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.

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬

Question
Where might God be calling you to remain faithful even when results aren’t immediate?

Context
Paul writes to believers who were growing tired under pressure and opposition. He reminds them that faithful living sometimes feels slow and unnoticed, but God sees every act of obedience and promises a future harvest.

Application
Today, choose faithfulness even in small, unseen moments. Continue to show kindness, patience, and integrity, trusting God is producing results you cannot yet see. Doing the right thing doesn’t always bring immediate results. Sometimes faithfulness feels exhausting. Yet God works behind the scenes, and His timing never fails. 

Truth For The Day
Persistence in obedience always matters.

Pray
Lord, strengthen me when I grow weary. Help me remain faithful in doing good, trusting that You are working beyond what I can see. Renew my courage and perseverance today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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.