Windows to the Temple

John 2: ¹⁸ The Jews then responded to him, ‘What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?’

¹⁹ Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.’

²⁰ They replied, ‘It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?’ ²¹ But the temple he had spoken of was his body. ²² After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the Scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.

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“Let’s go to a horror movie” one friend suggested. “Absolutely!” I replied. It was going to be fun. The one before that one was scary and had girls in it. It was alright to go see these movies, right? I mean these movies were only about fictitious characters killing lots of people and just a little bit of sex. What harm could this do to me?

• There were times when I would listen to things that may not have been good for me.
• There were times when I would look at things that may not have been good for me.
• There were times when I was entertained by violence and sensuality and it added nothing to my character.

JESUS responded to the church leader’s negative question about HIS authority to chase people out of their church for selling their stuff. HE then replied that HE would “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” JESUS knew something about HIS body that HE called it a temple.

• GOD made my body a temple where HE would live.
• GOD created my body so HE would put HIS laws in my heart.
• GOD constructed.my body to house HIS HOLY SPIRIT.

My brain to replays whatever is shown through the windows of my mind. Whatever I listen to, look at touch or smell is recorded in my mind, ready to be replayed at any moment.

JESUS knew that manmade temples were not really HIS house, but what they represent should be holy. HE also knew that my body should also show others HIM as much as I can. GOD wants me to put HIS love in my heart on a daily basis. I am glad HE gives me HIS creation to look at.

• What are you putting in your temple?
• If people could see in your mind, would you be ashamed of what they would see?
• Will you open the windows of your mind to others so GOD can use your life to bring other people to HIM today?

Habitual Parenting

Luke 2: ⁴¹ His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. ⁴² And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. ⁴³ When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; ⁴⁴ but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. ⁴⁵ So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. ⁴⁶ Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. ⁴⁷ And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. ⁴⁸ So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”

⁴⁹ And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” ⁵⁰ But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.

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“Wait, I’m forgetting something” I said to myself. I ran back into the house and found my brief case and computer sitting right there on the kitchen floor. I remembered the diaper bag and formula but lost track of other things. I got in the car, started it up and another thought popped in my head. “I’m forgetting something.” I had left my daughter in her bassinette.

• As a parent I have been distracted.
• As a parent I have lost track of things.
• As a parent I have had so many things on my mind that it got overloaded.

Joseph and Mary may have tried a little harder to follow GOD’s rules because of their miracle child. They obediently went to Jerusalem and probably meticulously did everything they were supposed to. They lost track of JESUS in the middle of all of their checklists. BUT JESUS was not lost.

• JESUS says to me “Do not be overwhelmed for I AM with you.”
• JESUS says to me “Quiet your heart and hear ME.”
• JESUS says to me “Allow ME to lead you to still waters.”

Peace and tranquility is a gift GOD wants me to have each day. HE says “Here, have a dose of peace” each day, but sometimes I refuse to take it. I look at the problems of the day and grab those instead. GOD can provide peace so I can hear HIM, all I have to do is listen and accept it.

• Are you in turmoil?
• Is someone in your family distracting you from the peace GOD wants you to have each day?
• Can you slow down for a moment and allow GOD to give you the peace that only comes from HIM?