Pastor Stephen Dedman

Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You,”
‭‭John‬ ‭17‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
How can you seek to glorify God even in the difficult moments of your life?

Context
After teaching His disciples and preparing them for His departure, Jesus lifts His eyes to heaven and begins to pray. The “hour” He refers to is the moment of His suffering and death that will soon unfold. What is remarkable is that Jesus does not pray to escape the cross. Instead, He prays that God would be glorified through it.

Application
Jesus reminds us that even difficult moments can serve a greater purpose. God is able to use hardship to bring glory to His name and accomplish His will. When life becomes challenging, we can trust that God is still at work.

Truth For The Day
God can bring glory through even the hardest circumstances.

Pray
Lord, help me trust Your purpose in every season of life. Teach me to seek Your glory above my own comfort. May Your name be glorified above all. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Where in your life are you tempted to rush ahead of God instead of trusting His perfect timing?

Context
In the letter to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul is addressing believers who were being pressured to return to the Mosaic Law as a means of righteousness. In chapter 4, Paul uses the illustration of an heir who, though destined for inheritance, lives under guardians and restrictions until the time appointed by the father.

Paul then connects that imagery to redemptive history. Humanity was under the guardianship of the Law, aware of sin but unable to overcome it. Then, “in the fullness of time,” God acted decisively. Jesus was born of a woman (fully human) and born under the law (fully obedient to it), so He could redeem those under it.

This was not a reaction to human failure. It was a divine plan executed at the exact appointed moment in history.

Application
God’s timing is perfect. He knows exactly what we need and at the right time. If God orchestrated the coming of Christ with perfect precision, He is also orchestrating the details of our life. What feels delayed may actually be divinely scheduled. Learn to trust in the sovereignty of God and allow His goodness to overpower your own perception of might be best. 

Truth For The Day
God is never early or never late. He is always perfectly on time.

Pray
Lord, thank You that You are a God of perfect timing. When I grow impatient or uncertain, remind me that You sent Your Son at exactly the right moment in history. Help me trust that You are working in my life with the same precision and purpose. I surrender my timeline to You today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Is there a relationship where you need to take a step toward peace today?

Context
In Romans 12, Paul shifts from theology to practical living. After explaining the mercy and grace of God, he begins to show what a transformed life actually looks like.

He talks about humility, love, serving others, and blessing those who persecute you. Then he gives this instruction: live at peace with everyone… if possible.

That phrase matters. Because Paul acknowledges that not every relationship will be easy. Not every conflict will be mutual. Not every person will choose peace. But as believers, we are called to take responsibility for our part.

Application
God did not ask us to control others. He asks that we walk in love, extend grace, and pursue peace wherever and whenever we can. Hence the phrase, “if it’s possible.”

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is say: “I’ve done what God asked of me and I trust Him with the rest.”

Truth For The Day
You are not responsible for how others act, but you are responsible for how you respond.

Pray
Lord, help me to be a person who pursues peace. Give me wisdom in difficult relationships and humility in moments of conflict. Teach me to respond with grace, even when others don’t. Help me to do my part and trust You with what I cannot control. In Jesus’ name, Amen.