Pastor Stephen Dedman

November 5, 2025

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3‬:‭28‬

Question
Do you see others through the lens of their differences, or through the unity we share in Christ?

Context
Paul wrote to the Galatians to correct false teaching that said Gentile believers needed to follow Jewish law to be saved. In this verse, Paul boldly declares that in Christ, the old barriers that divided people like ethnic, social, or gender-based, no longer determine a person’s value or standing before God. Salvation and identity are found in Christ alone, not in background, status, or performance.

Application
In a world that still divides people by race, class, gender, or status, Paul’s words are a powerful reminder that unity in Christ transcends all human boundaries. When we look at others through the lens of Christ, we see family, not competition; we see equality, not hierarchy. Every believer is clothed in the same grace and carries the same Spirit. As followers of Jesus, we are called to live out this unity by loving without prejudice and serving without favoritism.

Truth For The Day
In Christ, my identity is secure and I am one with every believer in the family of God.

Pray
Lord, thank You for reminding me that in Christ, we are all one. Forgive me for the times I’ve allowed differences to divide or define how I see others. Help me to love as You love. May my heart and actions show that Your grace is big enough for everyone. In Jesus’ name, amen.

November 4, 2025

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭5‬

Question
When life feels uncertain or your resources seem limited, do you truly believe that God’s presence is enough to sustain and satisfy you?

Context
Hebrews 13:5 was written to Jewish Christians who were facing hardship and pressure to abandon their faith. The writer reminds them that true security isn’t found in possessions or wealth but in God’s faithful presence. In the closing chapter of Hebrews, practical instructions are given for daily Christian living. When the author says, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you,” he quotes God’s promise to Joshua in Deuteronomy 31:6, assuring believers that the same faithful God who stood with Israel now stands with them. Even in loss or uncertainty, they could rest knowing that God’s presence is their greatest provision.

Application
When you feel tempted to measure your worth or peace by what’s in your wallet or what’s missing from your life, pause and remind yourself: God is with me. That’s enough.

You can walk through any uncertainty knowing that the same God who promised to never leave you has already provided everything you truly need in His presence, His power, and His peace.

Truth For The Day
Contentment is not found in what you hold in your hands, but in Who holds your heart.

Pray
Lord, thank You for Your promise that You will never leave me or forsake me. Teach me to trust You more and to find my contentment not in things, but in Your faithful presence. When I am tempted to worry about what I don’t have, remind me that with You, I already have all I need. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

November 3, 2025

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not.
‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭22‬

Question
When was the last time you thanked God not for what He’s given you, but for what He’s kept you from?

Context
The book of Lamentations was written by the prophet Jeremiah during one of the darkest seasons in Israel’s history. Jerusalem had been destroyed, the people were suffering, and it seemed that all hope was gone. Yet right in the middle of his sorrow, Jeremiah declares this powerful truth: God’s mercy is the reason we’re still here.

Application
Mercy means God gives us what we don’t deserve. Each morning that we wake up, it’s proof that mercy is still at work. You may not have everything you want, and life may not look how you planned, but if you still have breath, you still have mercy.

When life feels heavy or when you feel unworthy, remember that God’s mercy doesn’t depend on your perfection, it flows from His compassion. You can face today with confidence knowing God hasn’t given up on you.

Let today be a reminder to pause and thank God for His mercy. Even if you can’t see how things will turn out, you can rest in knowing that His compassions never fail.

Truth For The Day
God’s mercy doesn’t have an expiration date. As long as there’s a sunrise, there’s still hope.

Pray
Lord, thank You for Your unfailing mercy and compassion. Even when I fall short, You lift me up with grace that never runs out. Help me to see Your mercy at work in my life every day. Let my heart overflow with gratitude for all the ways You’ve kept me, forgiven me, and renewed me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.