Pastor Stephen Dedman

“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”
‭‭John‬ ‭17‬:‭17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
How consistently are you allowing God’s Word to shape your thoughts and decisions?

Context
In the High Priestly prayer, Jesus prays for His disciples just before His arrest and crucifixion. Knowing they would remain in a world filled with deception and opposition, Jesus asks the Father to sanctify them. To be sanctified means to be set apart for God’s purposes. Jesus explains that this transformation happens through the truth of God’s Word.

Application
The world constantly tries to shape our thinking through opinions, culture, and shifting ideas about truth. But Jesus reminds us that God’s Word is the foundation of real truth. As we read, study, and apply Scripture, God begins shaping our hearts, renewing our minds, and guiding our lives. Spiritual growth happens when we allow God’s truth to influence the way we think and live.

Truth For The Day
God uses His Word to transform and set apart those who follow Him.

Pray
Lord, thank You for giving us Your Word as the source of truth. Help me treasure Scripture and apply it to my life each day. Use Your truth to shape my heart and guide my steps. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.”
‭‭John‬ ‭17‬:‭11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Do you trust God to keep and guide you as you walk through the challenges of this world?

Context
As Jesus prays to the Father, He prays specifically for the disciples. As He was preparing to go to the cross, Jesus knew He would soon depart from His disciples. While He would return to the Father, they would remain in a difficult world filled with opposition and temptation. Because of this, Jesus prayed for their protection. He entrusts them to the care of the Father, asking that they be kept secure and united in God’s name.

Application
Followers of Christ still live in a world that can challenge our faith. We face pressures, distractions, and difficulties that can pull us away from God. Yet this verse reminds us that we are not left to navigate life on our own. Jesus Himself prayed for the protection of His people. The same God who guarded the early disciples is still faithful to guard His children today.

Truth For The Day
God faithfully protects those who belong to Him.

Pray
Lord, thank You for watching over my life. When I face challenges and uncertainty, remind me that I am secure in Your care. Help me walk in unity with other believers and remain faithful to You each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”
‭‭John‬ ‭17‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are you simply believing facts about God, or are you growing in a daily relationship with Him?

Context
In John 17, Jesus prays what is often called His High Priestly Prayer. As He prepares for the cross, Jesus speaks to the Father about the mission He came to accomplish. In this prayer He defines eternal life in a way that may surprise us. Eternal life is not simply living forever; it is knowing God. Jesus reveals that salvation is about entering into a personal relationship with the Father through the Son.

Application
Many people think eternal life is something that begins after death, but Jesus teaches that it begins the moment we come to know God through Him. Eternal life is not just about the length of life, it is about the depth of relationship. When we walk with God daily, learn His Word, and follow His will, we are already experiencing the life He promised.

Truth For The Day
Eternal life is not just living forever, it is knowing and experiencing God personally.

Pray
Lord, thank You for making it possible to know You personally. Help me grow deeper in my relationship with You each day. Draw my heart closer to You and teach me to walk with You faithfully. In Jesus’ name, Amen.