June 1, 2019

June 1

Running with Jesus  

Luke 17:19-21   And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole. And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

      "We cannot always judge a book by its cover."  Guess we have all heard that phrase! In the text today the Pharisee's demanding said when the kingdom of God should come not realizing it already had come. They were looking for a geographical place. Jesus said, “The kingdom of God comes not with observation." Neither here nor there! The kingdom of God is within you! 

       I think a lot of this generation is looking to observe the Kingdom of God! Just because something is big and lots of programs buzzing doesn't always mean that is where we can find God and get close to Him. I find God in the pages of His Word penetrating into my longing heart. 

       I am reminded when God sent the prophet Samuel to anoint King David. All the bigger, stronger and older brothers were brought first and he ask is there another and they said one little brother. They sent for him and he was anointed King. David was said to have had a heart like God's and he was known as a friend of God! David loved God and God rules his heart! So instead of looking for a geographical place for God look for His kingdom in your heart. The Pharisee's had the geographical stuff but missed the Messiah!  Watch thinking and going by observation, look into your heart! 

 Father, we surrender to Your rule in our hearts. Lead us in Your path of righteousness and let us sit by still waters. Let your Spirit give us confirmation we are following Your heart. 

Wake up dreamers, tomorrow!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015