Pastor Stephen Dedman

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬

Question
What decision are you currently facing that you need to bring before God instead of handling on your own?

Context
James wrote to believers who were facing pressure, uncertainty, and hardship. Rather than promising quick relief, James points them to a dependable promise: God gives wisdom freely to those who ask. This wisdom is not hidden or reserved for the spiritually elite, it is generously available to every child of God who recognizes their need.

Application
We often rush into decisions relying on instinct, experience, or emotion, and only pray after things become complicated. God invites us to reverse that order. Wisdom begins when we pause and ask Him first. Whether the decision is large or small, God promises guidance without criticism or shame. Today is an opportunity to slow down, acknowledge your need, and trust that God delights in leading you.

Truth For The Day
God’s wisdom is not earned through strength—it is received through humility.

Pray
Lord, I confess that I often rely on my own understanding. Teach me to pause, pray, and seek Your wisdom first. Thank You for Your promise to guide me generously and faithfully. Help me to walk in obedience to Your Word today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭38‬-‭39‬

Question
What circumstances in your life have caused you to question God’s love?

Context
Romans 8 is Paul’s great declaration of assurance for believers. After addressing suffering, weakness, and spiritual warfare, Paul ends the chapter with an unshakable promise: God’s love in Christ is secure. These words were written to believers facing persecution, hardship, and uncertainty. Paul reminds them that circumstances do not define God’s love; Christ’s finished work does.

Application
Many believers live as though God’s love must be earned or maintained by performance. When we fail, we question His affection. When life is hard, we doubt His care. But Scripture tells us that God’s love is not fragile. It does not loosen its grip when life shakes us. Today, rest in the truth that God’s love is not based on how well you hold on to Him—but on how firmly He holds on to you.

Truth For The Day
God’s love is not a feeling He has toward you, it is a promise He has made to you.

Pray
Lord, thank You for a love that cannot be broken, weakened, or taken away. Forgive me for measuring Your love by my circumstances or performance. Help me to live today confident, secure, and at rest in Your unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬

Question
Where might God be calling you to live or speak unashamed of the gospel today?

Context
Paul wrote these words to the Roman believers living in a city marked by power, pride, and pressure to conform. To openly identify with the gospel in that culture required courage. Yet Paul declared that he is not ashamed. Why? Because the gospel is not merely a message to be admired; it is the power of God to save, transform, and give life.

Application
Being unashamed does not mean being loud or confrontational. t means being convinced. Convinced that the message of Jesus is still good news in a hurting world. Convinced that God still saves, still changes hearts, and still works through ordinary people who trust Him.

Ask yourself where you may be tempted to shrink back at work, in conversations, or in quiet moments when faith could be spoken but isn’t. Remember that the power is not in your eloquence or confidence, but in the gospel itself. Today, choose to live unashamed, trusting God to work through your obedience.

Truth For The Day
The gospel doesn’t need to be defended; it needs to be declared.

Pray
Lord, thank You for the gospel that saved me and continues to shape my life. Remove any fear or hesitation that keeps me silent. Help me live with humble boldness, confident that Your power is at work through Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.