The Kingdom is Near
From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven has come near.”
Matthew 4:17
Jesus told the people that the Kingdom was near, and when he ascended into Heaven, he sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in those who repent and accept Christ as their Lord and Savor. Nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” (Luke 17:21) With the indwelling Holy Spirit, we have a connection to Christ and the Father. The more our spiritual soul is connected to the Father and the Son, the more we are in the Kingdom.
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirt is life and peace. (Romans 8:6) Our mind can either be in the Kingdom or in the world; where our thoughts go is where our soul goes. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:2) It may sound impossible to keep our minds on things above, but if we pray for the Lord’s help, we can keep our mind in the Kingdom, both consciously and subconsciously. Even while our minds are on earthly business, there is a secret communion going on with Lord, and the Lord makes this possible. We interface to the world knowing we are in the Kingdom.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) When our mind is in the Kingdom, we experience the fruit of the Spirit. Our closeness to Christ fills our mind and hearts with his love giving us peace, joy, and rest for our souls. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:29) When our mind is in the Kingdom, the Lord gives rest to our souls which keeps us relaxed with the divine power of self-control.
Today, live in the Kingdom by communing with the Lord, quoting scripture, and carrying a small Bible with you to read when you have a few spare minutes during your busy day. The more we stay in the Kingdom, the more rest we have for our soul.
Prayer: Lord, help me to keep my mind in the Kingdom by increasing my desire to be closer to you. Thank you, Lord, for enabling me to live in the Kingdom and to be closer to you than to the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen