Pastor Stephen Dedman

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭13‬

In 1 Corinthians 13, the apostle Paul describes the characteristics and importance of love in the life of a believer. In verse 13, he concludes by affirming the enduring nature of faith, hope, and love, highlighting love as the greatest. Faith, hope, and love are foundational virtues that sustain and bless our Christian life.

Faith anchors us in the promises of God, enabling us to trust in His goodness, sovereignty, and faithfulness, even when circumstances seem uncertain. It is through faith that we are justified before God, receiving salvation as a free gift through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Hope, likewise, sustains us in times of trouble, reminding us of the future glory that awaits us in Christ. It is the confident expectation of what God has promised, the assurance that His purposes will be fulfilled, and His kingdom will come in all its fullness (Romans 8:24-25).

But above all, there is love—the greatest of these virtues. Love is not merely an emotion; it is a choice, an action, a way of life. It is the selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love that God has lavished upon us through Jesus Christ, demonstrated most profoundly on the cross (1 John 4:9-10).

As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect this same love in our relationships with God and others. Love compels us to seek the good of others, to forgive as we have been forgiven, to show kindness, compassion, and grace to all, regardless of merit or deserving.

In a world that often values power, success, and self-interest, may we be known as a people who prioritize love above all else. May our lives be a reflection of God’s love, shining brightly in the darkness, pointing others to the source of all love—Jesus Christ.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the blessing of faith, hope, and love. Help me to use these virtues and to prioritize love above all else. Fill me with Your love, that I may love You with all my heart and love others as myself. May my life be a testament to Your great love and grace, drawing others into relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭12‬:‭15‬

In a world often fixated on material wealth and possessions, Jesus’ words in Luke 12:15 serve as a gentle yet powerful reminder. He urges us to be vigilant against the trap of covetousness, emphasizing that true life is not measured by the abundance of our possessions. 

This wisdom challenges us to evaluate our priorities and recognize the genuine sources of fulfillment in our lives. Material things will never be a source of fulfillment. They may bring a temporary happiness, but not an everlasting joy.

Take a moment and reflect on your values and desires. Are there areas where covetousness has crept in? Consider redirecting your focus from accumulating possessions to cultivating meaningful relationships, personal growth, and a deeper connection with God. Align your priorities with the eternal rather than the temporary, understanding that true life is found in the richness of love, purpose, and spiritual fulfillment.

Pray

Lord, help me guard against covetousness in a world that often prioritizes material wealth. Redirect my desires towards the things that truly matter – relationships, personal growth, and a deeper connection with You. May I find true life in aligning my priorities with Your eternal perspective. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
‭‭I John‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬

Prayer is a powerful gift that God has given to His children. It’s a direct line of communication with the Creator of the universe. The apostle John invites us into a deeper understanding of prayer, emphasizing the confidence we can have in approaching God with our requests.

Our confidence in prayer lies in our relationship with God. As His children, we have the assurance that He hears us when we pray. Our Heavenly Father hears the hearts of His children and He delights in meeting our needs according to His perfect will.

However, John specifies a crucial condition for our prayers to be answered: they must be according to God’s will. This does not mean that we cannot ask for our desires or needs, but rather that our requests should align with God’s purposes and His character. When our prayers are in harmony with His will, we can have confidence that He will answer them according to His wisdom and goodness.

As you approach God in prayer, know that He hears you and delights in answering according to His will. Seek to align your heart with His purposes, trusting in His wisdom. And rest in the assurance that our Heavenly Father always desires what is best for His children.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of prayer and the assurance that You hear my heart. Help me to align my heart with Your will. Help me approach You with confidence, knowing that You always desire what is best for me, and You are faithful to fulfill Your promises. In Jesus’ name, amen.