In Christ, Each Member Belongs to the Others

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. — Romans 12:4-5 

Each of us has one body, created by God.

And each body has many members.

All of those members have different functions.

And they work together in perfect timing, forming one body.

In Christ, the church is one body.

Each of us has devoted our life to Jesus.

And God has a special purpose and function for each.

Together, we work together for God's good.

And each member belongs to the others.

The Kingdom of God

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” — Matthew 19:14 

The disciples were quick to push the little children aside.

After all, they were getting in the way.

And they were disrupting the adult conversations.

But Jesus welcomed them into the midst of the gathering.

He must have surprised the disciples when he commanded them to send the children His way.

And especially when He told them not to hinder them or prevent them from coming.

The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.

God asks us to bring our imagination and enthusiasm.

In Christ, We Form One Body

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. — Romans 12: 4-5

Each of us has one body with many members.

These members all have different functions.

In Christ we form one body, even though we are many.

Each member belongs to all the others.

And each is beautiful in its own right.

Just as this Plumeria is beautiful.

God created us for beauty too.

Let the Little Children Come

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” — Matthew 19:14

Jesus welcomed little children to talk with Him.

He welcomes, me, too, even when my questions seem childish or naive.

Jesus explained that the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.

People who come to Him with a childlike openness and eagerness.

And a willingness to love others.

Who are willing to follow Him wherever He leads.

 

Power Belongs to God

Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord, is unfailing love. — Psalm 62:12

God is all powerful.

He is a God of love.

Unfailing love.

Love that never ends.

Tomorrow I'm singing for a memorial service.

Our friend Ann died last month after suffering from dementia for the past 4 years.

She was only 72. The day of her service would have been her 73rd birthday.

She had served as chair of our school board.

And she taught for 36 years at our neighborhood elementary school.

Our hearts go out to her husband Tim.

The song I'm singing includes these words:

"I love You more than any other, so much more than anything.

You alone are my strength, my shield.

To You alone may my spirit yield.

You alone are my heart's desire and I long to worship You."

God is unfailing love.

We Hear What God Says

Whoever belongs to God hears what God says.  — John 8:47 

We belong to God.

He has adopted us as His children.

And He sent Jesus to die for our sins.

Jesus shed His blood as our living sacrifice.

Paying the price for our sins.

Thank. you, God, for your mercy on us.