Pastor Stephen Dedman

He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬

Question
Where have you been trying to hold things together on your own instead of trusting Christ?

Context
Colossians was written to affirm the supremacy of Christ in a world filled with competing philosophies and distractions. Paul wanted believers to know that Jesus is not one option among many, He is Lord over all creation and the One who sustains it. This truth anchors our faith, especially in seasons of uncertainty.

Application
Paul declares that Jesus is not only the Creator of all things but also the Sustainer of all things. Every breath, every step, every unseen detail of your life is under His authority and care. Even when circumstances feel unstable, Christ remains constant. What feels like chaos to us is never confusion to Him.

Before we step into a new year, we can rest in the One who has carried us through this one. He held you in your strongest moments and He held you in your weakest.

Take time today to release the weight of this past year into Christ’s hands. Name the moments that felt unstable and trust that Jesus was present in each one. As you prepare for the new year, shift your confidence from your plans to His faithfulness.

Truth For The Day
Christ is faithfully holding your life together, even when you cannot see it.

Pray
Lord, thank You for sustaining me through this year. When I felt overwhelmed, You were steady. When I felt weak, You were strong. Help me to rest in Your faithfulness and trust You with what lies ahead. I place my life fully in Your hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬

Question
Are you drawing your life from Jesus or from your own strength?

Context
John is writing to reveal who Jesus truly is. Before Jesus is shown healing the sick or teaching the crowds, John takes us back to eternity past.

By saying, “In Him was life,” John is declaring that Jesus is not a created being or simply a messenger from God, He is the eternal Word, present at creation, and the source of all life. The “life” John refers to is more than physical existence; it is spiritual and eternal life, a quality of life that comes only from God and restores what sin has broken.

This life is described as “the light of men,” meaning it reveals truth, exposes darkness, and brings understanding and hope. John is preparing readers to see that everything Jesus says and does flows from this reality: He carries God’s life within Himself.

Application
Because life is found in Christ, it cannot be sustained apart from Him. This verse invites us to examine where we are drawing our sense of life from. Is it from our routines, achievements, relationships, or plans for the future? As 2025 comes to a close, it reminds us that true life is not found in turning a new page on the calendar, but in remaining connected to Jesus.

Living in the light of this truth means choosing daily dependence over self-reliance. When we live from His life, His light begins to shape our decisions, attitudes, and direction for the days ahead.

If you stay close to the source of life, His light will guide you forward.

Truth For The Day
Life is not something you chase, it is something you receive and live out in Christ.

Pray
Lord, thank You for the gift of life. As this year comes to a close, help me not to rush ahead without You. Teach me to live from Your life, walk in Your light, and trust You with what’s ahead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬

Question
What area of your life are you tempted to give up on, but God is asking you to trust Him to keep working?

Context
Paul writes the book of Philippians from prison, yet his tone is filled with joy and confidence. He is addressing believers who partnered with him in the gospel from the beginning. Philippians 1:6 is not a casual encouragement; it is a settled conviction. Paul is confident not in the believers’ ability to remain faithful, but in God’s faithfulness to finish what He starts. The “good work” refers to God’s saving and sanctifying work in their lives, a work that continues until Christ returns.

Application
As the year comes to a close, it’s easy to focus on spiritual growth that stalled, prayers still unanswered, habits not yet changed. This verse shifts our focus from self-evaluation to God’s faithfulness. Your story is still being written. God is actively shaping you, even in seasons that feel slow or uncertain. What feels unfinished to you is still under construction in His hands.

Truth For The Day
God is committed to completing His work in you.

Pray
Lord, thank You for beginning a good work in me. When I become discouraged by my progress or distracted by what I cannot see, remind me that You are not finished. Help me trust Your timing, Your process, and Your promises. I place my life again in Your hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.