Him, His power is unleashed, enabling us to live out the calling with strength and purpose.

Today, let us embrace this prayer as our own, seeking worthiness in our response to God’s calling. May His goodness guide our steps, and may the work of faith in our lives be accompanied by His mighty power. As we align ourselves with His purpose, we discover the true fulfillment that comes from living out our calling with God’s divine strength.

Pray

Lord, help me to embrace Your goodness in my life. Thank You for loving me and guiding me by Your power. Give me wisdom to fully understand the plans You have for me. In Jesus’ name, am

I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭30‬:‭19‬

In today’s verse, God places before us a profound reality: the power to choose life or death, blessing or cursing.

The invitation to choose life is displayed throughout the pages of the Bible. God gives us the freedom to shape our destiny within the boundaries of His divine will. Every decision we make contributes to the overall purpose He has for our lives.

The context of this verse is Moses addressing the Israelites, urging them to obey God’s commandments and to choose life that they and their descendants may live. Similarly, in our journey of faith, God invites us to align our choices with His will, to walk in obedience, and to embrace the abundant life He offers.

Choosing life involves more than just the continuation of our physical existence; it involves the fullness of life that God desires for us. It’s a life marked by love, joy, peace, and purpose.

What does it mean for us to choose life today? It means seeking God’s guidance in our decisions, aligning our choices with His principles, and trusting in His promises. It’s a daily surrender of our will to His, acknowledging that He knows what is best for us. In every crossroad, big or small, we have the opportunity to choose the path that leads to life.

Heaven and earth bear witness to our choices, and God, our loving Father, beckons us to choose life. In doing so, we not only experience the richness of His blessings but also become channels of His life-giving love to those around us.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of choice. Help me to choose life in every decision I make. May my heart be aligned to Your will, and may I walk in obedience to Your Word. Grant me the wisdom to discern the paths that lead to life. In Jesus’ name, amen.