Pastor Stephen Dedman

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.
‭‭Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬

Question
Can people recognize that you have been with Jesus?

Context
Peter and John stood before religious leaders who were educated, powerful, and influential. By every human standard, they did not measure up. They were ordinary men. Yet what astonished the leaders was not their knowledge or credentials, but their boldness.

The difference was simple and profound: they had been with Jesus. The confidence Peter and John displayed did not come from education or experience, it came from a relationship. Their words, their actions, and their courage all bore the unmistakable mark of having walked closely with Jesus.

Application
Faith is not about impressing others with what we know; it’s about living in such a way that others can see who we have been with. When we consistently spend time in God’s presence through prayer, Scripture, and obedience, our lives begin to reflect Christ more clearly.

You may feel unqualified, inadequate, or overlooked. Take heart. God delights in using ordinary people who are willing to walk closely with Him. The world does not need more impressive Christians; it needs recognizable ones.

Truth For The Day
A life spent with Jesus will always leave a visible mark.

Pray
Lord, help me to spend time daily in Your presence. Shape my words, my actions, and my courage so that others may recognize that I belong to You. Use my ordinary life to reflect Your extraordinary grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭103‬:‭12‬

Question
Are you holding onto guilt for something God has already forgiven?

Context
Psalm 103 is a song of praise written by David, calling God’s people to remember the benefits of the Lord. David highlights God’s compassion, mercy, and forgiveness, emphasizing that God does not treat us as our sins deserve. The imagery of the east and west communicates complete and irreversible removal of sin, assuring believers of God’s gracious character.

Application
Receive God’s forgiveness with gratitude and humility. Instead of rehearsing past failures, intentionally walk in obedience and freedom today. When guilt resurfaces, respond by thanking God for His forgiveness and choosing to live differently because of His grace, not in an attempt to earn it.

Truth For The Day
Because of Jesus, my sins are fully forgiven and no longer define me.

Pray
Lord, thank You for the gift of forgiveness through Jesus. Help me to walk today in the freedom You have given, not in guilt or fear. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬

Question
Are you positioning your life to hear and receive what God wants to do, or are you too busy to wait on Him?

Context
Acts 2 records the events of Pentecost. The disciples were gathered in Jerusalem, waiting just as Jesus had instructed them. They were waiting and praying in obedience. Into that ordinary room came an extraordinary interruption: a sound from heaven, like a violent rushing wind. In Scripture, wind often symbolizes the Spirit of God (Genesis 1:2; Ezekiel 37:9). This moment marked the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. What began in a quiet room became the birth of the Church.

Application
God often moves suddenly, but rarely without preparation. The disciples did not manufacture the wind; they positioned themselves to receive it. Likewise, spiritual power is not produced by striving but by surrender. When we wait on the Lord, through prayer, obedience, and unity, we make room for God to move in ways we cannot predict or control. The same Spirit who filled that house desires to fill our lives today, empowering us to live boldly, love deeply, and witness faithfully.

Truth For The Day
When God moves, He brings heaven’s power into ordinary places for ordinary people.

Pray
Lord, teach me to wait on You with expectation and obedience. Quiet my heart from distractions and self-reliance. Fill my life with Your Holy Spirit, that I may walk in Your power and purpose. I want to be ready when You move. In Jesus’ name, Amen.