Pastor Stephen Dedman

Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭23‬

Jesus provides us with a profound promise that invites us into an intimate relationship with God. It’s a promise of divine companionship.

The verse begins with a condition: “If anyone loves Me.” Love, in this context, is not merely an emotion; it’s a force that compels action. Jesus is speaking of a love that propels us beyond a feeling and into a life characterized by obedience to His Word.

Jesus declares, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word.” Our love for Christ is demonstrated and authenticated by our obedience to His teachings. It’s a love that manifests in a lifestyle marked by the pursuit of holiness and alignment with the principles found in God’s Word.

The promise unfolds further: “My Father will love him.” The obedience born out of our love for Jesus doesn’t go unnoticed by the Father. It invites the love of the Creator Himself, a love that surpasses our understanding and transforms our very existence.

Yet, the climax of this promise lies in the profound statement that follows: “We will come to him and make Our home with him.” The Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—longs not only for our obedience but for an abiding, close relationship. The Creator of the universe desires to make His dwelling within the hearts of those who love and obey Him.

Imagine the significance of this truth! The Almighty God, who spoke the cosmos into existence, desires to make His home within you. This is a permanent residence, a continual indwelling that brings comfort, guidance, and a profound sense of belonging.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your presence in my life and desiring to be with me. Help me to reciprocate the love You have for me and be obedient to Your Word. Thank You for the comfort and guidance You provide for me to live with much joy and peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬

The author of Hebrews underscores the importance of paying careful attention to the truths of the gospel and the message of salvation proclaimed to us. Neglecting or disregarding these truths can lead to spiritual drifting.

In our fast-paced and often distracted lives, it’s easy to become complacent towards spiritual matters. However, the consequences of such neglect are significant—we risk drifting away from the core foundation of our faith and losing sight of the hope and joy we have in Christ.

Just as a sailor must constantly adjust the sails to stay on course, so too must we continually refocus our hearts and minds on the truths of God’s Word to avoid spiritual drifting and getting off course. This requires an intentional effort and a commitment to prioritize our relationship with God above all else.

Paying close attention to the things we have heard involves more than just listening; it requires us to be actively engaged. We must not only hear the Word but also apply it to our lives, allowing it to shape our beliefs, attitudes, and actions. This means spending time in prayer, studying Scripture, and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit daily.

As we pay close attention to God’s Word, we guard against spiritual drifting and we grow in our relationship with Him. Our faith becomes anchored in the truths of the gospel, providing stability and confidence even in life’s storms. Let’s remain vigilant in our pursuit of God and His kingdom.

Pray

Lord, thank You for giving me understanding of Your Word and the message of salvation. Help me to pay close attention to Your truths. Give me a hunger for Your Word and a sensitivity to the leading of Your Spirit in my life. May I continually find strength and hope in You alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.

My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬

The book of Proverbs, written by King Solomon, is filled with practical wisdom for living a life that honors God. In the opening chapter, Solomon addresses his son, urging him to embrace wisdom and reject the influences of the wicked. Proverbs 1:10 serves as a critical warning against yielding to the enticements of sinners.

In today’s world, we are surrounded by influences that encourage us to compromise our values, whether through peer pressure, media, or cultural trends. Temptation often whispers, “Everyone is doing it,” or, “It’s no big deal.” But as believers, we are called to stand firm, resisting the pull to follow a path that leads away from God.

If you stay rooted in God’s Word, you will equip yourself to recognize and resist temptation. When God’s Word is your foundation, you are less likely to be swayed by sinful enticements.

The people you surround yourself with have a significant influence on your decisions. Proverbs 13:20 advises, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” Seek friendships that encourage godliness and hold you accountable.

Is there an area in your life where you feel tempted to follow the wrong crowd or make compromises? Ask God for wisdom and strength to resist. Remember, saying “no” to temptation is saying “yes” to God’s perfect plan for your life.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the wisdom found in Your Word. Help me to stand firm when temptation comes, and give me the courage to say no to sin. Surround me with godly influences and fill me with Your Spirit so I can walk in Your ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.