Pastor Stephen Dedman

and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬

The word of commendation given to the church in Ephesus serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and endurance in the Christian life. Like the Ephesian believers, we are called to remain steadfast in our faith, even when faced with difficulties.

Jesus also issued a warning to the church in Ephesus: “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love” (Revelation 2:4, NKJV). Despite their commitment to serving God, the Ephesian believers had allowed their love for God to grow cold.

This warning speaks to the danger of becoming so focused on our outward actions and service that we neglect the most important aspect of our relationship with God: our love for Him. Just as a marriage can grow distant, so too can our relationship with God suffer if we neglect to cultivate a deep, passionate love for Him.

Today, let us examine our hearts and consider whether we have left our first love for God. Have we allowed the busyness of life, the cares of this world, or the pursuit of other things to replace our love for Him? If so, let us repent and return to our first love.

May we never grow weary in serving God and laboring for His kingdom, but let us do so out of a heart overflowing with love for Him.

Pray

Lord, forgive me for the times when I have allowed my love for You to grow cold. Renew within me a passion and for Your kingdom, that I may serve You with joy and devotion. Help me to prioritize my relationship with You above all else. In Jesus’ name, amen.

For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.
‭‭I Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬

Just as a thief comes unexpectedly in the night, so too will the day of the Lord arrive without warning. This truth calls us to live each day in readiness and anticipation of Christ’s coming. Let’s explore how we can apply this verse to our lives today:

Paul emphasizes that the Thessalonian believers were already aware of the imminent return of Christ. Similarly, as followers of Christ today, we too should be conscious of the reality that His return could happen at any moment. This awareness should shape our perspective on life, prompting us to prioritize eternal matters over temporal concerns.

Just as a thief’s arrival prompts immediate action to protect one’s belongings, the imminent return of Christ should motivate us to be spiritually prepared. We must examine our hearts, confessing and repenting of sin, and drawing near to God in prayer and devotion. Living with a sense of urgency, we seek to live holy and righteous lives, pleasing to the Lord.

Rather than living in fear or anxiety about the unknown timing of Christ’s return, we are called to live in readiness and anticipation. This means faithfully fulfilling our calling as disciples of Christ, serving others in love, and proclaiming the gospel to those who have yet to hear. Each day is an opportunity to live out our faith boldly and intentionally, knowing that we may not have tomorrow.

Let us embrace each day as a gift from God, using our time, talents, and resources to honor Him and advance His kingdom until He comes again.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the assurance of Your return. Help me to live each day with a sense of readiness and anticipation, knowing that You could come at any moment. May I be found faithful and diligent in service to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭58‬

Jesus reveals to us a profound truth about His identity. He didn’t claim to be older than Abraham; He declared His divinity with the words “I AM.” This phrase harkens back to God’s revelation of Himself to Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3:14. It’s a declaration of eternality and deity.

As we reflect on this truth, we are reminded of the timeless nature of Christ, the “I AM.” He existed before Abraham, before time itself, and He continues to exist as the eternal God.

In our own lives, we often face situations that seem insurmountable, challenges that test our faith, and uncertainties that weigh heavily on our hearts. In those moments, we can find peace in knowing that the great “I AM” is with us. Jesus, who is before all things, is by our side, offering His guidance, comfort, and strength.

When we face our biggest doubt and fears, we can trust in Jesus to give us what we need to endure all things. He is unchanging and eternal. Let the great “I AM” guide your thoughts and actions today. 

Pray

Lord, thank You for the assurance of Your presence in my life. Grant me strength to trust in You, the great “I AM,” and to find refuge in Your everlasting love. I pray for wisdom to follow Your teachings and the courage to live out Your example in my daily walk. In Jesus’ name, amen.