Pastor Stephen Dedman

But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
‭‭Luke‬ ‭12‬:‭7‬

In the fast-paced and often chaotic world we live in, it’s easy to feel insignificant or overlooked. We may wonder if anyone truly cares about the intricacies of our lives. In Luke 12:7, Jesus reminds us that our Heavenly Father knows us intimately and values us beyond measure.

Consider the profound truth that Jesus shares here: “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” This statement goes far beyond a mere count of hairs. It signifies God’s intimate knowledge of every detail of our existence. He knows the thoughts that race through our minds, the desires of our hearts, and the struggles we face daily.

The verse continues with a powerful message of reassurance: “Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Jesus points to the value God places on us. If God cares for the sparrows, which are common and seemingly insignificant birds, how much more does He care for you, a creation made in His own image?

This truth should fill us with awe and gratitude. We are not alone in this world; we are not forgotten. God’s love for us is immeasurable, and His attention to the details of our lives is unwavering.

In moments of doubt or when facing life’s challenges, remember Luke 12:7. Let it be a source of comfort and strength. You are precious to God, and He knows you better than anyone else ever could. Trust in His love and care for you, and let go of fear and insecurity. You are valued beyond measure in the eyes of your Heavenly Father.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your love and mercy. I trust in You and will not fear what I cannot change. You alone are worthy to be praised. In Jesus’ name, amen.

You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭7‬:‭23‬

Before you were saved, you were held captive, bound by chains of sin and separated from God’s grace. You were enslaved to your own desires, living a life of spiritual poverty. But then, the Savior came and redeemed you. 

Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price on the cross to redeem you, to purchase your freedom with His own blood. You were bought with the price of Christ’s sacrifice, and in that transaction, you were set free. 

You are no longer bound by the chains of sin and death. You are no longer enslaved to the world’s expectations or the demands of others. You belong to Christ, and in Him, you find true freedom.

However, as Paul reminds us, this freedom comes with a responsibility: “do not become slaves of men.” While we have been set free from sin, we must be cautious not to exchange one form of slavery for another. It’s easy to become entangled in the expectations and opinions of others, allowing their judgments and demands to dictate our actions and decisions.

Instead, we are called to live as free individuals in Christ. This means making choices that align with God’s will, not out of compulsion or fear of what others may think, but out of a deep love for our Savior and a desire to honor Him.

As you go about your day, remember the price that was paid for your freedom. Live in the liberty of Christ, making choices that reflect your identity as a child of God. Seek His guidance in all things, and do not allow the expectations or judgments of others to enslave you once again.

Pray

Lord, I thank You for the incredible price You paid to set me free from sin and bondage. Help me to live in the freedom that You provided. Give me the strength to resist the pressures and expectations of the world and to make choices that honor You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

And Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬

The Israelites were standing at the banks of the Jordan River, about to cross over into the Promised Land. Before they were to witness the wonders of God, Joshua delivered a crucial message: “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”

The word “sanctify” means to set apart, to make holy. Joshua was instructing the people to prepare themselves spiritually, to set their hearts and minds on God.

We often find ourselves at crossroads, facing challenges or embarking on new adventures. Just like the Israelites, it’s essential for us to sanctify ourselves before these moments. Here are three key aspects to consider:

1. Surrender: Sanctification begins with surrender. It means letting go of our own plans, fears, and doubts and giving ourselves entirely to God. It’s an acknowledgment that we can’t do it all on our own, but with God’s guidance and strength, we can overcome any obstacle.

2. Holiness: To sanctify ourselves is to strive for holiness. It involves purifying our hearts, repenting of sin, and seeking a closer walk with God. As we draw near to Him, He draws near to us, and His presence becomes evident in our lives.

3. Expectation: Joshua told the Israelites to sanctify themselves because he knew that God was about to perform wonders among them. Similarly, when we sanctify ourselves, we do so with the expectation that God will work wonders in our lives. We trust that He will guide us, protect us, and fulfill His promises.

As you face the “Jordan Rivers” in your life—those moments of transition, challenge, or opportunity—remember Joshua’s words. Sanctify yourself. Set yourself apart for God. Surrender, seek holiness, and maintain an expectant heart. Then, just as the Israelites witnessed God’s wonders, you too will experience His marvelous work in your life.

Pray

Lord, I come before You today, desiring to sanctify myself fully to You. I surrender my plans, my fears, and my doubts into Your hands. Make me holy, Lord, and guide me as I face the challenges and opportunities ahead. I expect Your wonders in my life, knowing that with You, all things are possible. In Jesus’ name, amen.