Pastor Stephen Dedman

Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.
‭‭John‬ ‭18‬:‭10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Do you react out of emotion, or respond in alignment with God’s will?

Context
Jesus had just stepped forward to face those who came to arrest Him. The tension was high. The disciples were confused and afraid. In that moment, Peter reacted. He grabbed a sword and lashed out, trying to defend Jesus in the only way he knew how.

But what Peter didn’t understand was that Jesus didn’t need defending. This was God’s plan unfolding. What looked like defeat was actually divine purpose.

Application
Peter’s response is one we can all relate to. When life feels out of control, we often react quickly, trying to fix, fight, or force outcomes. Sometimes our intentions are right, but our actions are out of alignment with God’s will.

Peter loved Jesus deeply, but in this moment, his passion got ahead of his obedience. He acted before he listened. And instead of advancing God’s plan, he found himself working against it.

How often do we do the same? We step in too quickly, speak too soon, or try to control situations God is asking us to trust Him with.

Truth For The Day
Not every battle you feel called to fight is one God has asked you to engage in.

Pray
Lord, help me to slow down and seek Your will before I act. Guard my heart from reacting out of fear or impulse. Teach me to surrender my need to control and to trust that You are at work, even when I don’t understand. Give me wisdom to know when to move and when to be still. 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.

Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?”
‭‭John‬ ‭18‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What situation in your life right now requires you to trust God and step forward in faith instead of stepping back in fear?

Context
Jesus knew everything that was about to happen the night before He went to the cross. He knew the betrayal, denial, suffering, the mock trials, the beating, and ultimately the cross that awaited Him. Yet instead of hiding or retreating, Jesus stepped forward.

Jesus was not a helpless victim. He was willingly submitting to the Father’s plan.

Application
Life often brings moments where we feel overwhelmed by uncertainty or difficulty. Our natural reaction is to step back, protect ourselves, or avoid the challenge completely.

But Jesus demonstrates a different response. Because He trusted the Father completely, He stepped forward even into suffering.

For believers, this reminds us that courage does not come from controlling circumstances, it comes from trusting God. When we know the Lord is guiding our lives, we can move forward in faith, even when the future feels uncertain.

Truth For The Day
Because Jesus stepped forward to face the cross, we can step forward in faith knowing our lives are secure in Him.

Pray
Lord, thank You for Your courage and love. Thank You for willingly stepping forward to accomplish our salvation. When fear or uncertainty causes me to hesitate, remind me that You are in control. Give me the faith to trust You and the courage to walk forward in obedience today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.