Pastor Stephen Dedman

“Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.’”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭14‬:‭23‬

Question
Who is God placing on your heart to invite Jesus into their life?

Context
In Luke 14, Jesus tells the Parable of the Great Banquet while dining in a Pharisee’s home. After the invited guests reject the invitation with excuses, the master widens the invitation to the poor, the broken, and eventually to anyone found in the highways and hedges. The story reveals God’s heart to reach the overlooked, the urgency of the gospel invitation, and the calling of believers to go beyond comfortable places to bring others into His Kingdom.

Application
You are God’s servant in this parable. Someone in your life either at work, in your family, or neighborhood, needs an invitation. They need hope. They need belonging. They need Jesus.

Extending an invitation might look like:
A conversation that breaks their loneliness.
A prayer that lifts their burden.
A meal that reminds them they matter.
A loving invitation to church.

God wants His house filled and He wants to use you to reach those who feel far away.

Truth For The Day
God’s invitation is for everyone and He calls us to carry it boldly, compassionately, and consistently.

Pray
Lord, thank You for inviting me to Your table. Give me eyes to see those who feel forgotten and courage to reach out with Your love. Use me today to compel others to come and experience Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬

Question
Are you carrying a burden that feels too heavy, wishing someone else could take it from you?

Context
Jesus was addressing those who were overwhelmed by the complexity of the Pharisees’ religious laws and rules and those who were under Roman suppression. Jesus’ invitation to “Come to Me” is a relief from guilt and strength to navigate life’s struggles. Jesus wants to lift the burdens from those who are overwhelmed. Jesus offers peace and rest.

Application
You don’t have to face life’s pressures on your own. When you give your burdens to Jesus, He replaces your worry with His peace and strength. Rest doesn’t mean the challenges disappear but it does mean that God gives you the courage, clarity, and endurance to walk through them.

Truth For The Day
Jesus is the source for peace, not rules or religion.

Pray
Lord, I lay my worries, struggles, and fears at Your feet. Help me to experience Your rest and rely on Your strength today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭19‬

Question
How can you live out the Great Commission in your daily life this week?

Context
These are some of Jesus’ final words to His disciples after His resurrection also known as The Great Commission. Standing on a mountain in Galilee, Jesus entrusted His followers with a divine mission: to spread the gospel, teach His Word, and baptize believers everywhere. This command wasn’t just for the disciples, it’s a calling for every believer.

Application
The call to “go” reminds us that the gospel was never meant to be contained within the walls of a church or the comfort of our routines. Every believer is called to be a messenger of God’s love wherever we are. “Making disciples” means more than just sharing information; it’s about walking with people as they grow in faith, modeling Christ’s character through our words and actions.

Sometimes we feel unqualified or afraid to share our faith. But remember, Jesus didn’t send His disciples in their own strength. In the very next verse, He promised, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” You’re never alone in this mission. The presence of Christ empowers you to speak, serve, and love boldly.

Truth For The Day
The Great Commission is not a suggestion; it’s our purpose.

Pray
Lord, thank You for trusting me with the mission to share Your Word. Give me boldness to speak, wisdom to teach, and compassion to reach others in love. Help me to remember that You are always with me as I go and make disciples. In Jesus’ name, amen.