Pastor Stephen Dedman

He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭19‬:‭18‬-‭19‬

One day a rich young man asked Jesus what good thing he must do to obtain eternal life. Jesus responded by listing several commandments, including those related to relationships with others (such as not murdering, committing adultery, stealing, bearing false witness, and honoring parents) and one that includes love for both God and neighbor (loving one’s neighbor as oneself).

Jesus affirms the importance of following the commandments related to interpersonal relationships, emphasizing the need for love, honesty, and respect in our interactions with others.

Firstly, Jesus underscores the sanctity of human life and the value of preserving it by commanding against murder. He emphasizes the sacredness of the marital bond by prohibiting adultery and emphasizes honesty and integrity through the prohibitions against stealing and bearing false witness.

Furthermore, Jesus highlights the significance of honoring one’s parents, recognizing the role of family relationships in shaping our lives and society. But perhaps most importantly, Jesus concludes His response by pointing to the overarching principle of love: loving one’s neighbor as oneself.

Loving one’s neighbor as oneself goes beyond mere adherence to a set of rules; it requires genuine care, compassion, and empathy for others. It calls us to treat others with the same kindness, grace, and respect that we desire for ourselves.

Today, let us commit ourselves to loving God and loving others, knowing that in doing so, we fulfill the greatest commandments of all.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the guidance You provide through Your Word. Help me to be characterized by love, honesty, and respect for others. Enable me to honor You by loving my neighbors as myself, reflecting Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭3‬:‭11‬

John the Baptist proclaimed the coming of the Messiah and prepared the way for His ministry. He baptized people with water as a symbol of repentance, but he prophesied that Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, signifying a deeper, transformative work in the hearts and lives of believers.

John the Baptist contrasts his baptism with water, which symbolizes repentance and cleansing from sin, with the baptism that Jesus will bring—a baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire. This baptism represents the impartation of the Holy Spirit’s power and presence, which brings about spiritual renewal, empowerment, and transformation.

As Christians, we are called to experience this baptism of the Holy Spirit, which is not merely an external ritual but a deep and inward work of God in our hearts and lives. The Holy Spirit gives us power to live as disciples of Jesus, enabling us to bear fruit, overcome sin, and walk in obedience to God’s will. He convicts us of sin, leads us into truth, and empowers us to live lives that glorify God.

The baptism of the Holy Spirit represents a purifying fire that refines and purges us from all that hinders our relationship with God. It burns away impurities, strengthens our faith, and empowers us to live boldly for Christ. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we are transformed into the image of Christ, becoming more like Him in character and conduct.

Today, let us invite the Holy Spirit to come and fill us anew, empowering us to live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the promise of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which brings transformation and empowerment. Fill me with Your Spirit today, and purify me with Your refining fire. Help me to walk in obedience to Your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭12‬:‭22‬

In Proverbs 12, Solomon provides wisdom on various aspects of life, including the importance of honesty and integrity in our words and actions. In verse 22, he contrasts lying with the delight that God takes in those who walk in truth.

As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His character in every aspect of our lives, including our speech and conduct. Lying and deceit are not only morally wrong but are also an insult to God, who is the embodiment of truth and righteousness.

In a world where dishonesty and deception are often normalized or even celebrated, the call to walk in truth stands in contrast to popular culture. As Christians, we are called to be people of integrity, whose words can be trusted and whose actions are consistent with our beliefs. Our commitment to truthfulness not only honors God but also serves as a powerful witness to those around us.

Let’s examine our own hearts and lives, asking God to reveal any areas where we may be tempted to compromise our integrity. May we strive to be people of honesty and integrity in all that we do, knowing that our commitment to truthfulness brings delight to the heart of our Heavenly Father.

Pray

Lord, forgive me for any dishonesty or deceitfulness. Help me to walk in truth and integrity, honoring You with my life. Let my commitment to honesty bring delight to Your heart and draw others to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.