God has no need for buildings made with human hands - no
church, temple, mosque or cathedral, regardless of how ornate or expensive. He
made the natural resources we use to build our buildings, so He does not want
to dwell in man-made structures (Acts 7:48, 17:24). His temple is the human
spirit. However, God only dwells in those who honor Him with a humble heart and
a repentant spirit (Isaiah 66:1-2).
The Trinity created us in their image with a body, soul and
spirit (Genesis 1:1). Then, God made us male and
female (Genesis 1:27). Even with the angels for
company, God wanted to share the universe, Heaven and New Jerusalem with human
beings. God is our dwelling place, and we are His Temple (Psalm
90:1; 2 Corinthians 6:16). He knows us infinitely better than we know our
self.
God gives us many opportunities to enjoy intimate
fellowship with Him. He created us in order to love us and for us to give love,
His love, back to Him and to the world around us (John 3:16-17). Jesus
died to restore our unity with God, and His Spirit conforms us to His image (John
17:26; 2 Corinthians 3:18).
God fashioned us to enjoy a personal union with Him,
greater than any human relationship we could ever experience, because it comes
from within us. There is nothing on this earth that the authentic Believer
desires more than to be immersed through all of our being with all of the
fullness of God, and to receive the richest measure of God's presence until we
are completely filled with Him (Ephesians 3:19).
Prayer:
Father God, we bow to You in humble adoration, thankful to
be in Your family and to receive the glorious riches You provide. Thank You for
strengthening us with the power of Your might by Your Spirit and for giving
Jesus to dwell in our hearts. Root us and ground us in Your love, so that we
can understand just how much You do love us. Fill us with Your fullness, so we
can be like You (Romans 8:31-39; Ephesians 3:14-19; Philippians 3:10). You are
our eternal Father and Your Spirit in us is proof that we are Born Again and
wholly filled with You (1 John 4:13).
Thought for the Day:
Jesus is the image of God, which is expressed to the world;
and His sacrifice opened the door for us to enjoy this heart-felt union and
communion with the Creator of the universe.
