The 21 Day Experiment - Day 18: Living in Two Kingdoms

by Marilynn Chadwick

My kingdom is not of this world. John 18:36a (NIV)

Welcome to day 18 of our 21 Day Experiment. We’re near the finish line—so hold on tight!

Jesus talks a lot about his heavenly kingdom. This kingdom, he said, dwells within us. I’ve heard the caution that we shouldn’t become “so heavenly minded that we’re no earthly good.” Yet Jesus tells us to set our mind on things above. To be absorbed with his kingdom.

Our challenge is to dwell in Jesus's kingdom, while also living as temporary citizens of earth. God must have thought we could inhabit both kingdoms, or he would have simply taken us to heaven the minute we accepted Jesus.

Biblically, the word ”kingdom” describes the royal dominion and eternal sovereignty of God. Jesus knew this, and when interrogated by Pilate, he said simply, “My kingdom is not of this world” (v. 36).

Think about it: We live on earth and in heaven. Sometimes the two worlds clash. So how do we respond? I’m sure the disciples wrestled with this “dual citizenship.”

Let's look at what Jesus taught them about the kingdom. His disciples had watched him wage kingdom battles. He healed the sick, raised the dead, cast out demons. The forces of darkness had to bow before this Savior. Yet, the only thing the disciples ever specifically asked Jesus to teach them was how to pray. Jesus responds with a short tutorial—what we call the "Lord's Prayer." He teaches them to pray from a kingdom vantage point: “...your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

Notice the kingdom focus of this prayer. Jesus tells the disciples (and us) to pray for God’s kingdom to be accomplished here on earth, just like it is in heaven. In heaven, God’s will is done perfectly—so when we pray for his kingdom, we are praying for his will.

In the original Greek, this verse is in the imperative tense—more of a command than a request. It’s as if we are to pray, “Kingdom come!  Will be done on earth!” I sometimes think the Lord wants us to stamp our feet, shake our fist, and shout a bit as we speak his Word into a fallen world that is still crawling with enemies.

Spiritual victories don’t come without a fight. Without God’s Word as our authority. But the Bible calls it a “good fight” (1 Timothy 1:18 AMP). Jesus wants us to have a heavenly perspective to our prayers, but a watchful eye toward earth for our results.

Prayer: Lord, I declare your kingdom will come and your will is to be done. On earth and in my own life as it is in heaven. Help me to be “kingdom-minded" as I go about my day. And give me open eyes to see your results here on earth!

The 21 Day Experiment - Day 17: Protect them from the Evil One

by Marilynn Chadwick

My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. John 17:15 (NIV)

Ever feel like you’re not of this world? I know I do. Shouldn't come as a surprise. What the world believes is often opposite to the principles in Scripture. Just another reminder that this place is not our home.

So why don't we Christians just gather up all those with like-minds and form our own little separate society? A survivalist community where we all share the same biblical worldview? Wouldn't that be the safest way to live out our time here on planet Earth? Maybe the disciples wondered the same thing.

Jesus knew his disciples would be out-of-step with the world. He also knew his time on earth was short. So, he prays to the Father: "I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world" (v. 14).

But look what he prays next. This verse is my watchword today: “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one” (v. 15).

God could airlift his followers out of the fray and send us all to more peaceful pastures. But here’s the catch: The very same world that sometimes hates us actually needs us. They need our message of good news. They need grace. They need Jesus.

There are many in this broken and hurting world who are desperately thirsty for the Gospel. That’s why Jesus doesn't call his disciples out of the world. "As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world" (v. 18).

If we’re believers in Jesus, we have those early disciples to thank. They didn't retreat to a safe place, but rather risked their lives to take the Word of Christ to the ends of the earth—so that somewhere along the way, someone would share the Good News of the Gospel with you and with me.

Jesus prays for us, too. Let the words of his prayer soak in: “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one. Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (vv. 20,21).

Jesus knew you and prayed for you before you were born. Astounding, isn’t it? Take comfort in that assurance. Go boldly into your world today. Jesus prayed for you so that you will seek and save the lost. Stay alert. Watch for the person in your path who desperately needs to know how much the Lord loves them. And remember, he has already prayed for your protection as you go!

The 21 Day Experiment - Day 16: It’s Better if I Go

by Marilynn Chadwick

If I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. John 16:7b (ESV)

Spirit. What comes to mind when you hear the word spirit? There’s a lot of talk these days about what it means to be "spiritual." And confusion about the Holy Spirit—the One Jesus calls the "Spirit of truth."

For starters, the Holy Spirit is not an “it.” Or a ghostlike vapor. Jesus calls the Holy Spirit a he—a person. In John 16, we read about the Holy Spirit's personality and his job description. I’m so glad you’re still with us for the 21 Day Experiment in Prayer. The Lord rewards us today with some special secrets that will strengthen both our walk and our prayer life.

Jesus, knowing the cross awaits him, prepares his followers for the trying days ahead. They will face persecution, he warns them. But they will not be alone because the Holy Spirit will be with them. Jesus gives a wonderful glimpse into the person and work of this somewhat mysterious Spirit.

The Amplified Bible is one of my favorite study tools. I appreciate the way its translators unwrap the original languages. Let’s take a minute to reflect on what Jesus tells the disciples about the different roles of the Holy Spirit:

“However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you] (John 16:7 AMPC).

Comforter. Counselor. Helper. Advocate. Intercessor. Strengthener. Standby. Jesus promised it would be for our good that he would go to the Cross. Because only then would he be resurrected and send the Holy Spirit to be with us—to dwell in us—forever.

Today, as my watchword, I think I’ll simply meditate on each word in Jesus’s job description for the Holy Spirit: Comforter. Counselor. Helper. Advocate. Intercessor. Strengthener. Standby.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the astounding gift your Holy Spirit. Help me understand more fully what it means to have close fellowship with the Holy Spirit. To pray in the Spirit. To walk in the Spirit. To abide in the Spirit.