Pastor Stephen Dedman

“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.

Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
‭‭I John‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are you discouraged by where you are or encouraged by what God has promised you will be?

Context
The apostle John writes to believers to anchor them in truth and assurance. In a world of confusion and false teaching, he reminds them of two realities: who they are now and what they will become. They are already children of God, but their transformation is not yet complete. John points forward to the return of Christ, when every believer will be fully transformed into His likeness. What is now a process will one day be perfected.

Application
This verse reminds us that our current condition is not our final state. God is still working. Every step of growth, every moment of conviction, every challenge we face is part of a larger process that will one day be completed.

There will come a day when the struggle is over and we will see Jesus clearly and reflect Him perfectly. Until then, we walk by faith, trusting that God is doing a work in us that will not be left unfinished.

Truth For The Day
God has already determined what you will become.

Pray
Lord, thank You that I am already Your child. Even when I feel unfinished, remind me that You are still at work in me. Help me to trust Your process and to live with hope, knowing that one day I will see Jesus and be made like Him. Strengthen my faith as I wait, and continue shaping my life into His image.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.