Pastor Stephen Dedman

As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.
‭‭Micah‬ ‭7‬:‭7‬

Question
Where do I need to shift from anxious waiting to expectant trusting?

Context
Micah 7:7 comes after the prophet describes the deep moral decline, corruption, and broken relationships in Israel. Surrounded by injustice and failed leadership, Micah faces a nation drifting far from God. Yet in the middle of this darkness, he makes a personal declaration of hope: he will look to the Lord, wait for the God of his salvation, and trust that God will hear him. The verse shifts the focus from human failure to divine faithfulness. It reminds us that when society crumbles, God remains steady, and hope is found not in circumstances but in confidently trusting God to act.

Application
Waiting is never easy, especially in a season filled with hurry, noise, and expectations. Yet God often does His greatest work in the waiting. Micah reminds us that waiting is not passive; it is a declaration of trust, a posture of hope, and a reminder that God always hears His people.

As Christmas approaches, we are reminded that the world waited centuries for a Savior. And when the fullness of time came, God delivered exactly what He promised: Jesus. If God kept that promise, He will keep every promise concerning you. Whatever you are hoping for today, don’t lose heart.

Truth For The Day
God is working in unseen ways. He hears, He sees, and He will answer.

Pray
Lord, teach me to wait with trust and hope. Help me remember that Your timing is perfect and Your promises never fail. Renew my strength as I look to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭7‬

Question
Are you making room for Jesus in your life?

Context
Luke 2:7 sits within the story of Jesus’ birth during a Roman census that required Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem. Because the town was overcrowded with travelers, there was no room in the inn, so Jesus was born in a humble setting and laid in a manger. Luke highlights the contrast between the world’s expectations and God’s way of working, showing that Jesus entered quietly and humbly, not in glory or comfort.

Application
As Christmas approaches, our schedules get busy and our minds race with preparations. Ironically, the season meant to center our hearts on Christ often becomes the season where it’s hardest to make room for Him.

When Jesus entered our world, there was no room for Him in the inn. The King of kings arrived quietly, humbly, and unnoticed by most. But those who did make room were the shepherds, Mary, Joseph, and the wise men, and their lives were forever changed. They saw what others missed: God stepping into human history to bring salvation, hope, and peace.

Today, as Christmas draws near, the question still stands: Is there room for Him in us? Making room doesn’t require perfection or performance. It simply requires a heart that pauses long enough to remember why Christmas matters.

Truth For The Day
Christmas isn’t just a date; it’s a declaration.

Pray
Lord, in this season of celebration, help me not to miss You. Teach me to make room for Your presence, Your peace, and Your voice. Thank You for sending Jesus, the greatest gift the world has ever known. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.
‭‭II Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭9‬

Question
Where do you need to trust that God is working, even when you don’t see it yet?

Context
The prophet Hanani confronted King Asa of Judah for relying on a political alliance with the king of Aram instead of trusting in the Lord. Earlier in his reign, Asa had depended on God and experienced miraculous victory, but in this moment he chose human strategy over divine help. Hanani tells Asa that God is always watching for hearts that are fully committed to Him. The verse highlights the contrast between God’s faithfulness and Asa’s misplaced confidence.

Application
As we move deeper into December, the days grow shorter, the nights grow longer, and our schedules grow busier. December often brings a mix of joy, pressure, and expectations. And in the middle of it all, it can feel like we’re doing a lot of moving… while not feeling much movement from God.

Today’s verse reminds us of a powerful truth: God sees you. More than that, He searches for you. His eyes range throughout the earth, not to watch for your failures, but to strengthen your heart. He is not distant, distracted, or preoccupied. He is attentive, active, and aware.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we’re reminded that the heart of God has always been to draw near. The manger testifies that God does not forget His people. Christ came to prove, once and for all, that God remembers, God redeems, and God restores. The God who came in the quiet of Bethlehem comes to you today in strength, in grace, and in faithfulness.

Truth For The Day
God sees you, God knows you, and God strengthens you.

Pray
Lord, thank You for seeing me today. In this busy season, help me remember that You are near and that Your strength is available. Quiet my heart, lift my eyes, and remind me that You are faithful in every season. Strengthen me today as I commit my heart to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.