John 17:1–4 (ESV): When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.
 
Everlasting life with God begins when a person receives God’s gift of salvation. And with that gift comes the potential for powerful living, that is the blessing of eternal life starting now.
 
Some, not all, of the attributes of eternal life start now. There are aspects of eternal life that we inherit when we go to heaven to be with God. However, there are some attributes of eternal life that we get at salvation. One that many people gloss over and misunderstand is the indwelling Spirit of God.
 
He gives us everything we need for our new beginning. Everything you need is given to you by God when you join his family. Can you let that sink in. An unlimited source of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.
 
Galatians 5:22–23 (ESV): But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
 
On the physical, emotional and relational side, here is what is promised to you in scripture.
 
Philippians 4:19–20 (ESV): And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
 
In John 17, Jesus is praying. This whole passage is a prayer and as he is talking to the Father, Jesus is conveying that he was accomplishing what he set out to do. He says that he is glorifying the Father by accomplishing what he is supposed to do.
 
Question, how do you glorify God? Is it the same? Maybe you would answer that question by saying, “I glorify God by being a good person, or by not doing bad things anymore.” I am really glad for that, the world doesn’t need any more bad people, we have enough, don’t you think?
 
Jesus was very clear what his work on earth was. Do you think that God wants you to keep guessing or do you think that you could have the same certainty as Jesus? I say that you can have certainty. Yes, as certain as Jesus. How do I know, well read this.
 
Romans 12:1–2 (ESV): I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Jesus knew what he was to do and you can also know what you are supposed to do on earth.
 
In John 17, you will see Jesus completely committed to his purpose on earth. He doesn’t even pray about anything else. His mind is tracking with one thing as he draws close to his crucifixion.
 
His work was to reveal the reality of the Father’s love. His whole life was a testimony of the Father’s love. And in his death, Jesus puts the exclamation at the end of the sentence. Jesus presents his body as a living sacrifice. And to the Father, this sacrifice was holy and acceptable.
 
God wants your body too. He wants you in his service. He wants you to know why you are on earth, it is a glorious purpose, just like Jesus has a high priestly purpose, our purpose falls in line with his.
 
Pray this way,
 
Father, today I present my body to you as a living sacrifice. Jesus, you gave your life for me, so I choose at this moment to serve you forever. In that place is where I know who I am and what I am supposed to do. No matter the condition I am in, I trust you for the way into a glorified life. I trust you, you are faithful. Jesus, thank you for this prayer. Thank you for your purpose on earth.
 
Blessings,
Pastor D