Pastor Stephen Dedman

Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬

Question
Where is God calling you to choose obedience, even if you don’t yet see the outcome?

Context
Joseph stood at a crossroads. He knew the law, and he knew what the law allowed him to do. But Matthew tells us something deeper. Joseph was not only righteous, he was compassionate. Before the angel ever spoke, Joseph chose mercy. In a moment of confusion, disappointment, and personal loss, Joseph decided to act with grace.

Application
Obedience is often quiet. It rarely looks heroic in the moment. Joseph carried the weight of misunderstanding, wounded expectations, and unanswered questions. Yet he chose faithfulness without applause and kindness without explanation.

God often works through people who obey Him before they fully understand Him. Joseph did not yet know how the story would end, but heaven already knew his heart.

You may be facing a decision that feels heavy. One where doing the right thing is harder than doing the easy thing. Like Joseph, choose obedience rooted in trust. God sees what others do not, and He is always at work behind the scenes.

Truth For The Day
God honors quiet obedience, especially when it costs us something.

Pray
Lord, help me to trust You when obedience feels heavy and clarity feels distant. Give me a heart like Joseph’s, faithful, compassionate, and willing to follow You step by step. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭11‬

Question
What might change if you trusted Jesus to be your only source of joy today?

Context
Jesus speaks these words on the night before He would endure the cross. Knowing that suffering was coming, He did not promise comfort but promised joy. This joy is not based on happiness but a gift rooted in abiding relationship with Jesus.

Application
Advent joy can often be misunderstood. It is not loud cheer or forced smiles. It is the quiet confidence that Christ has come and remains with us. Even when days are heavy with burdens and answers are delayed, Jesus offers a joy that is full, and unshakable. His joy does not ignore pain; it outlasts it. Because He lives in us, joy is always accessible, no matter the circumstance.

Where have you been looking for joy lately? Today, pause and intentionally abide in Christ through prayer and worship. Joy grows when we stay close to Jesus.

Truth For The Day
Biblical joy is found in Christ’s presence, not perfect circumstances.

Pray
Lord, thank You for sharing Your joy with me. Help me to abide in You and trust You in every circumstance. Let Your joy be full in my heart today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬

Question
Where do you need to be reminded that God is present with you right now?

Context
Isaiah spoke these words during a time of fear and uncertainty. God’s people were facing threats from surrounding nations and struggling to trust Him. Into their anxiety, God gave them a promise, not just of deliverance, but of His presence. The name Immanuel means “God with us,” pointing forward to the birth of Jesus. At Christmas, this promise is fulfilled. God did not remain distant; He stepped into human history to dwell among us.

Application
Christmas reminds us that no situation is too dark, no fear is too heavy, and no season is too lonely for God’s presence. Jesus did not come to remove every difficulty immediately, but to walk with us through them. Whatever you are carrying today, stress, grief, uncertainty, just know that you are not carrying it alone. God is with you, just as He promised.

Truth for the Day
Because of Jesus, we are never alone; God is with us.

Pray
Lord, thank You for keeping Your promise by sending Jesus, Immanuel, God with us. Help me live today with the confidence that You are near. In moments of fear or weariness, remind me of Your presence and peace. Let my heart rest in the gift of Christ this Christmas season. In Jesus’ name, amen.