whats in a kingdom

I spent several months in the book of John. In John 18 the betrayal of Jesus and his questioning before the authorities stuck out to me. The words that touch my spirit are those he says in verse 36 but I’ll share a bit further.

³³ So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” ³⁴ Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” ³⁵ Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?” ³⁶ Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” ³⁷ Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” ³⁸ Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”

The beginning of this chapter is in the garden and brings me back to Genesis. “In the beginning…” the kingdom was already here on earth. As God created, it was good. His presence was known and they existed without fear, shame or sin until the deceiver enticed them. What did they gain? Only the knowledge or evil, shame, separation and fear. Before they knew all they needed and all that was good.

You might say, “Then everything changed.” But not everything. God was still the same, and to this day, all He is seeking is for us to walk with with Him in the garden again. Our enemy may think he’s gained ground but God knows the eternal.

It seems more and more important to be seeking His heart and ways in this chaotic world. To enter into the garden of His simplicity and goodness. A place where His ways and wisdom will guide us each step of the way. Guide us Lord. Show us Your heart. Help us to see with Your eyes, to be one in Spirit with You and move as You lead. We can’t change the world on our own, but with You leading – all things are possible.

vision source

New Discovery

Last weeks ministry conference brought many great points to ponder. I’ll share a few areas I look forward to digging deeper on.

The story of Cornelius and Peter’s “confusing” call to go to him. Peter finds revelation from his “vision” and “stepping” in obedience.

Was going to Cornelius safe for Peter?
Was it comfortable?
His vision of animals and to kill and eat – how does that translate to all “people” being acceptable to God?

God’s ways are seldom our normal ways! 

Peter fairly exploded with his good news: “It’s God’s own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you’re from—if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open. The Message he sent to the children of Israel—that through Jesus Christ everything is being put together again—well, he’s doing it everywhere, among everyone.”
Acts 10:34-36

Peter was trying to limit God with his reaction to the vision. Yes a great follower but still being shown more. He dared to step out in what was uncomfortable.

Thank you God that we have such examples of faith in action. Not just faith in traditions and understanding, but faith that what You share is even more important. Let us not discount what You are revealing to us each day. 

do you question

TRUST – encaustic

Do you think God is eager for us to enter heaven?
Why doesn’t He take us as soon as we believe?
What purpose is there to endure earthly life and death before our heavenly one?
Is our earthly life only a testing before the sifting and judging?
Are the things we do and skills we learn on earth needed for our eternal future?

We cannot wrap our minds around God’s wisdom and knowledge! Its depths can never be measured! We cannot understand His judgments or explain the mysterious ways that He works! Romans 11:33 VOICE

 

Our “natural” minds can’t understand. That is also why we have the Holy Spirit as our Counselor and why He says we need to renew our minds. Romans 12:2

 

Thank you Lord for Your Word. It is a great way to get to know You and hearing Your voice is so encouraging! Thank you for Your Presence that dwells within us, that You walk with your children every moment of every day – even if they don’t know Your saving grace. We seek further wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of You as we continue our journey of faith on this earth. 

your story

Free to Soar

The story of Jesus is laid out in advance in the OT, long before Mary and Joseph were even born. It was foretold, where He would be born, how He would be known and even the way that He would die. His story is our history, our heritage, our legacy.

The word of God also points to your story – 
Made in His image, in His likeness (Gen 1:27)
Created for His glory (Isa 43:7)
His workmanship (Eph 2:10)
Not just servants but friends (John 15:15)

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9

Thank you Lord for creating all of us as part of You. That Your word gives us the best picture of our true identity and You know the best ways to guide us on this journey. I pray for our hearts to be enlightened further to know the hope of the calling we have in Christ Jesus – for Your glory and Your story!

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. 1 John 3:1

 

depth of words

Often its just a word that comes for me to dig into. Today was “fathom” and I hope the verses will speak a rich story to your heart.

Fathom – an open arms measurement – usually to measure the depth of  water but also in depth of thought or embracing of something. 

I used to think that God was just too angry, too mysterious, too distant, too great, too big to be known or understood. And even more – who was I that He would care about me or my life. BUT GOD – rich in mercy and patient with our learning…shares so much through Jesus and the Holy Spirit to show us more of Himself.

I pray today you can open your arms, your heart and your mind to know His greatness and the depth of His unconditional love for you. He has created you in His image and calls you amazing!

He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed,
miracles that cannot be counted. Job 5:9 & Job 9:10

Can you fathom the mysteries of God?
Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? Job 11:7

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom. Psalm 145:3

He has made everything beautiful in its time.
He has also set eternity in the human heart;
yet no one can fathom what God has done
from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

Who can fathom the Spirit of the Lord,
or instruct the Lord as his counselor? Isaiah 40:13

Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary, and
his understanding no one can fathom. Isaiah 40:28

If I have the gift of prophecy and
can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge,
and if I have a faith that can move mountains,
but do not have love, I am nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:2

 

not all changes

Seasons are changing and bringing me to a place of comparison/contemplation of what was and what will be. I do understand the timing and reasons to focus on political political things but we won’t find the best answers through the media….

Seasons change, people change, cultures change, stories change…

If we are looking for stability, truth, peace and direction – we won’t find it in things or people of this world.

There is only ONE we can rely on as a constant in our lives. God does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17), He is faithful, just, true.

God is not human, that he should lie,
    not a human being, that he should change his mind.
Does he speak and then not act?
    Does he promise and not fulfill?
I have received a command to bless;
    he has blessed, and I cannot change it.
Numbers 23:19-20

you are needed

Where’s Your Focus?

It’s always interesting to talk with new believers and hear the concerns they have in their blossoming relationship with Jesus. Thinking they have done too much wrong in there life (so did I), were committed at one time and walked away (so did I), don’t quite know what His plans are for them (with ya), and just feel like they missed the boat (been there).

It is wonderful to be able to show them how vast is His loving forgiveness and how far the east is from the west. The redeeming power found in the blood of Christ and how He showers us with grace after grace. He even knows ahead when we will take those detours but is still willing to guide us where we need to be.

He knew each of us before the creation of the world and HE ACTUALLY NEEDS US TO FULFILL HIS PURPOSES on this earth. 

It’s not just our need for God – He needs us, doing what He planned long ago. God will do all that we let Him to bring that to be.

The choice is ours.

Listen to counsel, receive instruction, and accept correction, That you may be wise in the time to come. Many plans are in a man’s mind, But it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand (be carried out). Proverbs 19:20-21 AMP

lasting glory

The Light Shines

There is much more on glory that could be shared but I think I will end with this for now. God’s word is rich and full. Such an important reason to dig deeper and seek the Holy Spirits guidance.

I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.  Revelation 21:22-27

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

I pray the Spirit of Truth will guide you each day, showing you the depths of His love. 

unfinished

unfinished work

How much more…
to earn?
to learn?
to overcome?
to change?
to understand?
to experience?

Should we ever become “satisfied” where we are at?
Does being “content” mean we settle when things are not good?
Can we only “rejoice” when all is well?

Life brings more and more questions as we continue to breathe. And if you dig into God’s Word, you should find even more to make you say, “What does this mean?”

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Philippians 3:12

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. Philippians 4:11

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:6

human wisdom

side by side – a rarity

Cats may have nine-lives but that doesn’t give them extra wisdom. Unless you need advice on sleeping or staying warm. (They usually fight over this space.)

Have you ever listened to the advice of friends and taken some wrong turns?

I certainly have. When listening to the Lord, even if steps are difficult or a bit unsure, they feel more confident. Having people who challenge you can be better than having multiple advisers or a rah-rah section.

I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.
1 Corinthians 2:3-5

Test the advice. Don’t fear a challenge. Whether big or small decisions, put your trust in His leading. A powerful support team is the best way to go!