Pastor Stephen Dedman

“If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18‬:‭8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What is one thing you need to remove today so you can walk more closely with Christ?

Context
In Matthew 18, Jesus is teaching His disciples about humility, temptation, and the seriousness of sin. He had just warned about causing others to stumble, and now He turns the focus inward. His language is strong to emphasize how dangerous sin truly is. Jesus is making it clear: sin is not something to manage casually; it must be dealt with decisively.

Application
We often try to “manage” sin instead of removing it. We keep the habit, the environment, the relationship, or the influence close, thinking we can control it. But Jesus says if something is leading you away from Him, it’s not worth keeping.

Following Jesus will cost you something, but not following Him will cost you more. Sometimes we ask, “How close can I get to sin without falling?” Jesus teaches us to ask a better question: “What do I need to remove so I can walk in freedom?”

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal one area in your life that causes you to stumble. Be honest. Then take appropriate steps today to remove or distance yourself from it with no delay, no excuses.

Truth For The Day
Anything that pulls you away from Christ is too costly to keep.

Pray
Lord, show me anything in my life that is leading me away from You. Give me the courage to let it go, even when it’s hard. Help me value holiness more than comfort and obedience more than convenience. I want to walk in the life You’ve called me to. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe.
‭‭John‬ ‭19‬:‭2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are you willing to trust Jesus as King, even when His way involves sacrifice instead of comfort?

Context
The soldiers twisted thorns into a crown and forced it onto Jesus’ head. They draped Him in purple, not to honor Him, but to humiliate Him. In their eyes, He was a joke and a false king.

But what they didn’t realize is this: They were crowning the true King.

The thorns were not random. They reach all the way back to Genesis, when sin entered the world and God said the ground would produce thorns and thistles. Thorns are a symbol of the curse. And here, Jesus is wearing that curse on His head.

He didn’t resist it. He didn’t remove it. He received it because He came to take what was ours. The crown of thorns says, “I will carry what you cannot.”

Application
Sometimes following Jesus doesn’t seem like victory, it looks like surrender. But never forget, the same Jesus who wore the crown of thorns now wears the crown of glory. And because of Him, your suffering is never wasted.

Truth For The Day
Jesus wore a crown of pain so you could wear a crown of life.

Pray
Lord, thank You for taking the crown I deserved and wearing it Yourself. Help me to trust You in both suffering and victory. Remind me that You are King even when life doesn’t look like it. Give me strength to follow You with faith and humility. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Is there a relationship where you need to take a step toward peace today?

Context
In Romans 12, Paul shifts from theology to practical living. After explaining the mercy and grace of God, he begins to show what a transformed life actually looks like.

He talks about humility, love, serving others, and blessing those who persecute you. Then he gives this instruction: live at peace with everyone… if possible.

That phrase matters. Because Paul acknowledges that not every relationship will be easy. Not every conflict will be mutual. Not every person will choose peace. But as believers, we are called to take responsibility for our part.

Application
God did not ask us to control others. He asks that we walk in love, extend grace, and pursue peace wherever and whenever we can. Hence the phrase, “if it’s possible.”

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is say: “I’ve done what God asked of me and I trust Him with the rest.”

Truth For The Day
You are not responsible for how others act, but you are responsible for how you respond.

Pray
Lord, help me to be a person who pursues peace. Give me wisdom in difficult relationships and humility in moments of conflict. Teach me to respond with grace, even when others don’t. Help me to do my part and trust You with what I cannot control. In Jesus’ name, amen.