Pastor Stephen Dedman

holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭16‬

In the letter to the Philippians, Paul encourages believers to hold fast to the word of life. This call reminds us that our lives should be lived with purpose and dedication.

The “word of life” that Paul refers to is the Gospel, the message of salvation and hope found in Jesus Christ. In a world full of despair and uncertainty, our faith, in Christ, should draw others towards the source of true life.

Being a light in the world is not always easy. Challenges, distractions, and the many temptations that surround us, dim our spiritual glow. The enemy seeks to make us think that our labor is in vain. 

It is in these moments that Paul’s challenge becomes even more critical. To “hold fast” implies a firm grip, a strong commitment to the truth of the Gospel, and a deep devotion to Christ.

By holding fast to the word of life, we position ourselves with God’s purposes and find joy in knowing that our efforts are not in vain. Our lives take on eternal significance when we become faithful stewards of the Gospel, spreading its message through both words and actions.

Examine yourself to see if you are truly holding fast to the word of life. Are you living in a way that reflects the light of Christ? Are your actions, attitudes, and words drawing others closer to Jesus?

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your word, which brings life and hope into my soul. Help me to hold fast to the Gospel, to remain committed in my faith. Make my life to be a testimony to your goodness and grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Lift up your eyes on high, And see who has created these things, Who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name, By the greatness of His might And the strength of His power; Not one is missing.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭26‬

In the busyness of life, we often find ourselves absorbed in the immediate, consumed with the demands and responsibilities of the day. Yet, Isaiah urges us to pause, to lift our gaze beyond the mundane, and to fix our eyes upon the heavenly display of our Creator.

Consider the magnitude of these words – the One who flung the stars into existence, who set each celestial body in its course, knows them all by name. The vastness of the universe is not a random occurrence; it is a meticulously crafted masterpiece. In the same way, the God who governs galaxies is intimately acquainted with every detail of our lives.

As we ponder the magnitude of God’s creative power, a sense of awe and reverence fills our hearts. The stars declare His glory, and we are reminded that our lives are intricately woven into His divine masterpiece. The Creator who fashioned the cosmos is not a distant deity but a God who calls us by name, guiding us through the journey of life.

In the midst of life’s challenges, uncertainties, and joys, let us anchor our faith in the unchanging character of the One who spoke the stars into existence. Lift your eyes, not just to the stars, but to the Author of your story. Trust in the greatness of His might and the strength of His power. Not one detail of your life escapes His notice, for you are fearfully and wonderfully made by the hands that flung the stars across the heavens.

Pray

Lord, I stand in awe of Your mighty power. Teach me to trust in Your sovereignty and find comfort in the knowledge that not one detail of my life escapes Your loving gaze. In moments of uncertainty, may Your presence be my anchor. In Jesus’ name, amen.

I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭30‬:‭19‬

In today’s verse, God places before us a profound reality: the power to choose life or death, blessing or cursing.

The invitation to choose life is displayed throughout the pages of the Bible. God gives us the freedom to shape our destiny within the boundaries of His divine will. Every decision we make contributes to the overall purpose He has for our lives.

The context of this verse is Moses addressing the Israelites, urging them to obey God’s commandments and to choose life that they and their descendants may live. Similarly, in our journey of faith, God invites us to align our choices with His will, to walk in obedience, and to embrace the abundant life He offers.

Choosing life involves more than just the continuation of our physical existence; it involves the fullness of life that God desires for us. It’s a life marked by love, joy, peace, and purpose.

What does it mean for us to choose life today? It means seeking God’s guidance in our decisions, aligning our choices with His principles, and trusting in His promises. It’s a daily surrender of our will to His, acknowledging that He knows what is best for us. In every crossroad, big or small, we have the opportunity to choose the path that leads to life.

Heaven and earth bear witness to our choices, and God, our loving Father, beckons us to choose life. In doing so, we not only experience the richness of His blessings but also become channels of His life-giving love to those around us.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of choice. Help me to choose life in every decision I make. May my heart be aligned to Your will, and may I walk in obedience to Your Word. Grant me the wisdom to discern the paths that lead to life. In Jesus’ name, amen.