One: Praying With Jesus That the World May BelieveSample

As Jesus prays to the Father before his betrayal and crucifixion, it is both humbling and inspiring to realize we were on His mind.

Consider a time when you were crying out desperately for the Lord’s help. I would venture that at that moment, the challenge you were facing was likely the only thing you could think about.

However, in Jesus’ beautiful prayer of intercession in John 17, He prays not only for Himself but also for us, that we would be where He is.

Additionally, Jesus prays that we would see His glory, the glory that the Father gave Him before the world began.

This word glory means to be worthy of honor and highest esteem.

Essentially, Jesus prayed that we would fix our hearts on the only One who is worthy and deserving of the highest praise.

Therefore, to be with Him and behold His glory means to center our lives around His presence as we honor and praise Him every day.

In our pursuit of unity in our nation and worldwide, we could rally around initiatives and programs to unite people and combat division, and I think we should to some extent.

But I firmly believe that the only way to the oneness that causes the world to believe is when we fix our eyes daily on Jesus Christ.

As we each remain in Him and He in us, we are ultimately united together with one heart, mind, and purpose.

This is something our church plant experiences with our local YMCA staff each week. Early each Sunday morning, our team transforms the Y building into a church sanctuary, a place of praise and honor in Word and worship. Then, we put everything back in place with just enough time for them to open for their members.

This type of partnership is only possible because both teams remain in Jesus and are continually united together for the Kingdom!

Today, I want to invite you into a life of keeping your eyes on Jesus, giving Him the glory He deserves, which is the most important aspect of each day.

Oneness is beholding the One who is worthy.

Pray with me:

“Jesus, help me today center my life around your presence, continually honoring and praising Your name.”

[by Pastor Kent Nighswander at Jorgensen Family YMCA]