Guest Blogger JoAnne B. - October 4, 2011
Scripture:
Luke 17:20-21 Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you."
Observation:
I find it very interesting that Jesus said this to the Pharisees, who were known for paying close attention to the law and the "right" way to do things. These were people who were so often blinded by their "knowledge" of the law. Here it seems Jesus is telling them to get themselves out of the way and not to be so caught up in watching for the kingdom of God. Rather, He wanted them to realize that the kingdom of God was closer than they thought, because it was within them.
Application:
I think sometimes it is easier to look for some philosophical answer to the questions and problems in life rather than to realize that Christ within us has all of the power to overcome any circumstance. It is also easier to think that something as amazing as the kingdom of God is something so big that it cannot be a part of little, imperfect me. However, God within me should be something amazing, something big enough to show the kingdom of God to the world around me. The kingdom of God within me is God's grace, God's forgiveness, the fruits of God's Spirit shining through my life- overcoming all my humanness as I trust and follow the Holy Spirit each day. At first glance, the thought that the kingdom of God is within me feels daunting. But, as I think about this some more, I realize that if I am walking in the power of the Holy Spirit in my life, then this is a natural part of my life. It does not involve me working really hard to do and say all the right things. It involves me getting out of the way of myself every single day, and inviting the Holy Spirit to guide all of my steps.
Prayer:
Lord, you know the areas where I struggle the most in trusting the Holy Spirit and allowing him to shine through me. Sometimes I allow myself to struggle with something using my own strength and forgetting that You have told me in Your Word that You have redeemed me. If I believe Your Word that says I am more than a conqueror, and that I can do all things through Christ, and that I am a new creation, then I must follow those truths in my life. So often I let myself get in the way of what You are trying to do in me. In my heart I never ever want to stand in Your way. In my mind, sometimes those patterns I have created in my life cause a struggle for me. But, You have told me in Your Word that even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. So, I just ask that You will help me to have that faith and to act on it in those moments when I find myself in the middle of a battle between my heart and my mind. I am Yours, and I want You to have all of me! Thank You that You are working in me to will and to act according to Your good purposes. Help me to trust Your leading and get out of the way. Thank You for being my everlasting God!
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