Pastor Stephen Dedman

For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭103‬:‭14‬ ‭NKJV

Question
Where have you been expecting yourself to be stronger than God expects you to be?

Context
In Psalm 103, David praises the Lord for His mercy, forgiveness, and compassion. Right in the middle of celebrating God’s benefits, he reminds us of this powerful truth: God knows our frame. There is something deeply comforting about being fully known and still fully loved. He knows how we are built. He understands our weaknesses. He remembers that we are dust.

Application
God does not expect you to be steel when you are dust. He does not treat you as indestructible when He knows you are fragile. When you feel tired, overwhelmed, emotionally stretched, or spiritually worn, you are not disappointing Him. He already knows.

The phrase “He remembers” means He acts with awareness. He deals with us tenderly because He understands our human nature. His compassion is intentional.

Your limits do not frustrate Him. Your fatigue does not surprise Him. Your humanity does not disqualify you. Today, rest in this truth: the God who formed you handles you gently.

Truth For The Day
God’s compassion is shaped by His perfect understanding of your weakness.

Pray
Lord, thank You for knowing my frame. Thank You that You remember I am dust and treat me with compassion. Help me rest in Your understanding instead of striving in my own strength. In Jesus’ name, amen.

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?
‭‭Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
If grace has set you free, what would it look like to live in freedom today?

Context
In Paul’s letter to the believers in Rome, he had just declared the overwhelming power of God’s grace. In chapter 5, he taught that where sin increased, grace increased even more. Anticipating a misunderstanding, Paul asks a sharp question in 6:1: If grace covers sin, should we just keep sinning?

This question exposes a heart issue. Grace is not a license to sin, rather it is the power to leave it behind. Paul’s argument is clear: when we are united with Christ, we are no longer slaves to sin. Grace doesn’t make sin attractive; it makes holiness possible.

Application
Grace changes our relationship with sin. Before Christ, sin was our master. After Christ, sin is no longer our identity. When we understand what Jesus has done, we don’t want to exploit grace, we want to honor it.

Obedience is a response to grace. We don’t pursue holiness to earn salvation; we pursue holiness because we have received it. Grace is not permission to drift; it is power to walk in newness of life.

Truth For The Day
Because of Jesus, I am no longer bound to sin. Grace empowers me to live differently.

Pray
Lord, thank You for Your amazing grace. Forgive me for the times I have taken it lightly. Help me to see sin for what it is and grace for what it truly offers which is freedom. Make me alive to righteousness and dead to the things that once held me captive. In Jesus’ name, amen.

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭84‬:‭11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Is there something you’ve been frustrated about that you need to trust back into God’s hands?

Context
Psalm 84 is a song of longing for the presence of God. The psalmist expresses deep desire to dwell in the courts of the Lord. This verse comes as a declaration of confidence, not just in God’s presence, but in God’s character. He is described as both sun (provider of light and life) and shield (protector and defender).

Application
Sometimes we wrestle with the idea that God is holding something back from us. A door closes. A prayer seems delayed. An opportunity passes. In those moments, the enemy whispers, “God is withholding something good.”

But Psalm 84:11 corrects that lie. God is a sun. He illuminates what you need and warms what feels cold in your life. God is a shield. He blocks what would harm you, even when you don’t see it coming.

If something hasn’t happened yet, it may be because God is shielding. If something has been delayed, it may be because He is preparing you for glory, not just gratification.

Notice the promise: “No good thing will He withhold.” If He has withheld it, then in His wisdom, it is not good for you right now.

Truth For The Day
God is not depriving you. He is directing and protecting you.

Pray
Lord, thank You for being both my sun and my shield. When I don’t understand delays or closed doors, remind me that You are good and You are faithful. Help me to walk uprightly and trust that You will provide every good thing at the right time. In Jesus’ name, amen.