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changed and one


We are in a series called “welcome to the future”, and a I shared a message Sunday about the fact that God has made our future secure.  That truth changes our situation now as well as our destiny and future.

Jesus prayed for us. That happened in the prayer recorded in John 17.  Some of these words and thoughts often ring in my head and in my heart.

John 17:15-18  NLT
15 I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. 16 They do not belong to this world any more than I do.17 Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. 18 Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. 

We often wish God would take us out of this world and send us to heaven.  Right?  Well, that is not the plan.  See the last phrase: I am sending them.  We must stay here until it is time, but we stay here to be part of His plan.

Take a little time to see how you are connected to the world.  Are you like the world?  The does world seem to love you or hate you?  Those answers will help you see where God has you at this point.  We are to be made holy, by God’s doing, as we digest and live by His truth.

He prayed for those who followed Him and for all who would come in the generation or future ahead. I love this.  God is working His plan, and we are part of His plan.

John 17:20-21  NLT
20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.

That we would be one was part of Jesus’ prayer.  We are like Jesus when we find unity.  We give God glory and more glory when we are one.  When we focus on His, we find unity.  

May our lives show we have been with and changed by our great and gracious God!

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