Pastor Stephen Dedman

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭20‬:‭8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are you making intentional time to rest in God’s presence, or has busyness crowded Him out?

Context
When God gave the Ten Commandments, He included a command that often gets overlooked: “Remember the Sabbath day.” Unlike the other commandments that begin with “You shall not,” this one begins with “Remember.” God knew His people would be tempted to forget the importance of resting in Him.

The Sabbath was not merely about taking a day off; it was about setting aside time to worship, reflect, and trust God. By resting, the Israelites demonstrated their faith that God would provide for them even when they were not working. The Sabbath reminded them that their identity was not found in their labor but in their relationship with the Lord.

Context
In our busy world, it is easy to become consumed by schedules, responsibilities, and endless tasks. We often measure our worth by our productivity. Yet God invites us to pause and remember that He is the source of our strength, provision, and peace. Taking time to worship and rest is an act of faith that declares God is in control.

When we intentionally set aside time for God, we find renewal for our souls and a deeper awareness of His presence.

Truth For The Day
Rest is a gift from God that reminds you to trust Him.

Pray
Lord, thank You for the gift of rest. Help me to remember that my value is not found in what I accomplish but in who I am in You. Teach me to trust You enough to pause, worship, and rest in Your presence. Renew my strength and draw me closer to You each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭20‬:‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Do my words and actions bring honor to God’s name, or do they diminish the testimony of Christ in my life?

Context
As God gave the Ten Commandments to Israel at Mount Sinai, He established principles that would govern their relationship with Him and with one another. The third commandment focuses on God’s name. In Scripture, a person’s name represented their character, reputation, and authority. God’s name is holy because He is holy. This commandment goes beyond avoiding profanity; it includes treating God’s name, His character, and our association with Him with reverence and sincerity.

Application
As followers of Christ, we bear God’s name before the world. We can misuse His name not only through careless speech but also by claiming to represent Him while living contrary to His Word. Our words, actions, promises, and worship should reflect the honor due to the Lord. Before speaking, posting, or making commitments in God’s name, we should ask ourselves, “Am I representing Him truthfully and respectfully?”

Truth For The Day
God’s name is holy, and our lives should reflect the honor and reverence He deserves.

Pray
Lord, thank You for revealing Yourself to us and allowing us to bear Your name as Your children. Forgive me for the times I have spoken carelessly or lived in a way that did not honor You. Help me to treat Your name with reverence and to represent You faithfully in my words, actions, and attitudes. May my life bring glory to You and point others to Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth;
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭20‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What is one thing that may be competing with God for your attention, trust, or affection today?

Context
When God gave the Ten Commandments, He addressed worship. Exodus 20:4 is not merely a forbidden command against carved statues; it is a warning against creating substitutes for God. The Israelites would soon struggle with this very issue when they fashioned a golden calf and worshiped it instead of trusting the God who had delivered them.

Application
While most people today do not bow before carved images, it is still possible to create idols in our hearts. Anything that takes God’s place with our affection, trust, or devotion can become an idol. Careers, possessions, relationships, hobbies, and even ministry can become dangerous when they receive the worship that belongs to God alone.

God desires a relationship with us that is based on faith, not on objects we can control or manipulate. He wants us to know Him as He truly is rather than reducing Him to something that fits our preferences or expectations.

Truth For The Day
God will not share His rightful place with any idol.

Pray
Lord, reveal anything in my life that has taken Your place. Help me to worship You alone and to trust You above all else. Remove every idol from my heart and draw me closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.