Pastor Stephen Dedman

But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews?”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Where in your life are you tempted to step out of alignment with the gospel to gain approval or avoid pressure?

Context
In this moment, Paul confronts Peter, a respected leader in the early church. Peter had been freely eating with Gentile believers, living out the truth that salvation is by grace and not by Jewish law. But when certain Jewish leaders arrived, Peter pulled back out of fear and began to separate himself.

Paul recognized something serious. Peter’s actions were no longer in line with the gospel. This wasn’t just about behavior, it was about what his actions communicated. His behavior testified that grace might not be enough. So Paul confronted him to protect the truth of the gospel.

Application
It is possible to believe the right message but live in a way that contradicts it. Peter knew the gospel. He had experienced it. But in a moment of pressure, his actions drifted. And Paul used a powerful phrase: “Not acting in line with the truth of the gospel.”

That phrase paints a picture of walking a straight path, but stepping out of alignment. The gospel says we are accepted by grace, not by works or peoples approval. But how often do we change how we act depending on who’s watching? Or compromise truth just to fit in? Or live for approval instead of identity in Christ? When we do, we step out of alignment.

Truth For The Day
The gospel is not just something we believe, it is something we must live in alignment with.

Pray
Lord, help me to live in line with the truth of the gospel. Guard my heart from seeking the approval of people over You. Give me courage to stand firm in truth, even when it’s difficult. Align my actions with what I believe, so my life reflects Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭16‬:‭10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What is one “small” thing in your life right now that God may be calling you to be more faithful in?

Context
In Luke 16, Jesus is teaching about stewardship and how to handle what has been entrusted to us. While the passage speaks about resources, the principle stretches far beyond money. Jesus is revealing a deeper truth: faithfulness is not proven in big moments but in small consistent obedience.

Application
We often wait for “big opportunities” to prove our faith. But most of life isn’t lived on a stage; it’s lived in the tasks that no one applauds, the kindness that no one notices, and in the discipline no one celebrates. Yet Jesus says those are the very places where faithfulness is formed.

God does not measure our impact by visibility, He measures our heart by consistency. Before David stood before Goliath, he was faithful with sheep. Before Jesus preached to crowds, He lived in obscurity. The truth is: what feels small to you is not small to God.

Truth For The Day
Faithfulness in the ordinary is preparation for the extraordinary.

Pray
Lord, help me to be faithful in the small things today. When no one sees, remind me that You do. Give me a heart that serves with joy, not for recognition, but out of love for You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What is one thing do you need to release to God today instead of trying to control it?

Context
Psalm 46 was written in the midst of chaos. There were wars, nations raging, and the earth was seemingly unstable. Yet right in the middle of all that chaos, God speaks a simple but powerful command: “Be still.” This isn’t a suggestion that life will calm down first, it’s a call to trust Him even when everything around you is unsettled.

Application
We often try to fix things, control outcomes, and carry burdens that were never meant for us. Our minds race, our schedules fill up, and our hearts grow anxious. But God’s instruction cuts through all of that: Be still.

Being still doesn’t mean doing nothing. It means surrendering everything. It’s choosing to pause, to trust, and to remember who God is. He is not confused. He is not overwhelmed. He is not late. He is God.

Take a moment today to be still before the Lord. Put down the phone. Quiet the noise. Sit in His presence. Remind yourself of His power and His faithfulness. When anxiety rises, return to this truth: God is in control, and I can trust Him.

Truth For The Day
God is still in control even when life feels out of control.

Pray
Lord, help me to be still before You today. Quiet my anxious thoughts and remind me that You are God. Teach me to trust You more than I trust my own understanding. I surrender what I cannot control into Your hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.