Pastor Stephen Dedman

“that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.”
‭‭John‬ ‭17‬:‭21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Is there someone in your life with whom you need to pursue reconciliation or extend grace?

Context
In John 17, Jesus prays not only for His disciples but also for all who would believe in Him through their message. This means Jesus was praying for future believers, including us. One of the central requests in His prayer is unity among His followers. Jesus points to the perfect unity between Himself and the Father as the model for how believers should live together.

Application
Unity among believers is not just a nice idea, it is part of our witness to the world. When Christians love, support, and forgive one another, they reflect the character of Christ. Division, bitterness, and pride weaken that testimony. Living in unity requires humility, grace, and a shared commitment to Christ.

Truth For The Day
Unity among believers points the world to Jesus.

Pray
Lord, thank You for making me part of Your family. Help me walk in humility and love toward others. Teach me to pursue unity so that my life reflects the truth of the gospel. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭84‬:‭11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Is there something you’ve been frustrated about that you need to trust back into God’s hands?

Context
Psalm 84 is a song of longing for the presence of God. The psalmist expresses deep desire to dwell in the courts of the Lord. This verse comes as a declaration of confidence, not just in God’s presence, but in God’s character. He is described as both sun (provider of light and life) and shield (protector and defender).

Application
Sometimes we wrestle with the idea that God is holding something back from us. A door closes. A prayer seems delayed. An opportunity passes. In those moments, the enemy whispers, “God is withholding something good.”

But Psalm 84:11 corrects that lie. God is a sun. He illuminates what you need and warms what feels cold in your life. God is a shield. He blocks what would harm you, even when you don’t see it coming.

If something hasn’t happened yet, it may be because God is shielding. If something has been delayed, it may be because He is preparing you for glory, not just gratification.

Notice the promise: “No good thing will He withhold.” If He has withheld it, then in His wisdom, it is not good for you right now.

Truth For The Day
God is not depriving you. He is directing and protecting you.

Pray
Lord, thank You for being both my sun and my shield. When I don’t understand delays or closed doors, remind me that You are good and You are faithful. Help me to walk uprightly and trust that You will provide every good thing at the right time. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”
‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭27‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What voices are influencing your decisions today, and are they leading you closer to Jesus or further away?

Context
In John 10, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd. In the ancient world, shepherds had close relationships with their sheep. Sheep learned to recognize the shepherd’s voice and would follow him while ignoring strangers. Jesus uses this imagery to teach an important spiritual truth: those who belong to Him learn to recognize and respond to His voice.

Application
We live in a world filled with competing voices such as culture, opinions, fears, and distractions. Yet the believer’s calling is simple: listen for the voice of Jesus and follow Him. We hear His voice through Scripture, through the leading of the Holy Spirit, and through time spent in prayer. The more time we spend with the Shepherd, the more clearly we recognize His voice.

Truth For The Day
You were not created to wander; you were created to follow the Shepherd.

Pray
Lord, help me recognize Your voice above all the others competing for my attention today. Give me a heart that listens and a life that follows wherever You lead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.