Pastor Stephen Dedman

October 6, 2026

God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What burden do you need to place in God’s hands today?

Context
The psalmist does not say trouble might come. Trouble is part of living in a broken world. Yet the comfort is found in knowing that God remains our refuge in the middle of the storm. A refuge is a place of safety. When fear rises, when uncertainty surrounds you, and when your strength feels weak, you can run to Him. God does not grow tired, and His power never fades.

Application
Life has a way of draining us. Responsibilities pile up, unexpected problems arise, and sometimes the weight of it all can leave us feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. In those moments, it is easy to believe we must carry everything on our own. But Psalm 46 reminds us that God is not distant during our struggles. He is present, available, and strong enough to sustain us.

Sometimes God calms the storm around us, and sometimes He strengthens us while we walk through it. Either way, His presence is enough. Today, instead of focusing on what is against you, focus on the One who stands with you.

Truth For The Day
God is your strength when your own strength runs out.

Pray
Lord, thank You for being my refuge and strength. Help me trust You in every situation and remind me that I never face life alone. Fill my heart with peace and give me strength for today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

October 5, 2026

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What is one area of your life where God is asking you to trust Him?

Context
Faith is one of the most talked-about aspects of the Christian life, yet it’s often one of the hardest to live out. Hebrews 11:1 gives a clear and powerful definition: faith is not wishful thinking, it is substance and evidence. Faith gives weight to hope. It turns what feels distant into something real and present.

Application
We live in a world that demand proof. But faith operates differently. It doesn’t ignore reality; it sees a greater one. It trusts that what God has promised is more certain than what we currently experience.

Think about the moments in your life when nothing seemed to make sense, when prayers felt unanswered, doors stayed closed, and the future looked unclear. Faith steps in and says, “God is still faithful.” It becomes the evidence that God is at work, even when there’s no visible sign yet.

Truth For The Day
Faith doesn’t require sight, it requires trust in a God who sees everything.

Pray
Lord, help me to walk by faith and not by sight. When I don’t understand what You are doing, remind me of who You are. Strengthen my trust in Your promises and give me confidence that You are working in ways I cannot see. Teach me to live with a faith that is steady, bold, and rooted in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

October 4, 2026

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭31‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Where in your life have you been focusing more on what’s against you than on the God who is for you?

Context
Book of Romans chapter 8 is one of the most powerful chapters in all of Scripture. The Apostle Paul has just laid out a sweeping truth: there is no condemnation for those in Christ, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, and God is working all things together for good. Then he brings it all to a climax with a question, not for information, but for assurance. “If God is for us…”

Paul isn’t ignoring opposition. He knows believers face pressure, hardship, and even persecution. But he’s putting everything into perspective: no opposition compares to God’s commitment to you.

Application
We live in a world where it can feel like everything is against us like stress at work, financial pressure, family struggles, or even spiritual battles. 

But this verse doesn’t say, “Nothing will come against you.” It says, nothing that comes against you will ultimately prevail.

The question isn’t, “Do I have opposition?”
The real question is, “Who has the final say?”

Truth For The Day
When God is for you, opposition loses its power.

Pray
Lord, thank You that You are for me. When I feel overwhelmed by what’s coming against me, remind me of Your power, Your presence, and Your promises. Help me to walk in confidence, knowing that nothing can stand against Your purpose for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.