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.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are you carrying a burden today that belongs in the Shepherd’s hands instead of your own?

Context
Psalm 23 was written by David, a man who understood both the responsibilities of a shepherd and the pressures of leadership. He had faced lions, bears, giants, and enemies, yet when he reflected on God’s care, he simply declared, “The Lord is my shepherd.”

A shepherd doesn’t merely point the way, he stays with his sheep. He leads them to green pastures, provides fresh water, protects them from danger, and searches for them when they wander. David knew that God had done all of those things in his own life.

Application
The same is true for every believer today. We often carry burdens we were never meant to bear. We worry about tomorrow, try to solve every problem, and exhaust ourselves striving for control. But our Shepherd never asks His sheep to carry the weight of the flock. He simply calls us to follow Him.

When Jesus identified Himself as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), He demonstrated the greatest expression of shepherding love by laying down His life for His sheep. Because of His sacrifice, we can trust that He will faithfully provide everything we truly need.

Today, remember that your peace is not found in having all the answers but in staying close to the Shepherd. His guidance is perfect, His provision is sufficient, and His presence is constant.

Truth For The Day
The safest place you can be is following the Good Shepherd one step at a time.

Pray
Lord, thank You for being my faithful Shepherd. Forgive me for trying to carry burdens You never intended for me to bear. Help me to trust Your leadership, rest in Your provision, and follow wherever You lead. Thank You that Your presence is with me through every valley and every mountaintop. Teach me to walk closely with You today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭58‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Where is God calling you to remain faithful, even when you don’t immediately see the results?

Context
In this chapter, Paul is writing about the resurrection and the victory believers have in Christ. He reminds the church that because Jesus has conquered death, everything we do for Him carries eternal weight. This verse is not just encouragement it’s a command to remain faithful because what we do for God truly matters.

Application
Every act of service, every lesson taught, every prayer prayed, every moment invested in others is never in vain. Even when results aren’t immediately visible, God is working beneath the surface.

It’s easy to wonder if what you’re doing is making a difference. Maybe you’ve served quietly, loved consistently, and poured into others without recognition.

Truth For The Day
What you do for God today will echo into eternity tomorrow.

Pray
Lord, help me to remain faithful in every season. When I grow tired or discouraged, remind me that my labor in You is never wasted. Strengthen my heart to keep serving, keep loving, and keep trusting that You are working through it all. In Jesus’ name, Amen.