Today's Bible reading is the 17th chapter of the Book of John. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+17&version=NASB

Today's scripture reading contains what is often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer of our Lord Jesus Christ. Although we find much of the prayer to be specific to His disciples, we find great comfort and joy in verse twenty where Jesus says to the Father, "I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word". That includes me and you! It is quite a significant matter to consider that Jesus had prayed for me before He died for me. He likens believers unto Himself as being those "not of the world" as He was not of the world. As we see in today's passage, because the world hated, or should I say in the present tense, hates Him, those who believe in Him are also objects of the world's hatred. This truth is repeated for us elsewhere also. Often times we wish to respond to this "hatred" or opposition to Christ and Christian virtues by removing ourselves from the world. But Jesus prayed not to take us out of the world but to protect us "from the evil one". The struggle has long been that of living in the world but refraining from living like the world, loving the world and feeling at home in the world. A final short thought from today's chapter is the stark reminder in verse three. Eternal life is knowing "the only true God, and Jesus Christ" whom He has sent. In a world full of gods and religion, there is only one "true God" and His Son Jesus Christ. This truth is unalterable by men. Having billions of people believe in another god does not make the god true. I rejoice in His gracious favor bestowed upon me that I might know the "true God" and His Son Jesus.