Mark 4:26-32 He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain — first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.” Jesus asked, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a tiny mustard seed. Though this is one of the smallest of seeds, it grows to become one of the largest of plants, with long branches where birds can come and find shelter.”
One day the Pharisees asked Jesus, "When will the Kingdom of God come?" Jesus replied, "The Kingdom of God isn't ushered in with visible signs. You won't be able to say, 'Here it is! or 'It's over there!' For the Kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:21-22)
What is the kingdom of God like in you? Is it as Jesus describes, a seed growing in God's kingdom daily, whether you are asleep or awake? Are you becoming more like Jesus? Are you ready to be harvested in the FULL IMAGE OF GOD? The Bible often talks about Christians maturing, developing into the fullness of Christ through the indwelling Holy Spirit. By faith we have received the seed of the Good News of the gospel. The Holy Spirit has planted the seed in good soil and nurtured it as we yield to the Lord and follow his leading. By faith IN CHRIST we live. As Christians, we no longer live by the constructs of this world, according to our natural human intellect. We live and breathe according to the eternal realities of heaven where Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father. We don't strive to win the world, for this world is no longer our prize: we seek to please God and look to our everlasting home. We do not center our thoughts on this world, but on the world to come. As Paul wrote to the church in Colosse:
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God’s right hand in the place of honor and power. Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth. For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your real life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. (Colossians 3:1-4) Since Paul fully embraced these truths, he could write to the churches as a spiritual father who encouraged them to grow in faith regardless of his circumstances. While he was in prison, uncertain of his future on this Earth, he could say,
Is this the faith we embrace? Are we developing:
first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head? Are our roots going down deep within the Lord? Are our lives so submerged in God that we are developing in every hour of our existence? The Bible indicates strongly that we must remain in faith, and we must willingly allow the Holy Spirit to have control in our lives. While we walk this Earth, we depend upon the Spirit to give us life and light. We know that because of God's work in us we have confidence, and we walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7) The Holy Spirit is the indwelling living water that allows the Kingdom of God to develop richly in our lives. He is the Great Counselor, the Comforter, the Guide--the One who will lead us home. Through his presence, we grow in strength, power, and best of all in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His presence also flows out of us to the surrounding community of unbelievers, those He has called us to love and to serve. Others see Christ in us as the Holy Spirit makes us more conformable to the image of Christ. But all of this wonderful development of the kingdom of God requires our willingness to follow God in everything we do. And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to live in obedience to him. Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done. (Colossians 2:6-7) T
he Holy Spirit, changes our ways of thinking. We become as God is if we continue to live set apart unto the Lord, trusting in God's life in us. If we remain IN HIM, believing and acting upon his words wholeheartedly, He provides us his eternal peace that passes all our understanding.
How do we know the kingdom of God within is taking over our lives? When we truly yield to our Lord, our lives will reveal the riches of God's mercy and the depths of his loving kindness. Going back to Paul's message to the church at Colosse, he went on to say,
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:12-17)
People immersed in the grace of God love unconditionally. They are tenderhearted, merciful, kind, humble, gentle, and patient. Longsuffering will stand as an emblem of their character. Ambassadors of God's kingdom make allowances for each other's faults and readily forgive the persons who offend them. Abundant love flows from all of their relationships. When we fully display these attributes without doubt or fear, the peace of God will dwell in us regardless of the circumstances in this world. When the seeds of faith are placed emphatically IN THE GOOD GROUND OF JESUS IN US AND NURTURED WITH ENDURING HOPE BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, others will come and find rest sheltered under our branches because we will grow strong and tall in the Lord. Bless you dear readers. We know the desire of your hearts is to grow in the Lord. Remember the words of Jesus when He said,
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35) 
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