Pastor Stephen Dedman

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬

Question
Are you carrying a burden that feels too heavy, wishing someone else could take it from you?

Context
Jesus was addressing those who were overwhelmed by the complexity of the Pharisees’ religious laws and rules and those who were under Roman suppression. Jesus’ invitation to “Come to Me” is a relief from guilt and strength to navigate life’s struggles. Jesus wants to lift the burdens from those who are overwhelmed. Jesus offers peace and rest.

Application
You don’t have to face life’s pressures on your own. When you give your burdens to Jesus, He replaces your worry with His peace and strength. Rest doesn’t mean the challenges disappear but it does mean that God gives you the courage, clarity, and endurance to walk through them.

Truth For The Day
Jesus is the source for peace, not rules or religion.

Pray
Lord, I lay my worries, struggles, and fears at Your feet. Help me to experience Your rest and rely on Your strength today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭19‬

Question
How can you live out the Great Commission in your daily life this week?

Context
These are some of Jesus’ final words to His disciples after His resurrection also known as The Great Commission. Standing on a mountain in Galilee, Jesus entrusted His followers with a divine mission: to spread the gospel, teach His Word, and baptize believers everywhere. This command wasn’t just for the disciples, it’s a calling for every believer.

Application
The call to “go” reminds us that the gospel was never meant to be contained within the walls of a church or the comfort of our routines. Every believer is called to be a messenger of God’s love wherever we are. “Making disciples” means more than just sharing information; it’s about walking with people as they grow in faith, modeling Christ’s character through our words and actions.

Sometimes we feel unqualified or afraid to share our faith. But remember, Jesus didn’t send His disciples in their own strength. In the very next verse, He promised, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” You’re never alone in this mission. The presence of Christ empowers you to speak, serve, and love boldly.

Truth For The Day
The Great Commission is not a suggestion; it’s our purpose.

Pray
Lord, thank You for trusting me with the mission to share Your Word. Give me boldness to speak, wisdom to teach, and compassion to reach others in love. Help me to remember that You are always with me as I go and make disciples. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭13‬

Question
Am you using the freedom others fought for (and Christ died for) to serve God and make a difference in the lives of others?

Context
When Jesus spoke these words in John 15:13, He was describing the deepest form of love. It’s a love that gives, protects, and stands in the gap for others. Jesus laid down His life so that we could be free, not just as citizens of a nation, but as citizens of heaven.

In a very real sense, our veterans have lived out that kind of love through their service. Their courage reminds us of Christ’s own sacrifice.

On this Veterans Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have worn the uniform of our nation’s military. Their service is a living example of sacrifice, courage, and love for others. Many stood in harm’s way so that others could live in peace. Some returned home changed by what they endured; others gave the ultimate sacrifice and never came home at all.

Application
As we honor our veterans, we’re reminded that freedom is never free. The blessings we enjoy like freedom to worship, to speak, to live, have been preserved through both the blood of soldiers and the blood of the Savior. Reach out to a veteran today and say, “thank you!”

Truth For The Day
True freedom is not just living without restraint, it’s living with purpose, gratitude, and love that reflects the sacrifice of others and the grace of God.

Pray
Lord, thank You for the men and women who have served our country with honor and courage. Bless them for their sacrifice and protect those who still serve today. May we never take for granted the freedoms we enjoy, and may we use them to serve others and bring glory to Your name. Help us to remember the ultimate example of love through Jesus Christ who laid down His life for us all. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.