Pastor Stephen Dedman

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3‬:‭26‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are you living each day trying to earn God’s acceptance, or are you resting in the confidence that you already belong to Him through faith in Christ?

Context
Paul wrote the book of Galatians to confront false teachers who claimed that faith in Christ alone was not enough for salvation. They insisted that believers also needed to keep the Old Testament law, particularly circumcision, to be fully accepted by God. Paul passionately refutes this teaching, explaining that no one is made right with God by works of the law. Instead, salvation is received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. In Galatians 3, Paul points to Abraham as an example of faith and reminds believers that everyone who trusts in Christ is adopted into God’s family. Our identity is not earned by religious performance but received through faith.

Application
The world often tells us that our value is determined by what we accomplish, how much we own, or what others think about us. Even as Christians, we can fall into the trap of believing that God loves us more when we perform well spiritually and less when we struggle.

Galatians 3:26 reminds us that our greatest identity is not found in our successes or failures but in our relationship with Christ. Through faith, we have become children of God. That means we are loved, accepted, forgiven, and secure because Jesus made it possible through His death and resurrection.

Knowing that we belong to God’s family changes the way we live. We don’t obey Him to earn His love; we obey because we already have His love. We don’t serve out of fear of rejection but out of gratitude for the grace we’ve received.

Truth For The Day
Your identity is not defined by your performance but by your position as a beloved child of God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Pray
Lord, thank You for adopting me into Your family through faith in Jesus Christ. Help me to rest in the security of being Your child and not place my identity in my accomplishments or failures. Teach me to live each day with gratitude for Your grace and to reflect Your love to those around me. Thank You that I am accepted, forgiven, and forever Yours because of Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭19‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Question
Is there an area of your life where you need to release your plans and trust God’s purpose instead?

Context
The book of Proverbs is a collection of God-given wisdom that teaches us how to live with discernment and reverence for the Lord. In Proverbs 19, Solomon contrasts human thinking with God’s sovereign wisdom. While planning is encouraged throughout Scripture, this verse reminds us that our plans are never greater than God’s purpose. We may carefully organize our future, but the Lord ultimately directs history according to His perfect will.

Application
Most of us have experienced the disappointment of plans that never came together. A job opportunity falls through, a relationship changes, or a dream takes an unexpected turn. In those moments, it’s easy to question God. Yet Proverbs 19:21 reminds us that God’s purpose is never threatened by our setbacks. Sometimes He redirects us not because He is withholding something good, but because He is leading us to something better. Our responsibility is to plan wisely, pray faithfully, and trust Him completely with the outcome. Peace comes when we surrender our agenda to His greater plan.

Truth For The Day
God’s purpose is always greater than your plans, and His will is always worthy of your trust.

Pray
Lord, thank You for being sovereign over every detail of my life. Help me to make wise plans while keeping my heart surrendered to Your will. When my expectations are interrupted, remind me that Your purpose is always better than my own. Give me faith to trust You even when I cannot see what You are doing. May my life reflect confidence in Your perfect plan. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For we walk by faith, not by sight.
‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What area of your life is God asking you to trust Him with instead of relying only on what you can see?

Context
In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul reminds believers that this world is not our permanent home. He speaks of the hope of eternity, the promise of a glorified body, and the confidence we have because of Christ. Although we cannot yet see everything God has prepared for us, we live with the assurance that His promises are true.

Application
Most of us prefer to walk by sight. We want clear answers, guaranteed outcomes, and visible proof that everything will work out. But the Christian life rarely unfolds that way. God often calls us to take the next step before revealing the entire path.

Walking by faith means choosing obedience even when the destination is unclear. It means believing God’s Word over our fears, His promises over our doubts, and His presence over our feelings. Every step of faith deepens our dependence on Him and strengthens our testimony to others.

Truth For The Day
Faith is trusting God’s promises even when you cannot yet see His plan.

Pray
Lord, thank You for being faithful even when I cannot see what You are doing. Help me to trust Your promises more than my circumstances. Give me the courage to obey You one step at a time, knowing that You are guiding my path. Strengthen my faith, calm my fears, and remind me that Your plans are always good. May my life reflect confidence in You rather than confidence in what I can see. In Jesus’ name, Amen.