Pastor Stephen Dedman

October 23, 2025

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4‬:‭12

Question
Who are the people God has placed in your life to help you stand strong, and how can you strengthen those bonds today?

Context
The book of Ecclesiastes, written by Solomon, explores the meaning of life and the pursuit of purpose “under the sun.” In chapter 4, Solomon reflects on the value of companionship and community. He observes that life can be harsh and lonely, but those who walk together find encouragement, strength, and protection. This verse reminds us that isolation leaves us vulnerable, but unity creates a bond that cannot easily be broken.

Application
In a world that encourages us to be independent, this verse gently reminds us that we were not meant to do life alone. We need others, friends, family, church, and most importantly, God, to help us stand when life pushes hard against us. When one strand of the cord (you) grows weak, another (your brother or sister in Christ) can strengthen you. And when both are entwined with the presence of God, the “third strand,” the bond becomes unbreakable.

Ask yourself: are you trying to face life’s battles alone? God designed you for community and fellowship. Let this verse encourage you to draw closer to others and to Him because together, you are stronger.

Truth For The Day
When God is at the center of our relationships, our lives are not easily broken.

Pray
Lord, thank You for surrounding me with people who strengthen and encourage me. Help me not to walk alone, but to walk in unity with others and with You. Bind my relationships together with Your love, and let our connection bring strength, peace, and purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

October 22, 2025

The Lord Himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭14‬:‭14‬

Question
In what area of your life do you need to trust that God is fighting for you?

Context
The Israelites had just escaped Egyptian slavery, but now they found themselves trapped between Pharaoh’s army behind them and the Red Sea in front of them. Fear rose in their hearts, and they questioned Moses, thinking they were doomed. But in that moment of panic, Moses reminded them of a powerful truth: “The Lord will fight for you; stay calm.” This wasn’t a call to do nothing. It was a call to trust completely. God was about to show them that deliverance doesn’t come by human strength, but by His mighty hand.

Application
We often face “Red Sea moments” when we can’t see a way forward, and fear tempts us to take matters into our own hands. But God still whispers the same message today: “Stay calm.”

Staying calm doesn’t mean being passive. It means resting in faith while God works in ways we cannot. Our job is to obey and trust; His job is to fight the battle. When we surrender control, we make room for His power to move.

Truth For The Day
God is fighting for us. Our peace is found in His power, not our effort.

Pray
Lord, thank You for reminding me that You are my defender and deliverer. Help me to quiet my heart when fear rises and to trust that You are working even when I cannot see it. Give me the strength to stay calm in faith and the peace to rest in Your promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

October 21, 2025

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭12‬

Question
Are there areas in your life where you’re still trying to walk without His light? 

Context
In John 8, Jesus was teaching in the temple courts during the Feast of Tabernacles, a time when large lamps were lit in the temple to remind Israel of how God led them through the wilderness by a pillar of fire. Against that brilliant backdrop, Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world.” He wasn’t just saying He could show the way, He was claiming to be the Light itself, the very presence and guidance of God in human form.

Application
Light reveals what darkness hides. When we walk in Jesus, His truth exposes the things in our lives that don’t belong and His grace gives us the strength to change. In a world full of confusion, compromise, and moral gray areas, Jesus offers clarity. He doesn’t just help us see the right path; He is the path.

Following Him means choosing daily to walk where His light shines, through prayer, His Word, and obedience. It means refusing to stumble through the shadows of fear, sin, or uncertainty, because the One who leads us has already overcome the darkness.

Truth For The Day
When I follow Jesus, I never have to fear the dark because His light leads, reveals, and gives life.

Pray
Lord, thank You for being the Light of the world and the Light of my life. Help me to walk closely with You, to see through Your truth, and to shine Your light wherever I go. Keep me from the shadows of sin and doubt, and let Your presence guide me in every step I take. In Jesus’ name, Amen.