TEMPLE TUESDAY
(5 in a series of 5)

This is the fifth and final writing in this series on the body as a temple. Following is a brief review of the past four weeks:

Week One: “How does our body become a temple?”

When Christ died the veil was torn in the Temple at Jerusalem. This signified the release of the Holy Spirit and direct access to God. We no longer require a priest, or any other human, to be our mediator or covering, the blood sacrifice of Christ on the cross is our covering. For those who believe in and accept Jesus, the Holy Spirit, also called the Holy Ghost, comes to dwell in our body. Thus our body becomes the Temple, a building is no longer required to worship, praise or honor God. The resurrection signifies that we serve a living, breathing, loving God who is always with us.

Week Two: “What happens to our body once it becomes a Temple?”

Cleansing brings disturbance and disruption, the degree of which depends on many factors. When we accept the invitation of Jesus to enter our life and dwell in our body, a cleansing begins. We may find that the changes in us are immediate, recognizable, transforming. We can see them; others can see them. Or we may find that they are subtle, happening in degrees, until one day we look back and see that we have changed. We may find that some change is resistant, stubborn, rebellious, it takes more effort. There is even some change, like the thorn in Paul’s flesh, that God will not allow for His own reasons; we have to learn to live with it, just as Paul did. Cleansing and transformation is a lifelong dance with God.

Week Three: “How do we move through the resistance of our flesh to the Spirit?”

Scripture tells us that the Spirit and our flesh struggle against each other. To win this struggle we must walk in the Spirit. Keeping our Temple clean and well maintained is important in this walk. Two key factors include guarding our heart and renewing our mind.

Week Four: “How can we tell if our Temple is clean?”

We learned that gifts of the Spirit and fruit of the Spirit are different. Gifts may not all be given to one person but each one of us receives all nine characteristics of the fruit. Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, it is up to us to bring the fruit to full harvest; the more abundant the fruit, the cleaner the Temple.

Now we are at week five, the final week in this series. Easter Sunday is fast approaching. Many people call the week before Easter, Holy Week. It’s a good time for reflection, a good time to make decisions about the future. So, I would like to present three important questions to you, one for non-believers, and two for Believers.

1 What will you do with Jesus?

If you are already a believer praise God and skip to the next question. But if you are not a Believer then ponder this: every day, all day, you have a choice to make, until you are no longer breathing. What will you do with Jesus? He stands silently at the door and knocks, every day, asking you to let him in. But you must take action to accept His invitation. Your parents or spouse can’t do it for you. It is not an entitlement that you get because your great-great-grandmother was a Beliver. You must Believe for yourself. You don’t have to be in a church building to accept Christ, you don’t have to be in front of a priest or preacher or any other person to accept Christ. All you must do is confess to God, in your own way, that you believe in Jesus. This is a private intimate relationship between you and God. After that it is important to learn for yourself and not to rely on another person’s teachings. Pray, read your Bible, listen to the Holy Spirit. If you don’t have a Bible, message me your mailing address and I will send you one.

2 What will you do with God?

Believer, maybe your salvation happened years ago, maybe a few minutes ago. It doesn’t matter how old or how new you are in faith you still must answer the question daily: What will you do with God? He wants a personal, individual, intimate relationship with you. Relationships require effort. Prayer, praise, worship, Bible reading, Bible study, meditation. There are many ways for you to show God how much you want a relationship with Him. Some people feel closer to God outdoors, some in a church, some surrounded by family. Your relationship with God will be as unique and individual as you are. He loves you more than you can begin to fathom. Devote time to Him each day. As you draw closer to God, He will draw closer to you. Which brings us to the third question.

3 What will you allow God to do with you?

Believer, God has an assignment that only you can carry out. It may be small; it may be large. Trust Him, follow His guidance. Doors that no man can shut will be opened to you. Just because you can’t see the way in the physical world does not mean the path is unpaved in the Spiritual realm. Step out in faith and let God work.

Taking care of your body temple is important. Physically, spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, be aware of all aspects of your body and mind. If you don’t take care of your body Temple, then the Holy Spirit’s expression through you is going to be limited. I cannot do what is assigned to you and you cannot do what is assigned to me. Even if on the surface the assignment looks the same, or similar, we bring our own unique approach to the assignment, we will touch different souls in different ways. If you don’t allow God to work through you, someone may not be reached.

Dear Lord, Thank You for the person reading this, if they are a non-believer please soften their heart, open their mind, allow them to desire a relationship with You. If they are a Believer please bless them with a double portion of Your favor. Comfort, guide and protect them, and their family, as only You can. Easter Sunday will be here soon. Help us reflect on what you have done for us, what you offer us. Help us pursue a deeper relationship with You. Renew and revive in us a desire to do Your will. To humble ourselves and obey Your guidance. To diligently guard our hearts and renew our minds, keeping them set on You. Help us carry out your assignments. Impart in each of us Divine knowledge, understanding, wisdom, and discernment. Thank You Father for Your grace, mercy, and unfailing love.

E.A. Fussell
04.04.2023