Focus & Meditate-March
We have started this segment to encourage you to read and study God's Word more and also meditate on the key thoughts of our recent articles. We pray this will encourage and assist you as you grow in the Kingdom.
March--Week Thirteen
Article: Kingdom Principles Part 3
The Lord God uses His angels to protect His citizens. If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. Psalm 91:9-12 NLT
The Lord God’s army of angels could have protected Jesus if He asked. “Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword. Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly?
Matthew 26:52-53 NLT
We are ambassadors for the Kingdom of God, sent by our King and empowered by our Governor (the Holy Spirit). “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit." John 20:21-22 NLT
Our teacher is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit used our obedience and God’s Word, which we have “hidden in our hearts”, to increase our wisdom and discernment. How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. I have tried hard to find you—don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. Psalm 119:9-12 NLT
Walking through the Gospels:
As you read your Bible (God's Constitution for the Kingdom) highlight key scriptures and phrases as the Holy Spirit guides you. What scriptures touch you and minister to you? We have also included links to Bible Gateway in case you don't have a Bible with you at the moment.
This week read and meditate on Matthew 25 & 26--Jesus' parables, the Last Supper and betrayals.
Have a productive and prosperous week. Keep seeking the Kingdom!
The Lord God’s army of angels could have protected Jesus if He asked. “Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword. Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly?
Matthew 26:52-53 NLT
We are ambassadors for the Kingdom of God, sent by our King and empowered by our Governor (the Holy Spirit). “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit." John 20:21-22 NLT
Our teacher is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit used our obedience and God’s Word, which we have “hidden in our hearts”, to increase our wisdom and discernment. How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. I have tried hard to find you—don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. Psalm 119:9-12 NLT
Walking through the Gospels:
As you read your Bible (God's Constitution for the Kingdom) highlight key scriptures and phrases as the Holy Spirit guides you. What scriptures touch you and minister to you? We have also included links to Bible Gateway in case you don't have a Bible with you at the moment.
This week read and meditate on Matthew 25 & 26--Jesus' parables, the Last Supper and betrayals.
Have a productive and prosperous week. Keep seeking the Kingdom!
March--Week Twelve
Article: Kingdom Principles Part 2
An ambassador represents his country, government and leader. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth. John 17:18-19 NLT
There is a high standard that accompanies being a citizen of the Kingdom. We represent our King. Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. I Corinthians 6:9-12 NLT
The King always provides for His citizens of His Kingdom. “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today." Matthew 6:25-34 NLT
Walking through the Gospels:
As you read your Bible (God's Constitution for the Kingdom) highlight key scriptures and phrases as the Holy Spirit guides you. What scriptures touch you and minister to you? We have also included links to Bible Gateway in case you don't have a Bible with you at the moment.
This week read and meditate on Matthew 23 & 24--Jesus confronts religion and talks of end times.
Have a productive and prosperous week. Keep seeking the Kingdom!
There is a high standard that accompanies being a citizen of the Kingdom. We represent our King. Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. I Corinthians 6:9-12 NLT
The King always provides for His citizens of His Kingdom. “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today." Matthew 6:25-34 NLT
Walking through the Gospels:
As you read your Bible (God's Constitution for the Kingdom) highlight key scriptures and phrases as the Holy Spirit guides you. What scriptures touch you and minister to you? We have also included links to Bible Gateway in case you don't have a Bible with you at the moment.
This week read and meditate on Matthew 23 & 24--Jesus confronts religion and talks of end times.
Have a productive and prosperous week. Keep seeking the Kingdom!
March--Week Eleven
Article: Dying is Easy
Keep in mind, the world, unbelievers are really looking for the Light. They are seeking, but looking in the wrong places. All the world has to offer is a poor substitute. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." Matthew 5:14-16 NLT
When you embrace the King and His Kingdom, death has no power over you. Your physical body isn't Kingdom material. Ambassador Paul made it very clear here: What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever.
But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.
Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” I Corinthians 15:50-55 NLT
Your life should reflect the Lord Jesus' purpose for your life. You were born with a mission. The tragedy in life is not dying, but dying without fulfilling God's purpose for being here! Oh, that we could all say what Paul said at the end of his life: As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 NLT
Walking through the Gospels:
As you read your Bible (God's Constitution for the Kingdom) highlight key scriptures and phrases as the Holy Spirit guides you. What scriptures touch you and minister to you? We have also included links to Bible Gateway in case you don't have a Bible with you at the moment.
This week read and meditate on Matthew 21 & 22-- Jesus teaches Kingdom living principles.
Have a productive and prosperous week. Keep seeking the Kingdom!
When you embrace the King and His Kingdom, death has no power over you. Your physical body isn't Kingdom material. Ambassador Paul made it very clear here: What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever.
But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.
Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” I Corinthians 15:50-55 NLT
Your life should reflect the Lord Jesus' purpose for your life. You were born with a mission. The tragedy in life is not dying, but dying without fulfilling God's purpose for being here! Oh, that we could all say what Paul said at the end of his life: As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 NLT
Walking through the Gospels:
As you read your Bible (God's Constitution for the Kingdom) highlight key scriptures and phrases as the Holy Spirit guides you. What scriptures touch you and minister to you? We have also included links to Bible Gateway in case you don't have a Bible with you at the moment.
This week read and meditate on Matthew 21 & 22-- Jesus teaches Kingdom living principles.
Have a productive and prosperous week. Keep seeking the Kingdom!
March--Week Ten
Article: Kingdom Principles
Keep in mind, the King's Word is eternal. Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Mark 13:30-31 NKJV
The Lord Jesus was a King, not a religious leader. Pilate said, “So you are a king?” Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.” John 18:37 NLT
The King's Word has absolute authority. For the Lord Most High is awesome. He is the great King of all the earth...The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths.
Psalm 47:2 Psalm 24:1-2 NLT
It is our responsibility to read and obey His Constitution. His Word is powerful and will keep us from all harm. His command is backed by great power. No one can resist or question it. Those who obey him will not be punished. Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right. Ecclesiastes 8:4-5 NLT
Walking through the Gospels:
As you read your Bible (God's Constitution for the Kingdom) highlight key scriptures and phrases as the Holy Spirit guides you. What scriptures touch you and minister to you? We have also included links to Bible Gateway in case you don't have a Bible with you at the moment.
This week read and meditate on Matthew 19 & 20-- Jesus teaches Kingdom living principles.
Have a productive and prosperous week. Keep seeking the Kingdom!
The Lord Jesus was a King, not a religious leader. Pilate said, “So you are a king?” Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.” John 18:37 NLT
The King's Word has absolute authority. For the Lord Most High is awesome. He is the great King of all the earth...The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths.
Psalm 47:2 Psalm 24:1-2 NLT
It is our responsibility to read and obey His Constitution. His Word is powerful and will keep us from all harm. His command is backed by great power. No one can resist or question it. Those who obey him will not be punished. Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right. Ecclesiastes 8:4-5 NLT
Walking through the Gospels:
As you read your Bible (God's Constitution for the Kingdom) highlight key scriptures and phrases as the Holy Spirit guides you. What scriptures touch you and minister to you? We have also included links to Bible Gateway in case you don't have a Bible with you at the moment.
This week read and meditate on Matthew 19 & 20-- Jesus teaches Kingdom living principles.
Have a productive and prosperous week. Keep seeking the Kingdom!
