Pastor Stephen Dedman

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts.
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭21‬:‭2‬

Question
Where is God inviting you to look deeper, not at what you’ve done, but at the motive behind it?

Context
Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings largely attributed to Solomon. Chapter 21 focuses on the contrast between human wisdom and God’s wisdom showing that while people often judge themselves based on outward actions or intentions, God looks deeper. This verse reminds Israel (and us) that self-evaluation is limited and often biased. True righteousness is not measured by how we see ourselves, but how God sees our hearts.

Application
It’s easy to justify our choices, motives, and attitudes. We often assume we’re right because our intentions “felt” right. But Proverbs 21:2 calls us to humility and inviting God to examine what we cannot see. This means slowing down before decisions, checking our motives, and asking: “Is this pleasing to God, or just pleasing to me?”

It challenges us to welcome conviction rather than avoid it. When our heart is aligned with God’s truth, our actions will follow. When it’s not, God lovingly redirects us if we allow Him to.

Truth
God sees beyond our excuses, our intentions, and our self-justification. He examines the heart, and His evaluation is the only one that leads us into righteousness and wisdom.

Pray
Lord, examine my heart today. Reveal any hidden motives, pride, or areas where I have justified myself instead of submitting to You. Purify my intentions and align my desires with Your truth. Lead me in wisdom so my actions reflect a heart that honors You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

So God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them: “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭9‬:‭1‬

Question
What new area of my life do I need to trust God to bless and multiply?

Context
After the flood, the world was empty, silent, and starting over. But before Noah ever planted the first crop, built a house, or settled the land, God spoke a blessing over him and his family.

The first words Noah heard in his new season of life were not instructions, warnings, or corrections, they were words of blessing, fruitfulness, and increase.

Noah did not step into a familiar world. Everything had changed. But God’s blessing was upon him. God blessed Adam in the beginning, and after the flood, God blessed Noah.

Application
Your life may not look like it once did. Maybe you’re rebuilding hope, faith, finances, relationships, or purpose. But God specializes in fresh starts, and He meets you at the beginning of every new season with a blessing.

Ask yourself today: “Where is God calling me to begin again?” Maybe it’s your prayer life… your mindset… your ministry… your home… your confidence. Wherever the new beginning is, step into it boldly, knowing God has already spoken a blessing over it.

Truth For The Day
When God brings you into a new season, He brings you into it with His blessing.

Pray
Lord, thank You for being the God of new beginnings. Just as You blessed Noah in a brand–new season, bless this season of my life. Help me walk in Your promise of fruitfulness, increase, and purpose. Give me courage to rebuild, strength to move forward, and faith to believe that greater is coming. I receive Your blessing today in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬

Question
What area of your life do you need to “stand fast” in and refuse to return to old patterns?

Context
Freedom is one of the most beautiful gifts God gives His people. But the freedom Paul speaks of in Galatians 5:1 is not political, emotional, or even physical, it’s spiritual. Christ has broken every chain that sin, guilt, shame, and legalism once wrapped around our lives. He didn’t set us partially free or conditionally free; He set us completely free.

Application
Paul warns us because he knows how easy it is to slip back into old patterns. Sometimes we drift back toward trying to earn God’s approval by our works. Sometimes we return to habits or mindsets that Christ already delivered us from. Freedom requires firmness as Paul says, “Stand fast.” Hold your ground. Protect the liberty Jesus died to give you.

Christ didn’t free you so you could wander back into bondage; He freed you so you could walk confidently in grace, live boldly in purpose, and serve joyfully out of love not fear.

Today, stand firm in the truth that you are accepted, forgiven, and empowered. The chains you feel tugging on you have already been broken. Don’t let the enemy, your past, or your own thoughts convince you otherwise.

Truth For The Day
You are free because Christ has made you free, so today, you don’t have to live under anything He already broke off your life.

Pray
Lord, thank You for the freedom You purchased for me through Jesus. Help me to stand firm in that liberty and not return to the things that once held me captive. Strengthen my mind, steady my heart, and remind me daily that I am free indeed. Let my life be a testimony of Your grace and power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.