Unity Through Glory
“The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”
There are a few chapters of the Bible that Jacob and I consistently come back to when writing these prompts. It is not that other chapters are less important or useful, but that there are a few sections of the scriptures that have dramatically shaped the heart behind Abiding Daily.
John 17 (all of 13-17) is one of those chapters that has spoken to us tremendously. Jesus’ words to the disciples before his sacrifice on the cross carry so much weight and truth about how to stay connected to the Lord at all times. It is not surprising that Jesus is talking about maintaining a relationship with him through the Holy Spirit just moments before he will have to leave his dear friends and faithful disciples. It demonstrates his love and generosity in how he relates to us in that he is not focused only on the coming trial, but on caring for his friends.
The message of Abiding Daily is built on faith that God works in and through our lives by his Spirit. Without this promise of glory, all our work is in vain. In the January episode of Abiding Daily, Jacob and I talked about the tension between desiring to know how to do a good work and learning how to hear his voice and obey. It is the same with glorification in the spirit. As useful as routines, practices, and rules are, they cannot replace the life that comes from personally and intimately encountering the glory of God.
Jesus’ desire for the disciples and for us (John 17:20) was that we would operate in unity, but unity does not come from our efforts to unite. It comes as we receive and live from the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
This is why the second point of our mission is to empower the church for revival. Despite all our strategies for church growth and spreading the gospel, the revival that God desires is not one where we follow great leaders on crusades of power, but one where we become so connected with Jesus through his Spirit that our love for one another increases and we are knit together in the glory of God.
Notice that Jesus says in the quoted passage, “I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one.” The truth is that when individuals open themselves up to deep fellowship with the Lord, they experience the fullness of God. This is the foundation for unity.
I want you to see this morning that the vision of Abiding Daily and People of Freedom goes beyond pleasant encounters with God in the morning. Jacob and I talk at length about how we can partner with heaven to prepare the bride for the return of Christ Jesus. He has taught me so much about this call. It has shaped my prayers, family life, and even my songs. We want to open the way for you to encounter him, join the church in unity, and prepare the way for his coming.
It is quite remarkable how far the ripple effect goes from your faithful seeking of him in the secret place. This is not about isolated candles burning in hidden places. This is about starting sparks of revival in the hearts of believers all over the nation, in hopes that a wildfire of love, freedom, and glory would break out.
He is inviting us to share in his glory, how will you respond?
All-New Podcast
Go further with the ministry of Abiding Daily by listening to our podcast. We just released our first episode that you can stream on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. You can always listen directly on our website here.
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Abiding happens daily in his presence. Abiding Daily is a simple and practical reminder to stay connected to the vine. Each prompt is inspired by the scriptures and designed to point you toward prayer and encounter. You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To get the Daily Invitation sent to you every day click this link or text “Daily” to +1 (779) 237-3914.
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Our first devotional book is available on our online store! Abiding Daily: Volume One is a devotional book including 120 prompts from the Daily Invitation. This book is designed to help believers connect with God through the word and discover more of what it means to abide in Christ. Click here to learn more.
