Pastor Stephen Dedman

“And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”
‭‭John‬ ‭17‬:‭26‬ ‭NKJV‬

Question
How would your daily life change if you fully embraced the depth of God’s love for you?

Context
Jesus concludes His High Priestly prayer just before His arrest and crucifixion. Throughout His ministry, Jesus revealed the character and nature of God the Father to His disciples. By declaring the Father’s name, Jesus made God known to them. His desire was not only that they would understand who God is, but that they would experience the same love the Father has for the Son.

Application
One of the greatest truths of the Christian life is that the love of God is not distant or reserved, it is given to those who belong to Christ. Through Jesus, believers are invited into a relationship with God that is marked by His presence and His love. When we understand how deeply God loves us, it changes how we live, how we treat others, and how we view ourselves.

Truth For The Day
The same love the Father has for the Son is poured into the hearts of those who belong to Christ.

Pray
Lord, thank You for revealing Your love through Jesus. Help me rest in the truth that I am loved by You. Fill my heart with Your presence so that Your love flows through my life to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“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.

“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.