Pastor Stephen Dedman

And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3‬:‭29‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Question
Are you trying to earn God’s approval?

Context
Paul is confronting the idea that believers must follow the Law to truly belong to God. Some were teaching that faith in Christ was not enough and that identity came through heritage and rule-keeping. Paul reminds them about the promise God made to Abrahawas always rooted in faith. Long before the Law, Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness. Now, through Christ, that same promise extends to everyone who believes.

Belonging is not earned. It is received.

Application
One of the deepest human needs is to belong. We try to find identity in family, success, reputation, culture, and achievement. But all of those can change. Paul anchors our identity in something unshakable: “You belong to Christ.”

If you belong to Christ you are not an outsider. You are not spiritually second-class. You are not trying to earn your place. You are an heir.

An heir doesn’t beg for inheritance. An heir receives what has already been secured. Through Jesus, the promises of God are not distant hopes, they are your inheritance. Your identity is not fragile. It is rooted in Christ.

Truth For The Day
If you belong to Christ, you already belong in the family of God and every promise attached to that family is yours through Him.

Pray
Lord, thank You that my identity is secure in Christ. Help me live from belonging, not striving. Remind me that I am an heir to Your promises, not because of my performance, but because of Your grace. Teach me to walk confidently as Your child today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭19‬ ‭NKJV‬

Question
What current affliction do you need to place fully in God’s hands today instead of trying to carry it yourself?

Context
Psalm 34 was written by David after he escaped danger while fleeing from King Saul. David had to pretend insanity before Abimelech to save his life (1 Samuel 21). This psalm rises out of fear, uncertainty, and real affliction. Yet instead of focusing on the threat, David magnifies the Lord.

Verse 19 is honest: righteousness does not exempt us from trouble. Faith does not create a pain-free life. But the promise is greater than the problem: the Lord delivers.

Application
Some days feel heavier than others. You may be walking through stress, disappointment, grief, or pressure that no one else sees. The enemy whispers, “If you were really blessed, this wouldn’t be happening.” But Scripture says the opposite. Afflictions are not proof of God’s absence; they are opportunities for His deliverance.

Notice the word “many.” David doesn’t sugarcoat reality. But he also uses the word “all.” The same God who allows you to walk through trouble promises to bring you out of it. Deliverance may not always be immediate, but it is always certain in God’s timing and way.

Truth For The Day
You are not alone in your affliction, and it will not have the final word. The Lord is your Deliverer.

Pray
Lord, You see every burden I carry. Thank You that my struggles do not surprise You. Strengthen my heart in the middle of difficulty. Help me trust that You will deliver me in Your perfect timing. Teach me to magnify You even before I see the breakthrough. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.’”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭15‬:‭22‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are you living like you’re barely forgiven or like you’re fully restored?

Context
Jesus tells the parable of the prodigal son. A young man demands his inheritance, leaves home, wastes everything, and ends up feeding pigs. He’s broken, ashamed, and ready to return home as a hired servant. But when he arrived home, his father didn’t negotiate. He didn’t lecture. He restored him and celebrated him

What the Robe, Ring, and Sandals Mean
The robe covered the smell of the pigpen and the shame of rebellion. It symbolizes the righteousness that only the Father can provide. As Christians, we are clothed with the righteousness of Christ.

The ring in that culture represented family belonging. The father was saying, “You are still my son.” We are God’s children.

The sandals signify sonship. Servants often went barefoot. Sons wore sandals. This was restoration to sonship.

Application
Many people come back to God expecting to be tolerated. But the Father restores identity, not just relationship. You may feel like you’ve wasted time, opportunity, or spiritual ground. But heaven’s response to repentance is restoration.

Truth For The Day
God does not partially restore those who return. He restores completely.

Pray
Lord, thank You that when I return to You, You do not shame me, instead, You restore me. Help me walk in the identity You’ve already given me. In Jesus’ name, amen.