Pastor Stephen Dedman

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭4‬

Question
What competes with your time and attention that pulls you away from abiding in Christ?

Context
Using a familiar Old Testament image, Jesus describes Himself as the true vine, the Father as the gardener, and believers as the branches. In the Old Testament, Israel was often called God’s vine (Psalm 80; Isaiah 5), but Israel failed to produce faithful fruit. By calling Himself the true vine, Jesus declares that life, fruitfulness, and faithfulness now come through Him, not through religious systems or heritage.

Application
Life moves fast, and it’s easy to measure our days by productivity, results, or how much we get done. Yet Jesus invites us into a different rhythm, not striving first, but abiding. A branch does not strain to produce fruit; it simply stays connected to the vine. Fruit is the natural result of connection, not effort alone.

When we feel dry, weary, or unproductive spiritually, the issue is often not effort but proximity. We may be busy for Christ while neglecting time with Christ. Abiding means remaining or staying close through prayer, Scripture, obedience, and trust, even when life feels ordinary or hard.

Take a few intentional moments today to “abide.” Open God’s Word without rushing. Whisper a prayer throughout the day. Choose obedience in one small area. Let your relationship with Christ shape your actions rather than trying to power through on your own.

Truth For The Day
Fruitfulness flows from connection, not pressure.

Pray
Lord, help me remain in You today. Teach me to rest in Your presence and trust that fruit will come as I stay connected to You. Prune what distracts me and deepen my dependence on You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭14‬:‭14

Question
What would it look like for you to trust God more fully in the situation you are trying hardest to control?

Context
These words were spoken by Moses at a moment of intense pressure. Israel stood trapped between the Red Sea and the advancing Egyptian army. Fear was at an all time high. There were no other options. Yet God was not absent, He was preparing to act. Before the sea parted, before the miracle unfolded, God called His people to trust Him in stillness.

Application
Stillness is one of the hardest disciplines of faith. We are wired to fix, move, explain, and control. But God often does His greatest work when we stop striving and start trusting. Being still does not mean being passive; it means resting confidently in who God is and what He has promised. When we quiet our hearts before Him, we make room to see His power at work.

Whatever battle are you may be facing today, pause and surrender it to the Lord. Pray before you plan. Trust before you act. Let God fight the battles that are beyond your strength, wisdom, or control.

Truth For The Day
God is at work even when you are standing still.

Pray
Lord, help me to be still when fear rises and pressure mounts. Teach me to trust You when I cannot see a way forward. I place my battles in Your hands today, believing that You are faithful to fight for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭16‬:‭10‬

Question
What “small thing” is God asking you to be faithful with right now?

Context
Jesus speaks these words while teaching about stewardship and trust. He reminds His listeners that faithfulness is not proven in moments of spotlight, but in everyday responsibilities. God watches how we handle what seems small because those moments reveal the condition of our hearts.

Application
The new year often tempts us to think big, big goals, big plans, big changes. While vision is important, Jesus draws our attention to the unnoticed moments: daily obedience, quiet integrity, and consistent faithfulness.

Most spiritual growth doesn’t happen in dramatic leaps but in steady steps. Praying when no one sees. Speaking truth when it would be easier to stay silent. Choosing obedience when it costs us comfort. These “small” decisions are where God does His deepest work.

God isn’t asking you to carry everything at once. He’s asking you to be faithful with what’s in front of you today.

Truth For The Day
Faithfulness today prepares you for greater responsibility tomorrow.

Pray
Lord, help me to value faithfulness over recognition. Teach me to honor You in the small, unseen moments of my life. Shape my heart to trust You daily and to walk in obedience, one step at a time. In Jesus’ name, Amen.