Pastor Stephen Dedman

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.

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Where in your life do you feel weak right now, and how can you invite God into that place?

Context
The apostle Paul wrote these words after pleading with God to remove a “thorn in the flesh” which was a persistent struggle or hardship. Instead of taking it away, God responded with a promise: His grace would be enough. Not only that, but God’s power would actually be displayed more clearly through Paul’s weakness.

Application
We often pray for strength by asking God to remove what’s hard. But sometimes, God chooses a different path, He gives us grace in the struggle rather than deliverance from it. Why? Because it’s in our weakest moments that we lean on Him the most.

Weakness isn’t something to hide from God, it’s where His power shows up best. When you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or inadequate, you’re actually in the perfect position to experience His strength.

Instead of asking, “God, why is this happening?” try asking, “God, how can Your power be revealed through this?” Lean into His grace today especially in the areas where you feel weakest.

Truth For The Day
God’s grace is enough for whatever you face today.

Pray
Lord, I admit my weakness to You. I can’t do this on my own, but I don’t have to because Your grace is enough. Show Your strength in my life today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.