Pastor Stephen Dedman

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬

Question
Are you letting the peace of Christ make the final call in your decisions, your relationships, and your attitude?

Context
Paul wrote to the Colossian believers to help them live out their new identity in Christ. Paul reminded them that Jesus’ peace should be the deciding factor in every thought, word, and action. When Christ rules the heart, His peace rules the home, the church, and every relationship.

Application
This verse reminds us that peace isn’t just a feeling, it’s a choice. The word “rule” here means to “act as an umpire.” In other words, when confusion, anger, or anxiety start to rise, let the peace of Christ be the deciding voice. Ask, “Does this decision bring peace? Does it reflect the heart of Christ?”

When we allow Christ’s peace to govern our hearts, it not only calms our spirit but also shapes how we treat others. Paul ties peace to unity as we are members of one body, called to live in harmony. And then he ends with a powerful key: “And always be thankful.” Gratitude keeps peace alive because a thankful heart leaves no room for worry or division.

Truth For The Day
When Christ’s peace rules your heart, gratitude fills your life, and unity follows in your relationships.

Pray
Lord Jesus, thank You for the peace that only You can give. When life feels uncertain or tense, remind me to let Your peace take the lead. Help me to choose peace over pride, grace over grumbling, and gratitude over worry. Rule in my heart today and let Your peace flow through me to others. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
‭‭Acts 20‬:‭35‬

Question
What can you give today that could bring life, encouragement, or hope to someone else?

Context
Paul was speaking to the elders of the church in Ephesus as he prepared to leave them, possibly for the last time. He reminded them of how he had served with humility and sacrifice, working with his own hands to meet needs and bless others. He wanted them to remember a truth straight from Jesus: a life of giving is the most blessed life there is.

Application
We live in a world that often measures success by what we accumulate, but Jesus turns that idea upside down. He says the real joy, the real blessing, isn’t in receiving, but in giving.

When we give our time, our resources, our encouragement, we mirror the character of God Himself, who gave His only Son for us. Generosity shifts our focus from what we need to what we can contribute. It transforms our hearts, our homes, and even our communities.

Every act of giving is a seed and God has a way of multiplying those seeds beyond what we can imagine (2 Corinthians 9:10). When we give out of love, heaven takes notice, and blessings follow that no paycheck or possession can match.

Truth Of The Day
The hands that give are the hands that are most like Jesus.

Pray
Lord, thank You for reminding me that true blessing comes through giving. Help me to live today willing to share my time, my resources, and my love with others. Make my heart generous like Yours, and let my giving point people back to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent.
‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭18‬:‭21‬

Question
Is there an area of your life you have been “wavering” in, trying to please both God and the world?

Context
In 1 Kings 18, the prophet Elijah confronted the people of Israel during a time of great spiritual compromise. King Ahab and Queen Jezebel had led the nation into worshiping Baal, a false god. Elijah challenged the people to stop wavering between God and idols. On Mount Carmel, he called for a showdown to reveal who the true God was. The people’s silence showed their indecision, but God’s fire would prove His power and demand their worship.

Application
Elijah’s question was right on point: “How long will you waver?” It’s a call to make up your mind. Many today still try to live between two worlds, wanting God’s blessing while clinging to the world. But following God requires a clear decision. You can’t have both compromise and commitment.

When we make God our full priority, His fire burns in our hearts again. The Lord is not asking for perfection but for a heart that is fully His. The moment we stop wavering and start walking in full obedience, we begin to see His power at work in our lives.

Truth For The Day
You can’t walk in the power of God while standing in the middle of indecision.

Pray
Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve wavered between trusting You and following my own way. Today, I choose You completely. Strengthen my heart to stand firm in faith and to follow You without compromise. Let Your fire burn within me, that my life may bring You glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.