Pastor Stephen Dedman

But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭41‬-‭42‬

Question
What are you giving your time and attention to that might be keeping you from simply being with Jesus?

Context
Jesus went to the home of Martha and Mary in Bethany. Martha, eager to serve and show hospitality, was busy preparing the meal. Mary, on the other hand, sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to His words. Martha grew frustrated that Mary wasn’t helping and asked Jesus to tell her to stop what she was doing and assist. Instead, Jesus “gently” corrected Martha, reminding her that Mary had chosen to spend time in His presence. This moment captures a timeless tension: doing for Jesus vs. being with Jesus.

Application
Life will often feel like Martha’s kitchen, being busy and frustrated. It could even include the ministry of serving others, but it can distract us from the one thing that matters most: intimacy with Christ.

Jesus wasn’t rebuking Martha for serving; He was inviting her to rest. He wanted her to understand that His presence was the most important thing. When we choose to sit with Jesus, we gain the peace that prepares us to serve with joy instead of stress.

Truth For The Day
Time spent with Jesus is foundational for everything else in life.

Prayer
Lord, quiet my heart today. In the middle of my busyness, help me remember what truly matters and that’s being with You. Teach me to choose Your presence over my distractions and Your Word over my worries. Restore my peace and renew my focus as I sit at Your feet. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭12‬:‭22‬

Question
Are you someone others can trust to tell the truth, even when it’s inconvenient?

Context
Proverbs is a book of wisdom meant to guide us toward godly living. In this verse, Solomon contrasts the heart of God with the ways of man. The world often values half-truths, exaggerations, or convenient lies to get ahead. But God, who is truth Himself (John 14:6), detests deception in any form. Honesty isn’t just a moral preference, it reflects the very nature of God

Application
Integrity is tested most when it costs something, when telling the truth may lead to loss, embarrassment, or conflict. Yet, walking in truth brings freedom and peace that deceit never can. God delights in those who are trustworthy because their lives mirror His faithfulness.

In our daily interactions, whether at work, home, or in ministry, truth should be our language. When we choose honesty, we honor God and strengthen our witness before others.

Truth For The Day
God delights in truth because truth reflects His heart. Living with honesty draws us closer to Him.

Pray
Lord, help me to be a person of integrity. Guard my lips from falsehood and my heart from deceit. Let my words and actions bring You delight as I walk in truth each day. Teach me to value honesty as You do and to reflect Your faithfulness in all I say and do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭90‬:‭12‬

Question
If today were your last day, what would you want to have said, done, or made right?

Context
Psalm 90 is unique as it’s the only psalm written by Moses. In it, Moses reflects on the eternal nature of God and the brief, fragile nature of human life. He sees how quickly generations rise and fall and prays that God would help His people live wisely in the limited time they have. It’s a psalm that brings perspective, reminding us that our days are not endless, and wisdom comes when we live with eternity in mind.

Application
It’s easy to live as if tomorrow is guaranteed. We fill our schedules, chase after temporary things, and forget that life is a gift measured by days, not decades. Moses’s prayer isn’t just about counting days, it’s about making our days count.

When we recognize the brevity of life, we begin to value what truly matters. Wisdom grows in the soil of humility, when we remember we are temporary, and God is eternal.

Truth For The Day
A wise heart doesn’t come from knowing how long we will live, it comes from knowing why we live.

Pray
Lord, teach me to number my days. Help me not to waste time on things that don’t matter. Give me a heart of wisdom to live each day in step with Your purpose. Remind me that life is short, but eternity is long. In Jesus’ name, amen.