Pastor Stephen Dedman

but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,
‭‭I Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What is one area of your life where God is calling you to live more set apart for Him?

Context
The apostle Peter wrote this letter to believers scattered across regions facing pressure and persecution. In the verses leading up to this command, Peter reminds them of their living hope through Jesus Christ and the salvation they’ve received. Because of that new identity, they are no longer to live according to their old desires, but according to the character of the God who saved them. Holiness here isn’t presented as an option, it’s a calling rooted in who God is.

Application
Holiness can feel like a heavy word, but it simply means being set apart because we belong to God. This touches every part of life: how we speak, how we treat others, what we pursue privately and publicly, and even what we allow into our minds and hearts.

Peter doesn’t say “be holy in some areas,” but “in all your conduct.” That means our faith isn’t just something we practice on Sundays, it’s what shapes our everyday decisions.

Holiness isn’t about perfection, it’s about direction. It’s choosing, daily, to align our lives with God’s character instead of our old patterns.

Truth For The Day
You are called to reflect the character of God in every area of your life.

Pray
Lord, You are holy, and You have called me to reflect Your character. Help me to live differently, not for my own glory, but for Yours. Show me the areas where I need to grow and give me the strength to walk in obedience. Shape my heart, my thoughts, and my actions so that my life points others to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.””
‭‭John‬ ‭13‬:‭35‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Would the people around you know you belong to Jesus based on how you love them?

Context
In John 13, Jesus Christ is speaking to His disciples on the night before His crucifixion. He has just washed their feet and then gives them a new command: love one another as He has loved them. This isn’t casual love or convenient kindness; it’s sacrificial, humble, and intentional.

Jesus makes it clear that love will be the defining mark of His followers. Not knowledge. Not talent. Not even outward religious activity. Love.

Application
It’s easy to say we follow Jesus, but harder to consistently love people the way He did. Real love shows up in patience when you’re frustrated, forgiveness when you’ve been wronged, and grace when it isn’t deserved.

The world isn’t convinced by what we claim, it’s convinced by how we live. Your love is your testimony. Every interaction is an opportunity to reflect Christ or misrepresent Him.

Truth For The Day
Love is not just something we do it’s the evidence of who we belong to.

Pray
Lord, teach me to love the way You love. Help me to move beyond words and show Your love through my actions. When it’s difficult, remind me of the grace You’ve shown me. Let my life reflect You so clearly that others see You in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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.