What practical steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Jesus daily? Living in the Desire of Jesus (John 17:24) “Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, that they may see My glory—the glory You gave Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” Jesus’ longing is clear: He wants you with Him, seeing His glory. Deepening your relationship is therefore cooperating with His own desire and moving into the life He purchased for you. Key Truths Flowing from the Verse • Fellowship is initiated by Christ, not earned by effort (John 6:37). • The ultimate goal is beholding His glory—knowing Him personally, not merely knowing about Him (2 Corinthians 3:18). • This fellowship begins now and reaches fullness in eternity (Philippians 1:6). Daily Union: Practical Steps 1. Delight in His Word • Schedule unhurried time to read and meditate on Scripture, treating it as a meeting, not a task (Psalm 119:97). • Read until a verse grips you, then pause and speak it back to Him. • Keep a running list of verses that reveal His glory; rehearse them through the day (Colossians 3:16). 2. Converse Continually • Begin every activity by consciously acknowledging His presence: “Jesus, thank You for being here.” • Turn stray thoughts into short prayers—praise, confession, requests (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • End each day reflecting on where you noticed His hand; thank Him specifically (Philippians 4:6). 3. Obey Promptly • When Scripture or the Spirit highlights a command, act on it at once (John 14:21). • Keep a journal of obedience steps; review weekly to celebrate His faithfulness. • Confess failures quickly, receiving cleansing without delay (1 John 1:9). 4. Choose Set-Apart Living • Remove habits that dull spiritual appetite: entertainment that celebrates sin, unhealthy friendships, wasteful scrolling (1 Peter 1:15-16). • Replace them with soul-strengthening inputs—worship music, edifying books, testimonies (Philippians 4:8). • Guard your physical body with rest and moderation; you meet Him better when healthy (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). 5. Engage in Worshipful Community • Commit to a local church where the Bible is preached plainly (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Arrive early, stay late, and look for someone to serve or encourage each gathering. • Invite believers into your home for simple meals and Scripture sharing (Acts 2:46). 6. Keep Eternal Perspective • Memorize John 17:24 and recite it when life feels ordinary; remember you are being prepared to see His glory. • Regularly read Revelation 21-22 to anchor hope in the coming face-to-face fellowship. • View trials as tools shaping you for that future (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Guardrails Against Drift • Evaluate media, conversations, and ambitions by one question: “Does this draw me closer to or farther from beholding His glory?” • Fast periodically—from food, phone, or entertainment—to reset desires toward Christ (Matthew 6:17-18). • Seek accountability with a mature believer; honest confession keeps the heart soft (Proverbs 27:17). Encouragement from Other Passages • Abide in Me and I in you…apart from Me you can do nothing (John 15:4-5). • Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (James 4:8). • In Your presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). • You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13). Walk these steps daily, confident that every move toward Jesus fulfills His own prayer in John 17:24. |
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