Can You See?

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Thursday, ‎April ‎21, ‎2022

Good morning, Lord

Verse of the Day: John 10:28-30 New King James Version

And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.”

Memory of the Month: Romans 5:8

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Today's reading: 2 SAMUEL 12-13 LUKE 16

You Just Cannot See It

We had such a beautiful crowd Sunday. Some of the visitors were old friends I had not seen in ages. Folks come together and we feel the love but we cannot see it. We can see the results of God's love that motivates us but we really cannot see the kingdom. That is because it is in each of us. It is Jesus in the person of the Holy Spirit.

Spires to the sky as far as the eye can see-highways that span the continents-ships larger than any in history-airplanes that take longer and longer runways-these are all the earthly kingdom of man.

The kingdom of man involves a lot of stuff that involves a lot of money and time. Success delivers a lot of money and demands much time.

Now, a person can spend a lifetime just looking at pictures of the world and what the kingdoms of man have built on the internet-on a screen.

If one takes the time, one can see much of the splendor of this world and there is a lot to take in.

Jesus said in Luke17:20-21, 20 Some of the Pharisees asked Jesus, “When will the kingdom of God come?”

Jesus answered, “God’s kingdom is coming, but not in a way that you will be able to see with your eyes. 21 People will not say, ‘Look, God’s kingdom is here!’ or, ‘There it is!’ No, God’s kingdom is within you.”

There are beautiful cathedrals and churches and camps but these are not the kingdom of God. You just cannot see it.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control-can you draw a picture of any of these? If an artist sets out to paint any one of these, the result would probably involve a picture of human behavior somehow but none of these can be painted.

The kingdom of Heaven is in us. It just cannot be seen. All the splendor of earth cannot be used to explain the kingdom of God.

It is experienced. It is felt. It is known by faith. It can also be hidden by sin.

Every day we must make the decision to take up the cross of Christ and continue in the kingdom of God-God's domain...to continue in His peace. Fail? Sometimes-but never pulled from the hand of God. Forgiven? Yes, in a thought, a decision, a turn back to the Lover of our souls...the King of the Kingdom we just cannot see...the kingdom of faith-Jesus is the kingdom-the Holy Spirit, our witness.

Don't miss the view of your heart...

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

Forgive me for looking for what is already in me. Help me to learn what seeking Your kingdom means . Thank You for the resurrection and all that it means to us.

Merciful and tender God of all hope!

In the name of Jesus,

Amen