In the Beginning: Daily Lessons to Open Your Spiritual Temple

By T. J. Apjohn

God loves His children, the world, and His animals. Take this journey with us to learn about the Holy Trinity, yourself, and your place in the world. 

Everyone is born with gifts. Things we are naturally good at without even trying. We should use these gifts as teachers, carpenters, healers, and caregivers to help all people and the p

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
• Release date: Feb 16, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685560652

T. J. Apjohn

T. J. Apjohn spent years in a small mountain town after losing everything. An old man handed her a brand-new Bible, which opened her eyes that God is still working today. She watched as Jesus worked to sustain her life, strengthen the Holy Spirit living within her, and bring people into her life for the life she now has. Her writings given her by God were not just for her, but for all His children.

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In the Beginning

Daily lessons to open your spiritual temple

season 1: Winter

season 2: Spring

T.J. Apjohn

Trilogy Christian Publishers

TUSTIN, CA

Trilogy Christian Publishers

A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Trinity Broadcasting Network

2442 Michelle Drive

Tustin, CA 92780

In the Beginning

Copyright © 2021 by Tammy J. Apjohn

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. The NIV and New International Version trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by International Bible Society. Use of either trademark requires the permission of International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without written permission from the author. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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Trilogy Christian Publishing/TBN and colophon are trademarks of Trinity Broadcasting Network.

Cover design by: Jeff Summers

For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Trilogy Christian Publishing.

Trilogy Disclaimer: The views and content expressed in this book are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views and doctrine of Trilogy Christian Publishing or the Trinity Broadcasting Network.

Manufactured in the United States of America

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available.

ISBN: 978-1-68556-064-5

E-ISBN: 978-1-68556-065-2

Preface

God spoke to me. He said that our bodies are our Temples and that the Holy Spirit lives within this Temple; that He and this spirit nudge us at different times in our lives to do or not do certain things. God is sad that so many of His children never figure out that we are here for a specific purpose. He told me that the Holy Trinity: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work together to make our lives a life worth living when we pray, study, and plant seeds of faith for all His children.

In book one, we will come to Him as little children and begin at the beginning to find that purpose for each of us. Numerous times throughout Scripture, He asks us to come to Him as little children. Children are trusting and patient; they believe they are safe and secure. They are eager to explore their world. Whether we are new believers or have lost sight of the Holy Spirit, which dwells deep within us, we come ready to begin again, to see our purpose and discover our life journey as new people. We are each born with natural talents (things we are good at), and we should trust in these natural talents to find our purpose.

This journey that we will take together, each in our own way, will open the door to take care of the Holy Spirit living in our Temple. To move within the world not afraid but with purpose. We will channel those gifts we were naturally given and find ways to cleanse our spirits and fill our Temple with all good things. Strengthening ourselves: body, mind, and soul, to meet each day with purpose.

It was during my prayer time that He guided me to share with other people that we may be a blessing to others, to our Temples, and to God. I was guided through the Holy Spirit for each part of Scripture we will share in all four seasons. In season one, we will look at ourselves and take small steps to look at our bodies, our lives, Scripture, how to speak to Jesus. In season two, we will begin to bring new lessons into our daily lives as we continue growing, purifying, and learning. I do this work because it pleases God and the Holy Spirit living in my Temple; it is my purpose for walking in this life.

We are all sent here for a purpose. Born to accomplish things that bring beauty to the world, help other people or animals. You may be a caretaker, a carpenter, a musician, physician, or teacher, etc. Your Temple already knows, and maybe you do too, but sometimes we have forgotten, or it is just too hard to get where we are supposed to be. We are going to find that purpose again.

I have struggled over the years having trust and faith, trouble believing that God has been guiding and providing for me. It took many years of study to trust that God was providing all that I have. I now walk in that faith and believe that we must all plant seeds so that all His children are healthy, strong, and walking in faith. God brought me here for myself and for you. Let us take this journey together for the next 181 days in book one.

Contents

Preface iii

Introduction xvi

Prologue xix

Winter. We Learn, We Grow 1

Day 1. In the Beginning. John 1:1-2 3

Day 2. God Wants You to Have a Wonderful Life.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 6

Day 3. Wisdom and Knowledge. Colossians 2:4-5 9

Day 4. Look into Your Heart. Philippians 4:7, 9 12

Day 5. Listening. Acts 22:9-10 15

Day 6. Weekly Worksheet 18

Day 7. REST IN GOD’S LOVE 20

Day 8. When I Needed You. Matthew 25:35, 36, 40 21

Day 9. Sacrificing Until It Hurts. John 12:23-24 24

Day 10. Temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 27

Day 11. Keep Clear Thinking. Hebrews 5:2 30

Day 12. The Holy Spirit. Romans 8:26 33

Day 13. Weekly Worksheet 36

Day 14. REST IN GOD’S LOVE 38

Day 15. My Messengers of Faith. Acts 1:8 39

Day 16. Love Not the World. 1 John 2:15 42

Day 17. The Prize. Philippians 3:13-14 45

Day 18. Everything is for God. 1 Corinthians 10:31, 33 48

Day 19. Don’t Ever Forget. James 1:25 51

Day 20. Weekly Worksheet 54

Day 21. REST IN GOD’S LOVE 56

Day 22. Children of God. 1 John 3:1 57

Day 23. A Prayer for Us. Hebrews 13:20-21 60

Day 24. A Servant. Philippians 2:3 63

Day 25. Joyful unto the End. Colossians 1:11-12 66

Day 26. Knowing Our Lord. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 69

Day 27. Weekly Worksheet 72

Day 28. REST IN GOD’S LOVE 74

Day 29. Pray for Intercession. 1 Timothy 2:1, 3-4 75

Day 30. Be Proud. Mark 8:38 78

Day 31. Giving 100 Percent. 1 John 3:21-22 81

Day 32. Between Good and Evil. Galatians 5:19-23 84

Day 33. Humble Yourself. Luke 14:10 87

Day 34. Weekly Worksheet 89

Day 35. REST IN GOD’S LOVE 91

Day 36. Starting Over Each Day. Hebrews 5:12-13 92

Day 37. Peacefulness. Colossians 3:15-16 95

Day 38. Praying in the Spirit. Matthew 6:6-8. 98

Day 39. Praying in the Spirit. Matthew 6:6-7 101

Day 40. Prayers for Healing. James 5:16 104

Day 41. Weekly Worksheet 106

Day 42. REST IN GOD’S LOVE 109

Day 43. Mature Believers. Ephesians 1:13-14 110

Day 44. Gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:7-10 113

Day 45. Our Harvest. Galatians 6:9-10 116

Day 46. Overcoming Satan. Mark 4:15-16 119

Day 47. Lean on Him. Matthew 11:28-29 122

Day 48. Weekly Worksheet 125

Day 49. REST IN GOD’S LOVE 127

Day 50. Growing. Acts 2:46-47 128

Day 51. A Disciple’s Heart. Titus 1:1-3 131

Day 52. Jesus as Man. Hebrews 2:17-18 134

Day 53. Joined. Ephesians 3:17-18 137

Day 54. A Way of Life. 1 John 1:9-10 140

Day 55. Weekly Worksheet 143

Day 56. REST IN GOD’S LOVE 145

Day 57. Proud Temples. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 146

Day 58. Walk Tall. Galatians 1:20 149

Day 59. Our Family. Ephesians 2:19-20 152

Day 60. Character. 1 Timothy 6:17-18 155

Day 61. Proud Children. 1 Corinthians 1:12 158

Day 62. Weekly Worksheet 161

Day 63. REST IN GOD’S LOVE 163

Day 64. What We Need to Know. Matthew 4:4 164

Day 65. Devotion. Acts 2:1-2 167

Day 66. Acceptance. John 19:28-30 170

Day 67. Working Together. 1 Corinthians 3:8 173

Day 68. Grace. Romans 3:23-24 176

Day 69. Weekly Worksheet 179

Day 70. REST IN GOD’S LOVE 181

Day 71. Will He Know Us? Matthew 7:21-23 182

Day 72. Total Faith. Mark 5:27-29 185

Day 73. Lost. Matthew 18:12-14 188

Day 74. Pay Attention. Mark 4:24 191

Day 75. Welcome Home. Luke 15:21, 23-24 193

Day 76. Weekly Worksheet 196

Day 77. REST IN GOD’S LOVE 198

Day 78. The Vine. John 15:1-2 199

Day 79. The Gate is Narrow. Matthew 7:13-14 201

Day 80. We Have Been Told. Matthew 7:24, 26 204

Day 81. The Spirit of the Lord is on You. Luke 4:18 207

Day 82. Do No Harm. Matthew 18:10-11 209

Day 83. Weekly Worksheet 212

Day 84. REST IN GOD’S LOVE 214

Day 85. No One Else. Acts 4:12 215

Day 86. Our Redeemer. Romans 5:1-2 218

Day 87. Who Are We? Galatians 6:4 221

Day 88. Entrusted to God. 2 Timothy 1:12 224

Day 89. Walking for Jesus. Romans 5:3-4 227

Day 90. Weekly Worksheet 230

Day 91. REST IN GOD’S LOVE 232

Spring. We Try, We Explore 233

Day 92. Being Complete. Philippians 2:1-2 234

Day 93. Love. 1 Corinthians 13:3-5 237

Day 94. Bread of Life. John 6:57-59 240

Day 95. The New Self. Ephesians 4:22, 24 243

Day 96. If You Believe. Matthew 21:21-22 246

Day 97. Weekly Worksheet 249

Day 98. REST IN GOD’S LOVE 251

Day 99. Comforters. 2 Corinthians 1:4 252

Day 100. Vanity. Matthew 6:1-2 255

Day 101. We Pray. Philippians 1:4-6 258

Day 102. We Are His Light. Revelation 22:14 261

Day 103. A Prisoner of Sin. Romans 7:15, 21-23 264

Day 104. Weekly Worksheet 267

Day 105. REST IN GOD’S LOVE 269

Day 106. Agree to Disagree. 1 Timothy 4:6-7 270

Day 107. Your Sacrifice is Not in Vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 273

Day 108. Believe. 2 Peter 1:17-18 276

Day 109. We Are Overseers. Titus 1:7-9 279

Day 110. Our Mission. Hebrews 11:6 282

Day 111. Weekly Worksheet 284

Day 112. REST IN GOD’S LOVE 286

Day 113. Obey. 1 John 3:24 287

Day 114. Yes, Lord. Acts 9:10 290

Day 115. He is Faithful. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 293

Day 116. Where Am I? James 1:23-24 296

Day 117. Helping vs. Judging. Galatians 1:1-2 299

Day 118. Weekly Worksheet 302

Day 119. REST IN GOD’S LOVE 304

Day 120. Many Need Prayer. John 3:35-36 305

Day 121. True Disciples. Acts 4:30-31 308

Day 122. Satisfied. Philippians 4:11-12 311

Day 123. Feeling Hate. 1 John 2:11 314

Day 124. Real Treasure. Luke 12:33-34 317

Day 125. Weekly Worksheet 320

Day 126. REST IN GOD’S LOVE 322

Day 127. Lost and Found. Luke 15:9-10 323

Day 128. Time Wasted. Titus 3:14 326

Day 129. What Shall I Say? Matthew 10:19-20 329

Day 130. I Am the Way. Hebrews 11:6 332

Day 131. Knowing the Truth. 1 John 2:20-21 335

Day 132. Weekly Worksheet 338

Day 133. REST IN GOD’S LOVE 340

Day 134. They Will See. Jude 14-15 341

Day 135. These Gifts Are Yours. Matthew 13:11-12 344

Day 136. In God’s Eyes. Acts 4:19-20 347

Day 137. Be Opened. Mark 7:34-35 350

Day 138. Go Forward. Acts 9:11-12 353

Day 139. Weekly Worksheet 356

Day 140. REST IN GOD’S LOVE 358

Day 141. Love Thy Seeds. 1 Timothy 5:8 359

Day 142. He Will Keep You Strong. 1 Corinthians 1:8-9 362

Day 143. We Being Humans. John 1:14 365

Day 144. The Bible is Our Map. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 368

Day 145. Did I Say That? Ephesians 4:29 371

Day 146. Weekly Worksheet 374

Day 147. REST IN GOD’S LOVE 376

Day 148. Step Over the Line. Matthew 5:19 377

Day 149. Know Who You Are. Jude 20-22 380

Day 150. All in a Word. Colossians 3:17 383

Day 151. People Do What They Want To. John 3:12 386

Day 152. No One is Perfect but God. Jude 6 389

Day 153. Weekly Worksheet 392

Day 154. REST IN GOD’S LOVE 394

Day 155. Judged. Revelation 20:12 395

Day 156. Continue to Live in Him. Colossians 2:6-7 398

Day 157. Our Savior. Hebrews 1:3-4 401

Day 158. A Foolish Scholar. 1 Corinthians 1:18, 20 404

Day 159. Eternal Purpose. Ephesians 3:11-12 407

Day 160. Weekly Worksheet 410

Day 161. REST IN GOD’S LOVE 412

Day 162. Believe for What You Want. 1 John 5:13-15 413

Day 163. Waiting. Galatians 4:19 416

Day 164. Future Glory. Romans 8:18-19 419

Day 165. Keep a Tight Rein. James 1:26-27 422

Day 166. Perfection. Romans 12:1-2 425

Day 167. Weekly Worksheet 428

Day 168. REST IN GOD’S LOVE 430

Day 169. Only Humans. Mark 14:36, 38 431

Day 170. Why God Allows Suffering. Revelation 2:10 434

Day 171. Jesus Our Hope. 1 John 2:1-2 437

Day 172. Confidence. Hebrews 10:20, 22-23 440

Day 173. Acting Like a See-Saw 443

Day 174. Weekly Worksheet 446

Day 175. REST IN GOD’S LOVE 448

Day 176. It is Always God. Jude 9 449

Day 177. Stay Focused. 1 Peter 1:13-16 452

Day 178. He Has Chosen You. Matthew 12:18 455

Day 179. More than Enough. Mark 8:17-20 458

Day 180. Blessed Are We. Matthew 13:16-17 461

Day 181. Weekly Worksheet 464

Day 182. REST IN GOD’S LOVE 466

Introduction

We are all sinners, and we all need guidance and work to purify our Temples. We learn that our bodies and what we put into them are our Temples where the Holy Spirit dwells. Each day we will work on five different things. Each part to stretch our minds, bodies, and souls to better understand who we are for ourselves, the world, and for God.

The first part will be purification, adding and removing things from our spirits. These will change every thirty days. Then we will look at a piece of Scripture decided by God for us. Sometimes in the passage He is direct—I want you to, and sometimes He uses parables for direction such as there was a man or there was a woman as a guide for our own walk with Him. Then we will do a contemplation on what we feel the passage means. My interpretation will be different than yours, of course, but that is how it should be. Following with sacrifice and devotion as we think about how we can use it in our lives, and lastly, end our session in prayer and meditation.

We will work six days on, and the seventh day we keep for rest and reflection. Day one through five will be reading days; day six will be a worksheet where we can look at our week. We will write down Scripture that was helpful and write down how we applied things to our lives. On the seventh day, we rest. I keep Sunday as my day of rest, but it may be Friday or some other day for you. So, begin on a day that your seventh day will be your day of rest. God said He worked six days to create the world and rested on seventh, but He never said what day that was.

Try to set aside ten minutes or more a day, either in the morning, while on your lunch break, or in the evening, to work on the day’s lesson. As God is there when we need Him, we do not have to feel like we must work every day as life happens, and sometimes, we must skip days, weeks, or a month. There is no pressure to work it every day because the next day lesson is ready when you are.

As we begin to grow in mind, body, and spirit, our world and the beauty that we see become more and more. We are filling Him with our love, and He is filling us and our world with His love. Our days seem more special, and we see changes for the good begin to happen, as we trust, depend, and wait on all the good things God has planned for us.

Our journey is broken down into two books. In book one, we will begin with winter and spring. You may be coming to Him as a new believer, or you are ready to take a step forward in your life to find your purpose. We all need to start somewhere in our walk. It is a time when we can begin to cleanse our spiritual Temple, study a few lines of Scripture, understand our purpose in life, learn to speak with the Lord.

In book two, as we mature, we will work on the seasons of summer and fall. We will study the promises of Jesus and all the good things God sent Him here to share with us. We will take more chances out in the world and face the fact that our purpose and our behavior matter. We are all here for a purpose, and together we will explore, grow, and find that purpose, making our lives full and enriching.

Prologue

I find myself sitting in this small studio apartment in the woods with nothing but a roll-away bed and a chair. I have lost everything, my home, my children, my love, my car, and my job—a story for another day that needs to be told. Someone left drapes on the large ceiling to floor windows which I appreciate. When open, there is a beautiful scene of woods and animals.

I will wonder out; I need food. A small yard sale will change the rest of my life. A two-and-a-half-year journey that we will now share together. There I will find a brand-new Bible, and as I pick it up, I turn it over and stare at it like I have never seen one before. The man who is running the yard sale sees me and walks over. He tells me, Please take it, I have more, and I look down to where he points and see a box with three or four more just like it. I smile, and he smiles back at me. I hold it to my chest like a precious gift and make my way to the store.

Although I feel lucky that I had enough for this small apartment for a few months and the health to get out and walk to this little grocery store, I feel sorry for myself. I get some food, a small notebook, a pen, and walk back to my small, safe place. I am tired now and wonder if all this is worth it. I am nothing and have nothing, I tell myself.

The lunch I make myself makes me feel a little better. The grocery I went to will end up being a job for me, and I will fall in love with this beautiful place. I will live here in the woods, near water, and quiet happy people, for the next few years.

I sit in my comfy chair and open my Bible to a passage about a well and some people that I can barely pronounce their name and read a few paragraphs. The small voice within me says—Stop reading the words and look at the words, one at a time. So, I close the book and open to John 1:1, which says, In the Beginning. I will spend a lot of time on those three words and begin a journey, learning who I am, who the Holy Trinity is, and what our lives are supposed to be about.

I have read parts of the Bible from time to time, gone to church because I either had to or wanted to because I knew something special was there. Never really understanding the stories in the Bible, but the idea was nice; Jesus died on the cross, and now I am saved, I will go to heaven, Amen. Now I read it as the teachings of Jesus, the promises and laws of God, and the work of the disciples, who spent the rest of their lives teaching what Jesus taught them.

I will learn that Jesus had three short years to teach us everything God wants us to know. I will learn that God had