Pastor Stephen Dedman

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭8‬:‭36‬

Question
What am you chasing right now that could be costing you peace with God?

Context
Jesus spoke these words to His disciples after explaining the cost of following Him. He had just told them that anyone who wanted to come after Him must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. (Mark 8:34) In that moment, Jesus was challenging the world’s values, reminding them that no earthly achievement, possession, or success could ever compare to the worth of one’s soul.

Application
We live in a culture that celebrates bigger houses, better jobs, higher status, more likes. But Jesus asks a question that pierces through all of that: “What good is it?” What good is the applause of people if it costs you peace with God? What good is a full bank account if your heart is empty?

Every day, we make choices with our time, our energy, and our priorities. The danger is that we can spend so much of ourselves chasing what is temporary that we neglect what is eternal. Jesus reminds us that our soul is worth more than everything this world can offer combined.

So, instead of chasing the world’s version of success, pursue the kind that lasts: knowing Christ, walking in obedience, and storing up treasures in heaven.

Truth For The Day
Nothing in this world is worth the loss of your soul.

Pray
Lord, help me to see clearly what truly matters. Teach me to value my soul above success, my faith above fame, and my walk with You above every worldly pursuit. Keep my heart set on eternity, and let every decision I make bring me closer to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭16‬:‭13‬

Question
What does it mean to stand firm in faith when life becomes uncertain or challenging?

Context
Paul wrote this letter to the church at Corinth who were a group of believers surrounded by a culture of division, immorality, and spiritual compromise. As he closed his letter, Paul gave five short but powerful commands: be watchful, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong, and do everything in love (v. 14 follows). These were not casual suggestions; they were calls to spiritual readiness and steadfastness in a world full of distractions and opposition.

Application
Paul’s message is just as vital for us today.

• “Be on your guard” — Stay spiritually alert. The enemy often attacks through distraction, discouragement, or deception. Keep your heart and mind focused on God’s truth.
• “Stand firm in the faith” — Don’t waver when culture or circumstances challenge your beliefs. Your foundation must be Christ and His Word.
• “Be courageous” — True courage isn’t the absence of fear, but choosing faith despite fear. It’s stepping out knowing God is with you.
• “Be strong” — This strength isn’t from your own power but from the Holy Spirit working within you. (Ephesians 6:10 reminds us to “be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.”)

When we combine these commands with verse 14 — “Do everything in love” — we find the balance of conviction and compassion that defines a mature believer.

Truth For The Day
God calls you to be watchful, unwavering, and courageous, not in your own strength, but in His.

Prayer
Lord, help me to stay alert and firm in my faith. Give me courage when I am afraid and strength when I am weak. Teach me to stand boldly for You while walking in love toward others. May my life reflect Your strength and steadfastness every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭24‬

Question
Are your words bringing sweetness and healing, or bitterness and harm, to those around you?

Context
In the book of Proverbs, Solomon teaches that wisdom isn’t just about knowledge, it’s about living rightly before God and others. In ancient times, honey was both a rare delicacy and a natural medicine. So when Solomon compares gracious words to honeycomb, he’s showing that our words have dual power. They can delight and heal.

Application
Your words are one of the most powerful tools God has given you. Everyday we have the choice to speak life or to speak hurt. When we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our speech, our words become like honey, sweet, soothing, and healing to those who hear them. Today, before you speak, pause and ask: “Will this bring healing or harm?” “Will this reflect Christ or my frustration?” Let your words be an overflow of His grace in you.

Truth For The Day
Words that come from a heart filled with Christ bring life, healing, and hope.

Pray
Lord, let my words today be filled with grace and truth. Help me to speak kindness when I’m tempted to be sharp, encouragement when others are discouraged, and wisdom that reflects Your heart. Make my tongue an instrument of healing and not harm. In Jesus’ name, amen.