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“I [Jesus] in them [His followers] and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” --John 17:23 Today’s verse contains one of the most remarkable statements recorded in Scripture. It says that God loves you and me just as he loves Christ Jesus. Isn’t that amazing? How does a perfect and holy God love us who are so imperfect and unholy?   Well, the Scripture tells us that Jesus is in us, just as God is in Jesus. So our oneness in Christ gives us oneness with God! And it is our collective unity in Christ Jesus that forms his Church. Now, when I say church, I’m not talking about any particular denomination, but about the worldwide body of Jesus Christ, all those joined together in faith and trust in him. We know that there are many expressions within the body, but there is only one true Church. Unfortunately, the cause of Christ has suffered a great deal of damage by those who love dissention more than unity. You see, Satan is the arch enemy of unity where the Church is concerned. But God promises blessing where unity dwells (Psalm 133)! So, if you share the passion and priority of Christ for unity, then lay aside your differences and focus on Christ Jesus who makes us one. In this way, Jesus will be magnified and those who are lost will be drawn into his marvelous love! GOD PROMISES BLESSING WHERE UNITY DWELLS!

Eat with Your Shoes On

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD’S passover. For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.”
Exodus 12:11–13

The custom in Old Testament times was that meals, especially the evening meal, were leisurely times to spend with family and friends. There was a relaxed atmosphere with the day’s work concluded. Shoes would be set aside and feet washed, and then those eating the meal would gather around a low table leaning or reclining while reaching for the food. When God gave Moses the instructions for the Passover, He commanded something very different. This meal was to be eaten standing up with shoes on—because something important was about to happen.
There is a great picture and reminder for us in that instruction. The events and cares of this world may clamor for and even capture our attention, but there is a sure and certain promise—that one day the Lord will return. It is our duty to be continually living in such a way that we are ready for Him and not ashamed when we see Him. Jesus said, “Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping” (Mark 13:35-36).
 

Today’s Growth Principle: 

Do not let the pressures of life distract you from the wonderful promise that Jesus is coming again.