With Eyes of the Spirit
Submitted by: Joanne Cain
Bible Version: King James
The kingdom of god does not come by observation neither shall they say: lo here a little there a little. Yet the Lord says line upon line...precept upon precept. What a paradox! For several weeks I have been pricked by these words. And yet I have had no thought to what they mean. Thankfully He has given His Holy Spirit to reveal the truth. "I Will... put my spirit within you." even in reading these words I am amazed...with the contemplation that He is within me...his vessel. Not in the egocentric part that thinks it knows. Again confirming this is all about Him and not about my own understanding but TRUST...with this I was then aware of the work as being centered in the heart.
Ex.25:1-2 and the lord spoke unto Moses saying: speak unto the children of Israel, that bring me an offering of every man that give it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering. Confirming the power of giving back to the Lord, first fruit bringing Psalm 51 to mind... as well as the comfort and insight these words have been to me many times in my walk with the Lord. Side stepping that for a moment I found myself in 2 chronicles. A book I have hardly begun to explore yet as I did was overtaken with hidden treasure. Taking just the first verses of the first 5 chapters Solomon was strengthened in his kingdom and the Lord God was with him. Solomon determined to build the house for the name of the Lord and his kingdom. Solomon began to build the house of the Lord in the place David had prepared, in the threshing floor Solomon built an altar and when he finished he gathered that which David had dedicated and put them among the treasures of the house of God.
Confirming the value of gathering ones self and being in fellowship with others, for know ye not your body is the temple of the Lord .this raised several questions at this point in my journey...as well as reminding me of what is as a key to safe passage. Returning me again to 2 Chronicles 7:14 and if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land. Again hearing something new in these words with excitement I read on now my eyes shall be open and my ears attend unto the prayer that is made in this place. Stopping for a moment I looked up willing which means agreeable and content. Determined which leads single minded. Get...which leads to receive, enter, travel, journey and be afflicted with. Bringing the words of Isa, 40:31 into play...but they that wait upon the Lord will renew there strength they shall mount up with wings of eagles, they shall run and not be weary they shall walk and not faint...teach me Lord to wait. In conclusion it truly is not by observation for He came unto his own and they received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them he gave the power to become the sons of God, even to them who believe on His name.