Pastor Stephen Dedman

Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭21‬:‭5‬

Question
What area of your life do you need to trust God to make new?

Context
Revelation is often associated with judgment, mystery, and the end of all things. Interesting though, it is a book of hope. In this moment, God speaks from the throne, not words of destruction, but words of renewal. He does not say He will destroy what is broken; He says He will make it new.

Application
This promise reaches beyond the future and into today. God is still in the business of restoration, renewing hearts, healing wounds, and redeeming what feels beyond repair. What feels final to us is never final to Him. The same God who will one day renew creation is already at work renewing you.

When tomorrow feels heavy with yesterday’s failures or today’s uncertainties, remember: God’s work is not finished. His words are “trustworthy and true,” and His renewal is certain.

Truth for the Day
God’s power to renew is greater than the past or present struggles.

Pray
Lord, thank You that You are seated on the throne and still at work. I trust You with what feels broken in my life. Renew my heart, restore my hope, and help me live today in the confidence that You make all things new. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.
‭‭Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬

Question
Can people recognize that you have been with Jesus?

Context
Peter and John stood before religious leaders who were educated, powerful, and influential. By every human standard, they did not measure up. They were ordinary men. Yet what astonished the leaders was not their knowledge or credentials, but their boldness.

The difference was simple and profound: they had been with Jesus. The confidence Peter and John displayed did not come from education or experience, it came from a relationship. Their words, their actions, and their courage all bore the unmistakable mark of having walked closely with Jesus.

Application
Faith is not about impressing others with what we know; it’s about living in such a way that others can see who we have been with. When we consistently spend time in God’s presence through prayer, Scripture, and obedience, our lives begin to reflect Christ more clearly.

You may feel unqualified, inadequate, or overlooked. Take heart. God delights in using ordinary people who are willing to walk closely with Him. The world does not need more impressive Christians; it needs recognizable ones.

Truth For The Day
A life spent with Jesus will always leave a visible mark.

Pray
Lord, help me to spend time daily in Your presence. Shape my words, my actions, and my courage so that others may recognize that I belong to You. Use my ordinary life to reflect Your extraordinary grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭103‬:‭12‬

Question
Are you holding onto guilt for something God has already forgiven?

Context
Psalm 103 is a song of praise written by David, calling God’s people to remember the benefits of the Lord. David highlights God’s compassion, mercy, and forgiveness, emphasizing that God does not treat us as our sins deserve. The imagery of the east and west communicates complete and irreversible removal of sin, assuring believers of God’s gracious character.

Application
Receive God’s forgiveness with gratitude and humility. Instead of rehearsing past failures, intentionally walk in obedience and freedom today. When guilt resurfaces, respond by thanking God for His forgiveness and choosing to live differently because of His grace, not in an attempt to earn it.

Truth For The Day
Because of Jesus, my sins are fully forgiven and no longer define me.

Pray
Lord, thank You for the gift of forgiveness through Jesus. Help me to walk today in the freedom You have given, not in guilt or fear. In Jesus’ name, Amen.