Infused in the Word--October

​We are continuing in our weekly scripture discipline 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.

October--Week Forty-Two

Article:  ​His Kingdom and His Righteousness Pt 1

  • The Lord Jesus reduced the essence of this life down to two things:  1.  His Kingdom and 2. His righteousness.  But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33 NKJV 
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  • Righteousness simply means to be in conformity to the laws of His country.  The Greek word for this is dikaious:  righteous, upright, just, conforming to the Lord God’s law.  Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!  Matthew 13:43 NKJV
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  • Righteousness means right standing in the Lord God’s government.  Obeying His Word is keeping with His laws.  “If you love me, obey my commandments.”  John 14:15
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  • Remember, the “Bible” is God’s Constitution for the Kingdom of God. It is God’s Testament (Old and New) to His people. Righteousness is not a religious term, but a governmental term and references God’s laws for His citizens.  This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:8-9 NKJV
All NLT scriptures unless noted.

Words to live by in Proverbs:

​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.
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​This week, read and meditate on Proverbs 23-24.  So much wisdom in Proverbs; so many life lessons!  Greater than gold! 

​​Keep seeking the Kingdom! 

October--Week Forty-One

Article:  ​A Willing Sacrifice of Praise

  • To praise means to commend, to approve, to give a favorable judgement, to glorify and to esteem.  Then David said to the whole assembly, “Give praise to the Lord your God!” And the entire assembly praised the Lord, the God of their ancestors, and they bowed low and knelt before the Lord and the king.  1 Chronicles 29:20  
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  • ​ A sacrifice of praise is the praise we give to the Lord God from our obedience no matter how we may feel in the moment.   And when you offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Lord, offer it of your own free will. ​ Leviticus 22:29 NKJV  
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  • Keep a continual word of praise to the Lord on your lips.  Praising His name and doing good to those we come in contact with pleases God.  Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to His name.  And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.  Hebrews 13:15-16  I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.  My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear of it and be glad.  Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.  Psalm 34:1-3 NKJV  
All NLT scriptures unless noted.

Words to live by in Proverbs:

​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 Proverbs 21-22.  So much wisdom in Proverbs; greater than gold!  Focusing on the heart and character of man.

​​Keep seeking the Kingdom! 

October--Week Forty

Article:  Causes for Losing Focus

  • Your faith in the Word of the King should be the solid foundation in your life.  It causes you to stay focused.  There are times when what you see with your natural eyesight can cause you to lose focus.   
    Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves.  About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water.   When the disciples saw Him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”
     
    But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” He said. “Take courage. I am here!”
     
    Then Peter called to Him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”
     
    “Yes, come,” Jesus said.
     
    So, Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.   But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
     
    Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”
     
    When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped.  Then the disciples worshiped Him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.  Matthew 14:24-33

  • There are times when what you hear with your natural hearing can cause you to lose focus if you allow it.  This was the case with Ananias when he was told that he was to welcome Saul into his presence. 
    Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!”
     
    “Yes, Lord!” he replied.
     
    The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now.   I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.”
     
     “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem!   And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon Your name.”
     
         But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is My chosen instrument to take My message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.   And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”  Acts 9:10-16


  • Keep in mind, when you are focused on the word of the Lord God, you will consider your life nothing while spreading the Gospel of the Kingdom.  The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage.  But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand.  And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!”
     
     Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul.
     
         As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”  He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died.  Acts 7:54-60  

All scriptures NLT, unless noted.

​Words to live by in Proverbs:

​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 Proverbs 19-20.  So much wisdom in Proverbs; greater than gold!  ​“Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.”  Proverbs 19:11

​Keep seeking the Kingdom!