Pastor Stephen Dedman

February 26, 2026

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?
‭‭Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
If grace has set you free, what would it look like to live in freedom today?

Context
In Paul’s letter to the believers in Rome, he had just declared the overwhelming power of God’s grace. In chapter 5, he taught that where sin increased, grace increased even more. Anticipating a misunderstanding, Paul asks a sharp question in 6:1: If grace covers sin, should we just keep sinning?

This question exposes a heart issue. Grace is not a license to sin, rather it is the power to leave it behind. Paul’s argument is clear: when we are united with Christ, we are no longer slaves to sin. Grace doesn’t make sin attractive; it makes holiness possible.

Application
Grace changes our relationship with sin. Before Christ, sin was our master. After Christ, sin is no longer our identity. When we understand what Jesus has done, we don’t want to exploit grace, we want to honor it.

Obedience is a response to grace. We don’t pursue holiness to earn salvation; we pursue holiness because we have received it. Grace is not permission to drift; it is power to walk in newness of life.

Truth For The Day
Because of Jesus, I am no longer bound to sin. Grace empowers me to live differently.

Pray
Lord, thank You for Your amazing grace. Forgive me for the times I have taken it lightly. Help me to see sin for what it is and grace for what it truly offers which is freedom. Make me alive to righteousness and dead to the things that once held me captive. In Jesus’ name, amen.

February 25, 2026

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭84‬:‭11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Is there something you’ve been frustrated about that you need to trust back into God’s hands?

Context
Psalm 84 is a song of longing for the presence of God. The psalmist expresses deep desire to dwell in the courts of the Lord. This verse comes as a declaration of confidence, not just in God’s presence, but in God’s character. He is described as both sun (provider of light and life) and shield (protector and defender).

Application
Sometimes we wrestle with the idea that God is holding something back from us. A door closes. A prayer seems delayed. An opportunity passes. In those moments, the enemy whispers, “God is withholding something good.”

But Psalm 84:11 corrects that lie. God is a sun. He illuminates what you need and warms what feels cold in your life. God is a shield. He blocks what would harm you, even when you don’t see it coming.

If something hasn’t happened yet, it may be because God is shielding. If something has been delayed, it may be because He is preparing you for glory, not just gratification.

Notice the promise: “No good thing will He withhold.” If He has withheld it, then in His wisdom, it is not good for you right now.

Truth For The Day
God is not depriving you. He is directing and protecting you.

Pray
Lord, thank You for being both my sun and my shield. When I don’t understand delays or closed doors, remind me that You are good and You are faithful. Help me to walk uprightly and trust that You will provide every good thing at the right time. In Jesus’ name, amen.

February 24, 2026

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing— Life forevermore.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭133‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Have you ever noticed how quickly division drains joy, but unity multiplies it?

Context
Psalm 133 is part of the Song of Ascents, sung when traveling to worship in Jerusalem. As families and tribes journeyed together toward the presence of God, unity was considered to be sacred. David paints two pictures: oil running down Aaron’s beard and the dew of Hermon falling on Zion. Both images speak of something flowing downward symbolizing the blessing that begins with God and covers His people.

Biblically, the oil represents consecration and the dew represents refreshment. Unity sets people apart for God’s purposes and revives what has become dry and lifeless.

Application
Unity is not uniformity. It does not mean we think alike on everything, it means we are aligned in heart and purpose. In homes, churches, and leadership teams, unity creates an atmosphere where God’s blessing can flow freely.

Division drains strength. Bitterness dries out vision. But unity invites the anointing of God. The Holy Spirit moves freely where hearts are knit together. Unity does not happen accidentally. It is cultivated through humility, patience, and love.

Truth For The Day
Where unity is guarded, blessing is commanded. Where hearts are joined, life flows.

Pray
Lord, make me a builder of unity. Guard my heart from pride and my words from division. Help me pursue peace in my home, my church, and every place You have planted me. In Jesus’ name, amen.