Connecting For any achievement of great significance, it is the small things that are done with faithful consistency that make this possible. So often the final result, that was a very real potential from the start, never makes it close to fulfillment because of how overwhelming it seems to be. Running a marathon, becoming a doctor, and building wealth all have much more to do with a day-by-day commitment to seemingly small things. While gifting and aptitude are certainly a blessing, they do not replace what is established as a daily routine of uninterrupted development. So often, what seems to be most necessary and desirous occupies such a large portion of the day that we say there just wasn’t enough time. This may be true from time to time, but of all the 24 hours in a day, there is always time made for what is considered most essential, if even for just a few minutes. And, it’s in the consistency of those few moments over days, weeks, months and years that truly great things are enabled – skills developed and weaknesses overcome – true transformation and restoration. What we’ve been given in Christ is an unlimited provision of potential. As with any gift, though, its reception is of no benefit until it is given what is necessary to fully develop. It doesn’t require exclusive focus, just that it be cared for first and consistently. Rather than depending on a larger amount of time that is infrequent, a small but very repetitious encounter in His presence will yield a much more positive outcome. A focus on quantity over quality will often yield the better quality as well. As the influence of His Word takes on a pattern of frequency throughout the day, so will be the development of its fulfilled potential of victorious living. Notes Jesus’ Passion – A Connected Body John 17:21-23 21 I pray for them all to be joined together as one even as you and I, Father, are joined together as one. I pray for them to become one with us so that the world will recognize that you sent me. 22 For the very glory you have given to me I have given them so that they will be joined together as one and experience the same unity that we enjoy. 23 You live fully in me and now I live fully in them so that they will experience perfect unity, and the world will be convinced that you have sent me, for they will see that you love each one of them with the same passionate love that you have for me. How is this connection made? Common participation in consumption and service. Rather than being led by whatever seems right – connected in truth and service. Ephesians 4:14-16 14 And then our immaturity will end! And we will not be easily shaken by trouble, nor led astray by novel teachings or by the false doctrines of deceivers who teach clever lies. 15 But instead we will remain strong and always sincere in our love as we express the truth. All our direction and ministries will flow from Christ and lead us deeper into him, the anointed Head of his body, the church. 16 For his “body” has been formed in his image and is closely joined together and constantly connected as one. And every member has been given divine gifts to contribute to the growth of all; and as these gifts operate effectively throughout the whole body, we are built up and made perfect in love. Can still be connected to the world until actually transformed by the Word. Romans 12:2 (NLT) 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Doesn’t say “only seek” – just seek first Matthew 6:33-34 (NKJV) 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. “This” must become “every” – intentional view with joyful response. Psalms 118:24 (NKJV) 24 This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. Daily reception of God’s forgiveness and mercy maintains empowered humility. Lamentations 3:22-23 (NKJV) 22 Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. Consistent observation enables prosperous way. Joshua 1:8 (NKJV) 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Consideration of the Word enables fulfilled potential. Psalms 1:1-3 (NKJV) 1 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. With the Word – more than information, wisdom-activated understanding Psalms 119:99 (NKJV) 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation. In order to love the Lord, words must be in the heart. Deuteronomy 6:4-7 (NKJV) 4 "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! 5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. Overview: Jesus passionately prayed to the Father for our connected unity. It’s in our unity that the body of Christ is formed and represented to the world. We grow up into this mature body by speaking the same truth and serving the same purpose. In the transformation of the mind by the Word, the way is made to life that glorifies God. It is by consistent and frequent exposure of the truth that who we are in Christ is developed and seen. From this transformation comes faith for restoration in all areas of loss and need. Prayer: “That You have forgiven all of my failures and given me a new nature that is right before You is so amazing. As I commit to observing this truth through Your Word, connect me to Your heart and the body of Christ. Join us together in Your love so the world can be drawn to who You really are.” Declarations: Fasting: Galatians 5:22-24 ESV But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. “My life is a continual production of the Spirit’s fruit as I am continually purged from any cravings of the flesh.” Praise “God, I love to meditate on Your glory, splendor, majesty, and miracles.” Psalm 145:5 Identity “I am dead to my old sinful nature and alive unto God in Christ.” Galatians 2:20 Understanding “I let the Word of Christ dwell in me richly in all wisdom and understanding” Colossians 3:16 Wholeness “I bless the Lord who forgives all my sins, heals all my sicknesses and satisfies my soul with good things.” Psalm 103:2-5 Provision “My God shall supply all my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19