Pastor Stephen Dedman

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭23‬

Imagine working tirelessly all week and receiving your paycheck. It’s not a gift; it’s what you earned. Now imagine being handed a gift—unexpected, unearned, freely given. Romans 6:23 reveals two outcomes: one we earn and one freely given by God.

Sin is rebellion against God, and its “wages” is death—eternal separation from Him. This is what we rightfully deserve because of our sinful nature (Romans 3:23). The death spoken of here is not just physical but spiritual, representing a life apart from the presence of God.

Here’s the good news: we don’t have to receive those wages. Instead, God offers us a free gift—eternal life through Christ. A gift can’t be earned; it must be accepted with gratitude. This gift cost Jesus His life, as He bore the punishment for our sins on the cross (1 Peter 2:24). Through His death and resurrection, we are offered new life.

Eternal life is only found in Jesus. It’s not about religion, good deeds, or self-effort—it’s about a relationship with Him. Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”(John 14:6).

Pray

Lord, thank You for the free gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus. I acknowledge my sin and the death it brings, but I rejoice in the life You offer through Jesus. Help me to live in gratitude and to share this gift with others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“Can anyone hide himself in secret places, So I shall not see him?” says the Lord; “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” says the Lord.
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭23‬:‭24‬

Here is a profound truth about the nature of God—He is omnipresent, meaning He is present everywhere at all times. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God’s awareness of all things and His constant presence with His people.

God’s omniscience means that He knows everything—every thought, every action, every motive. There is no secret place where we can hide from Him. This truth should encourage us to live with integrity and transparency, knowing that God sees and knows all things.

There is no place in the universe where God is not present. He is not confined to a specific location or limited by time or space. This reality should bring us comfort and assurance, knowing that wherever we are, God is with us. We are never alone, for He is always near.

Jeremiah’s proclamation of God’s omnipresence reaffirms His sovereignty over all creation. He is not a distant or detached deity but actively involved in the affairs of His creation. His presence fills the heavens and the earth, sustaining and upholding all things by His power. This truth reminds us that God is in control, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty.

In light of God’s omnipresence, our response should be one of reverence, awe, and surrender. We cannot hide from God, nor can we escape His presence. Therefore, let us live our lives with a deep awareness of His presence, seeking to honor Him in all that we do. Let us draw near to Him in prayer, knowing that He is always listening and attentive to our cries.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your omnipresence—that You fill heaven and earth with Your presence. Help me to have a deep awareness of Your presence, knowing that You are always near. Help me to walk in integrity and reverence before You, honoring You in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

I will cry out to God Most High, To God who performs all things for me.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭57‬:‭2‬

Psalm 57 is attributed to David, written while under great distress. It seems to indicate that it was when David fled from Saul and hid himself in a cave.

Despite the danger surrounding him, David’s faith remained steadfast. David expresses his trust in God’s protection and deliverance, declaring his intention to seek refuge in the Most High.

Life often throws us into situations where we feel stressed and overwhelmed, much like David hiding in the cave from Saul’s pursuit. In such moments, it’s natural to seek refuge, to look for a place of safety and security. However, our natural response may be to rely on our own strength or to seek refuge in temporary comforts.

This verse challenges us to shift our focus from our circumstances to the character and power of God. We are encouraged to cry out to God in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers. Just as David found refuge in God’s faithfulness, we can find comfort in knowing that God is with us in every trial and that He is actively working on our behalf.

Pray

Lord, I come to You today acknowledging You as God Most High, the one who reigns over all creation. In moments of distress, help me to turn to You as my refuge and strength. Give me the faith to trust in Your provision and the courage to cry out to You in prayer. Thank You for Your faithfulness and for the assurance that You are always working for my good. In Jesus’ name, amen.