By one Spirit we were all baptized into one body….God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 1 Corinthians 12:13,24-251 Corinthians 12:13,24-25
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. Gentiles: Gr. Greeks ²⁴ For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: ²⁵ That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. schism: or, division  

Lord, thank You for making me special. I am nourished in the depths of my heart by the relaization that I am special to you.

Help me, Father, to reach out to people in my life who need to feel special to me so that I can help them to know that they are special to You also. I commit this day to being an active, contagious communicator of affirming esteem in those around me. Thanks in advance for Your love for each person I meet.  And thank You for making it all possible through the limitless love of the cross.

As I move through this day, I want to claim Your blessings for people. Remind me to greet people warmly, pray for them as I shake their hands and listen patiently to them. May my “How are you?” never be glib nor perfunctory, but sincere and desirous of an answer. When I learn about needs, give me the courage to do what love demands— even if it’s inconvenient.

When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.  All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on HIs right hand, but the goats on the left.  Then the King will say to those on His right hand, “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:     for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;  I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited me: I was in prison and you came to Me.”  Then the rigteous will answer Him, saying,  “Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink?  When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?  Or when did we see You sick, or in prison and come to You?”  And the King will answer and say to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”

Todays’ Bible reading is part of the “Olivet Discourse,” Christ’s final significant time of public teaching (Matthew 24:4-25Matthew 24:4-25
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. ⁵ For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. ⁶ And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. ⁷ For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. ⁸ All these are the beginning of sorrows. ⁹ Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. ¹⁰ And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. ¹¹ And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. ¹² And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. ¹³ But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. ¹⁴ And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. ¹⁵ When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, ¹⁶ Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: ¹⁷ Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: ¹⁸ Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. ¹⁹ And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! ²⁰ But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: ²¹ For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. ²² And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. ²³ Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. ²⁴ For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. ²⁵ Behold, I have told you before.  

:46). Delivered on the Mount of Olives, this message has a futuristic component, which our Lord presented through several parables (the fig tree, the ten virgins, and the talents). HIs theme for the message was to be ready for the Lord’s return (24:42).

Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me. Matthew 25:40Matthew 25:40
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.  

Moses was God’s answer for the slavery of His people in Egypt (Exdous 3:9-10), so Haughen and his team are becoming God’s answer for those in slavery today. As Haugen says, “God doesn’t have a Plan B. HIs plan is you. You are the answer.”

God places us in unique circumstances where our abilities match the problem He wants to fix. Jesus said that what we do for those in need, we do for Him (Matthew 25:35-40Matthew 25:35-40
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: ³⁶ Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. ³⁷ Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? ³⁸ When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? ³⁹ Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? ⁴⁰ And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.  

).

Have you found a problem? How might you be God’s solution? God may want you to be an answer to someone’s prayer.

By God’s design, there lies in wait for you important work that no one else can do.  Just as the planets find their paths through space, you too must grow to fill your proper place.

WHEN GOD SHOWS YOU A PROBLEM, HE MAY ASK YOU TO BE HIS SOLUTION.

1 Timothy 6:171 Timothy 6:17
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; uncertain...: Gr. uncertainty of riches  

  Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all thngs to enjoy.

Our search for joy takes us many different directions–dream holidays, shopping, food, clothes, friends, cars–the list is almost endless.

No doubt God’s greatest gift to us is our relationship with His Son Jesus. It’s a gift beyond comparison. Jesus promised that when we abide in Him we will experience the fulfillment of His joy (John 15:11John 15:11
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.  

), and without that kind of deep, abiding joy the rest of life is mundane at best.

But Scripture also casts the joy of the Lord in terms of temporal thngs. The enjoymnent of “things” can be a positive spiritual experiene. When we recognize that He “gives us richly all thitngs to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:171 Timothy 6:17
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; uncertain...: Gr. uncertainty of riches  

) and that “every good gift is from above” (James 1:17James 1:17
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.  

WP-Bible plugin

), our hearts should be full of thankfulness and praise. This, in and of itself, is an act of worship! Enjoy the Giver and the gifts.

We thank Thee, Lord, for daily food, For plenteous store of earthly good; For life and health we still possess, With house and home so richly blessed.

OUR HEAVELY FATHER DELIGHTS IN BRINGING US DELIGHT

1 Timothy 6:171 Timothy 6:17
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; uncertain...: Gr. uncertainty of riches  

-19  Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all thngs to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, will to share. storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

First Timothy is one of three letters commonly referred to as the “pastoral epistles” because they were written to two young pastors–Timothy and Titus. In that context, Paul is explaining to his young protege how to instruct (“command,” v.17) his congregation in their use of material things. Our possessions are not to be a cause for pride (“haughty,”v.17) and cannot be seen as the basis of our security (“trust,”v.17). Rather, the things God has entrusted to us are to be regarded as opportunities to “do good” (v.18) by being willing to share. That’s a very different attitude than that of our me-first world!

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the  Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Surely, he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noesome pestilence. 

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Thous shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

A thousand shall fall at they side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

Only with thne eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

With long life will I satisfy him and shew him my salvation.

Note: Pray this daily over your family.

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer they foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smit thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8Psalm 4:8
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.  

A mother and her 4 year old daughter were preparing for bed. The child was afraid of the dark. When the lights were turned off, the girl noticed the moon shining through the window. “Mommy,” she asked, “is that God’s light up there?” Yes it is, came the reply. Soon another question, “Will He put it out and go to sleep too?” “Oh no, He never goes to sleep.” After a few silent moments, the little girl said, “As long as God is awake, I’m not scared.” Realizing that the Lord would be watching over her, the reassured child soon fell into a peaceful sleep.

As Christians we may confidently commit both the night and the day to our ever faithful God. He is fully aware of our fears in the dark as well as our frustrations in the light. We can be assured of His constant care. His loving eye and protecting hand are always upon us.

Perhaps you face lonely hours because of illness or the loss of a loved one. The shadows of the night make the anxiety of your situation seem greater than ever. Doubts arise and fears flood your soul, robbing you of your needed rest.

Trust the heavely Father, and with the psalmist you will be able to say, “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8Psalm 4:8
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.  

). Remember, God is always awake.

In His care confiding I will sweetly sleep, For the Lord my Savior Will in safety keep.

If you have trouble getting to sleep, try resting in the Lord.

(Some probably have never thought nor looked at Psalm 23 in this way, even though they say it over and over again.)

The Lord is my Shepherd; (That’s Relationship!)

I shall not want. (That’s Supply!)

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: (That’s Rest!)

He leadeth me beside the still waters. (That’s Refreshment!)

He restoreth my soul: (That’s Healing!)

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness (That’s Guidance!)

 For His name’s sake. (That’s Purpose!)

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, (That’s Testing!)

I will fear no evil: (That’s Protection!)

For Thou art with me; (That’s Faithfulness!)

Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. (That’s Discipline!)

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: (That’s Hope!)

Thou annointest my head with oil; (That’s Consecration!)

My cup runneth over. (That’s Abundance!)

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: (That’s Blessing!)

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord (That’s Security!)

Forever. (That’s Eternity!)

I believe in Jesus Christ as my Savior.

He died on the cross for my sins to set me free of guilt and condemnation. I know that I am loved and forgiven. Old memories of failures and mistakes have been healed forever.

I believe in Christ as my Lord.

He rose from the dead and reigns as my victorious conqueror over death. He liberates me from the fear of death and all lesser fears that may have kept me from living with freedom and joy. I don’t have to take life alone.

I believe in Christ as indwelling power.

He has promised to abide in me and I in Him. I invite Him to live in my mind, to think His thoughts through me, to take charge of my will, to guide me to do His will, and to control my emotions to love through me.

I accept the awesome wonder that I am a miracle.

By grace, I have been resurrected from the graves of self centeredness, worry, and anxiety to live for others. Therefore, I commit my whole life to Christ and will seek to be His faithful and obedient disciple in all my relationships and responsibilities. For me to live is Christ’ I am truly alive, now and forever. Hallelujah and Amen’

The world is full of empty promises. We watch television and we see advertisements that tell us that we can be happy, sexy, rich or famous if we only purchase the product they are promotion. It does not take long before we have been fooled enough to know that the world’s promises are full of emptiness.

But God is different. Instead of promises full of emptiness, on Easter, He gave us emptiness that is full of promise. He gave us an empty cross, an empty tomb and empty grave clothes. Each of these assures us that God’s promises are real.

Because the cross was empty that first Easter, we have forgiveness of sins, Jesus died on that cross for our sins He paid the penalty that we deserved to pay. God’s Word tells us, ‘Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8Romans 5:8
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  

). The Bible says, “There is salvation in no one else” (Acts 4:12Acts 4:12
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.  

WP-Bible plugin

). When Jesus hung on the cross He said, “It is finished.” The penalty for our sins was paid. The empty cross is a promise of forgiven sins.

In the fact of the empty tomb is the truth of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise everyone of us can be raised to eternal life. Why was the tomb empty? Because Jesus was alive, Jesus said, “Because I live you shall live also.” The promise to us is that we can live though we die.

When they looked into that tomb they only saw the empty burial clothes of Jesus. The promise of the empty burial clothes is that Jesus is alive and wants to fellowship with us. He is a living Savior and desires to have a personal relationship with each of us as He did the disciples 2,000es 2,000
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
Štetje svetopisemskih vrstic se za?ne z ¹! Vrstica ⁰ ne obstaja!

years ago.

The cross could not hold Him. The tomb could not contain Him. The burial clothes were unnecessary. Why? Because Jesus was alive. Jesus made another promise while here on earth. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13Romans 10:13
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.  

). Claim that promise if you have not done so already and live forever even though one day you die.