Pastor Stephen Dedman

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are you living like you already have what God has given you, or are you striving as if you don’t?

Context
Paul writes to the Corinthian church contrasting human wisdom with God’s wisdom. He explains that God’s truth is revealed not through intellect but by the Holy Spirit. Believers have received the Spirit, enabling them to understand God’s freely given gifts, which remain hidden to those relying only on worldly thinking.

Application
It’s easy to live as if we’re lacking wisdom, direction, peace, or purpose. The world constantly tells us to strive harder, learn more, and prove ourselves in order to gain what we need. But this verse reminds us of a powerful truth: as believers, we are not operating with the spirit of the world. We have been given the very Spirit of God.

Too often, we live beneath what God has made available because we’re listening to the wrong voice. The Spirit of God leads us into clarity, confidence, and deeper relationship with Him. When we slow down and listen, He reminds us of who we are and what belongs to us as children of God.

Today, don’t strive to earn what God has already given. Instead, walk in the awareness of His Spirit within you. You are not empty—you are filled. You are not searching—you are receiving.

Truth For The Day
God’s Spirit in me reveals and reminds me of all that He has freely given.

Pray
Lord, thank You for living in me. Help me to listen to Your voice over the noise of the world. Open my eyes to see what God has already given and teach me to walk in it with confidence and faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What have you been treating as “gain” that might be distracting you from Christ?

Context
Paul had every reason to boast due to his status, knowledge, influence, and religious achievement. By the world’s standards, he had everything going for him. Yet he made a bold statement: all of it was loss compared to knowing Christ.

Application
We live in a world that celebrates more money, more recognition, more accomplishments. But Paul flips the script. He says the greatest gain in life isn’t what you accumulate, it’s who you know.

Sometimes we can unknowingly place value on things that don’t truly satisfy. We chase progress, approval, or security, thinking they’ll fulfill us. But in the end, none of it compares to a deep, personal relationship with Jesus. Paul didn’t say those things were evil, he said they were nothing in comparison.

When Jesus becomes your greatest gain, everything else finds its proper place. Take a moment to evaluate what you’ve been prioritizing and intentionally put Christ first in your decisions.

Truth For The Day
Nothing compares to knowing Jesus; He is my greatest gain.

Pray
Lord, help me to see my life through Your perspective. Shift my priorities where they’ve become misplaced, and teach me to value knowing You above everything else. You are my greatest treasure. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What does your current “treasure” reveal about where your heart has been?

Context
Today’s verse comes from Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5–7), where He is shaping the inner life of His followers, not just their actions, but their motives and priorities. Starting in verse 19, He contrasts earthly treasures with heavenly treasures. In verse 21, He explains why this matters. This is important because in that culture, many believed wealth was a sign of God’s favor. But Jesus flips that idea, teaching that earthly wealth can actually compete with your relationship with God. Affections, priorities, and spiritual direction are all tied to what you treasure.

Application
I often hear people say, “Follow your heart.” But Jesus teaches something deeper, your heart actually follows your treasure. In other words, what you invest your time in, your energy on, your money with, or your attention on will shape what you love most.

If your treasure is in success, your heart will be consumed by achievement. If your treasure is in comfort, your heart will chase ease. But when your treasure is placed in the things of God, your heart begins to align with Him.

Do you want a stronger relationship with God? Invest time in His Word. Want a deeper prayer life? Give your attention to it daily. Want your heart to shift? Start placing your treasure in the right place.

Truth For The Day
Your heart will always follow what you value most.

Pray
Lord, help me to place my treasure in things that matter for eternity. Align my heart with Yours and redirect my focus when it drifts. Teach me to invest in what truly matters. In Jesus’ name, Amen.