Pastor Stephen Dedman

“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.

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.