Pastor Stephen Dedman

Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
‭‭John‬ ‭19‬:‭19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Where in your life might God be revealing His glory in a way you’ve been tempted to overlook?

Context
In John 19, glory is found in a place called Golgotha, a place of suffering, shame, and death. And at the center of it all hangs Jesus, with a sign above His head declaring a truth the world didn’t fully understand “King.” It didn’t look like glory. It didn’t feel like victory. It didn’t resemble power. But that’s exactly what it was.

The cross reveals a different kind of glory, the glory of a God who rules through surrender, loves through sacrifice, and wins through what looks like loss. This is God putting His glory on display.

Application
Today, ask God to help you recognize His glory in unexpected places. When you face difficulty, pause before assuming it’s meaningless. God may be revealing His power, love, or faithfulness in ways you don’t yet see. Surrender control, trust His purposes, and rest in what Jesus has already finished. Instead of looking for God only in moments of success, train your heart to see Him even in the struggle.

Truth For The Day
God’s glory is often revealed in ways we don’t expect, but always in ways we need.

Pray
Lord, help me to see Your glory, even when it doesn’t look the way I expect. Teach me to trust You in the difficult places, knowing that You are always working with purpose and power. Open my eyes to who You are. in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn; I have done just as you told me; please arise, sit and eat of my game, that your soul may bless me.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭27‬:‭19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are you trying to become someone else to receive what only God can give you?

Context
This moment in Genesis is both strategic and heartbreaking. Jacob, urged on by his mother, disguises himself to deceive his father ,Isaac, into giving him the blessing meant for Esau. Jacob doesn’t just put on Esau’s clothes, he takes on a false identity: “I am Esau.” This is more than a lie. It’s a moment where Jacob tries to become someone he is not in order to receive something God had already promised him.

Application
How often do we do something similar, maybe not outwardly, but inwardly? We pretend to be stronger than we are, we present a version of ourselves we think others will accept, or we try to “earn” what God has already promised.

Jacob thought he needed deception to secure the blessing. But God had already declared His plan. When we don’t trust God’s timing, we start manufacturing our own outcomes.

Truth For The Day
You don’t have to pretend to receive what God has already purposed.

Pray
Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve tried to manipulate outcomes instead of trusting You. Help me to walk in honesty and faith, knowing that Your promises don’t require deception. Teach me to wait on You and to be content in who You’ve called me to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.
‭‭II Thessalonians‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Where do you need to trust God’s faithfulness instead of relying on your own strength?

Context
Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica during a time of pressure and opposition. There were false teachings, persecution, and spiritual confusion. Yet in the middle of instability, Paul gives them something solid to stand on: God’s faithfulness. Their security wasn’t in circumstances, leaders, or even their own strength, it was in the Lord who establishes and guards His people.

Application
Sometimes life can feel uncertain. People fail, plans fall through, and situations change. But this verse reminds us of two powerful promises. First, God establishes you. He strengthens and steadies your faith. Second, God guards you. He protects you spiritually from the enemy. You don’t have to hold everything together because God is holding you.

Truth For The Day
God is faithful to strengthen you and protect you, no matter what you face.

Pray
Lord, thank You that You are faithful. When I feel weak or uncertain, remind me that You are the one who establishes me. Guard my heart and mind from anything that pulls me away from You. Help me to trust You fully, knowing that You are holding me steady. In Jesus’ name, amen.