Pastor Stephen Dedman

Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.
‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭27‬

Jesus gives us a wonderful message about the priorities of life. He tells us not to labor solely for the temporary and perishable things of this world, such as material wealth, fame, or pleasures. Instead, He urges us to seek after something far more valuable – the food that endures to everlasting life.

What is this enduring food? It is the spiritual nourishment that comes from a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Bread of Life (John 6:35), and in Him, we find sustenance for our souls that goes beyond the physical needs of our bodies.

This verse reminds us that our primary focus in life should be on our relationship with God and the eternal treasures He offers. While it’s essential to work for our daily bread and fulfill our responsibilities, we must never lose sight of the greater purpose of our existence – to know, love, and serve God.

As you go about your day, remember to invest your time and energy in cultivating a close relationship with Christ, for in Him, you will find the true riches and abundant life that surpasses all earthly possessions.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of salvation. Help me to prioritize my spiritual well-being and seek a deeper relationship with You. Help me to labor for the eternal treasures that come from knowing and loving You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us,
‭‭Acts‬ ‭15‬:‭8‬

In the book of Acts, we find a profound truth that should bring comfort and assurance to our hearts: God’s perfect plan has always been in motion. Acts 15:18 reminds us that God has known all His works from eternity. This means that every event, every twist and turn in our lives, and the entire course of human history are within His divine knowledge and control.

Often, we may question why certain things happen, or we may struggle with uncertainty about the future. In these moments, Acts 15:18 serves as a reminder that God’s understanding is far beyond our own. He has seen all things in existence from beginning to end, and every part, no matter how seemingly insignificant, plays a part in His masterful design.

As we reflect on this verse, it’s an invitation to trust in God’s wisdom and sovereignty. Even when we cannot comprehend the reasons behind our circumstances, we can rest assured that God’s plan is unfolding perfectly. Our role is to have faith, to seek His guidance, and to align our lives with His purposes.

So, take a moment to pray and surrender your worries, doubts, and uncertainties to the One who knows the end from the beginning. Trust that God’s plan is far greater than anything we can fathom, and His ways are always perfect. May this truth bring you peace and confidence in your journey of faith.

Pray

Lord, in times of uncertainty and when I cannot see the full picture, help me to trust in Your sovereignty. I surrender my worries and doubts to You, knowing that You know all things from eternity. Thank you for being a God who holds the future and for loving me unconditionally. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Then He (Jesus) said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭4‬:‭24‬

In our distracting and noisy world, it’s easy to become passive listeners, allowing countless messages to bombard our minds without discernment or reflection. Yet, Jesus calls us to a higher standard of listening—one marked by attentiveness, discernment, and intentionality.

When Jesus told His disciples to “take heed what you hear,” He urged them to be selective and discerning about the messages they allow into their hearts and minds. Not all words are equal in value or truthfulness, and it’s essential to filter what we hear through the lens of God’s Word and His truth.

Jesus also highlighted the nature of hearing and receiving. The measure with which we listen and receive God’s truth will determine the measure of blessing and understanding we receive in return. Those who listen with open hearts and receptive spirits will be granted deeper insights, greater understanding, and a richer experience of God’s truth.

As followers of Christ, we need to develop a habit of listening with purpose in our spiritual lives. This means prioritizing time in God’s Word, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and actively engaging with His truth. It means being discerning about the messages we allow into our minds and hearts, filtering out that which is contrary to God’s Word.

When we listen with purpose, we position ourselves to receive more of God’s grace, wisdom, and revelation. Our spiritual growth and understanding deepen, and we become better equipped to live out our faith and impact the world around us.

Pray

Lord, help me to listen to You with purpose and intentionality. Give me discernment to filter out messages that are contrary to Your truth and wisdom to receive Your Word with an open heart. May I be attentive to Your voice, receptive to Your guidance, and faithful in applying Your truth to my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.