Focus & Meditate-August
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.
August--Week Thirty-Four
Article: The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand
The ambassador John had only one message. In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said, “He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’” Matthew 3:1-3
When the King, and Lord Jesus, began His ministry, He had the same message as John. From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” Matthew 4:17
The Lord Jesus stayed focused on His assignment and message, as we must. Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Gospel about the Kingdom. And He healed every kind of disease and illness. Matthew 4:23
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 Luke 23-24--The final events of Jesus' time here on earth: crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection, time with His disciples and ascension.
Have a productive and prosperous week. Keep seeking the Kingdom!
When the King, and Lord Jesus, began His ministry, He had the same message as John. From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” Matthew 4:17
The Lord Jesus stayed focused on His assignment and message, as we must. Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Gospel about the Kingdom. And He healed every kind of disease and illness. Matthew 4:23
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 Luke 23-24--The final events of Jesus' time here on earth: crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection, time with His disciples and ascension.
Have a productive and prosperous week. Keep seeking the Kingdom!
August--Week Thirty-Three
Article: Mankind is Prone to Drift From the Truth
The reason the Lord Jesus’ return is being hindered is because we are failing to preach His Kingdom message to the whole world. One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases. Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. “Take nothing for your journey,” he instructed them. “Don’t take a walking stick, a traveler’s bag, food, money, or even a change of clothes. Wherever you go, stay in the same house until you leave town. And if a town refuses to welcome you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.”
So they began their circuit of the villages, preaching the Good News and healing the sick.
Luke 9:1-6 NLT
Until we start preaching and teaching this gospel of the Kingdom of God around the world, we are being disobedient to His Word and failing to give the world what the need and hunger for. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:14 NKJV
The Lord Jesus’ primary purpose was to preach and teach the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. He came to reintroduce God’s Kingdom here on earth. He stayed focused to that purpose and assignment. Early the next morning Jesus went out to an isolated place. The crowds searched everywhere for him, and when they finally found him, they begged him not to leave them. But he replied, “I must preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent.”
Luke 4:42-43 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 Luke 21-22--The times leading up to the crucifixion; Peter's denial, the Last Supper and communion. Have a productive and prosperous week. Keep seeking the Kingdom!
So they began their circuit of the villages, preaching the Good News and healing the sick.
Luke 9:1-6 NLT
Until we start preaching and teaching this gospel of the Kingdom of God around the world, we are being disobedient to His Word and failing to give the world what the need and hunger for. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:14 NKJV
The Lord Jesus’ primary purpose was to preach and teach the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. He came to reintroduce God’s Kingdom here on earth. He stayed focused to that purpose and assignment. Early the next morning Jesus went out to an isolated place. The crowds searched everywhere for him, and when they finally found him, they begged him not to leave them. But he replied, “I must preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent.”
Luke 4:42-43 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 Luke 21-22--The times leading up to the crucifixion; Peter's denial, the Last Supper and communion. Have a productive and prosperous week. Keep seeking the Kingdom!
August--Week Thirty-Two
Article: His Kingdom is Here
While King Jesus was here on this earth, He made it plain that His Kingdom wasn’t about showmanship. One day the Pharisees asked Jesus, “When will the Kingdom of God come?” Jesus replied, “The Kingdom of God can’t be detected by visible signs. Luke 17:20
He also made it known to the religious leaders that it wouldn’t come through attention-seeking and wanting to be noticed. You won’t be able to say, ‘Here it is!’ or ‘It’s over there!’ For the Kingdom of God is already among you. Luke 17:21
The Kingdom government is here on this earth at this very moment, living in those who love and keep the King’s laws and principles. “If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.” John 14:15-18
Religion got it all wrong! Take a close look at all those religious tradition, rituals, bylaws and other foolish things we’ve done in the name of God. Remember the old saying, “If Jesus said it, I believe it and that settles it”? That’s it right there. Just keep seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness that Jesus taught and we read about in the four Gospels. Everything else is man made.
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 Luke 19-20--Zacchaeus, parables, paying taxes, Jesus clears the temple, Jesus' warning of Scribes and religious teachers. Have a productive and prosperous week. Keep seeking the Kingdom!
He also made it known to the religious leaders that it wouldn’t come through attention-seeking and wanting to be noticed. You won’t be able to say, ‘Here it is!’ or ‘It’s over there!’ For the Kingdom of God is already among you. Luke 17:21
The Kingdom government is here on this earth at this very moment, living in those who love and keep the King’s laws and principles. “If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.” John 14:15-18
Religion got it all wrong! Take a close look at all those religious tradition, rituals, bylaws and other foolish things we’ve done in the name of God. Remember the old saying, “If Jesus said it, I believe it and that settles it”? That’s it right there. Just keep seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness that Jesus taught and we read about in the four Gospels. Everything else is man made.
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 Luke 19-20--Zacchaeus, parables, paying taxes, Jesus clears the temple, Jesus' warning of Scribes and religious teachers. Have a productive and prosperous week. Keep seeking the Kingdom!
August--Week Thirty-One
Article: Too Many Distractions
The Lord Jesus told us what we should focus on. 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 6:33-34
When you feel yourself getting “off-track”, ask yourself:
“What does this have to do with advancing the Kingdom in my life?”
“What WILL advance the Kingdom in my life?”
“What does the Lord want me to do in His Kingdom?”
Now change your focus and go forward in the Kingdom of God!
We should be focused on the King. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility He endured from sinful people, then you won’t become weary and give up. Hebrews 12:2-3
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 Luke 17-18—Forgiveness and faith. Signs of the times, Christ's return. Have a productive and prosperous week. Keep seeking the Kingdom!
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:33-34
When you feel yourself getting “off-track”, ask yourself:
“What does this have to do with advancing the Kingdom in my life?”
“What WILL advance the Kingdom in my life?”
“What does the Lord want me to do in His Kingdom?”
Now change your focus and go forward in the Kingdom of God!
We should be focused on the King. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility He endured from sinful people, then you won’t become weary and give up. Hebrews 12:2-3
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 Luke 17-18—Forgiveness and faith. Signs of the times, Christ's return. Have a productive and prosperous week. Keep seeking the Kingdom!
August--Week Thirty
Article: His Word is Your Response
Keep in mind, those whom the Lord Jesus has chosen for His purpose speak His Word. For he is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit. John 3:34
The Lord Jesus has all authority. Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Matthew 28:18
Remember to operate in His Kingdom you must have total faith in His Word. Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.
By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.
It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith.
It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying—“he disappeared, because God took him.” For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God. And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before. By his faith Noah condemned the rest of the world, and he received the righteousness that comes by faith.
It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise. Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God.
It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep his promise. And so a whole nation came from this one man who was as good as dead—a nation with so many people that, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore, there is no way to count them. continue reading Hebrews 11
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 Luke 15-16—The parables and teachings of Jesus. Have a productive and prosperous week. Keep seeking the Kingdom!
The Lord Jesus has all authority. Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Matthew 28:18
Remember to operate in His Kingdom you must have total faith in His Word. Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.
By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.
It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith.
It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying—“he disappeared, because God took him.” For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God. And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before. By his faith Noah condemned the rest of the world, and he received the righteousness that comes by faith.
It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise. Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God.
It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep his promise. And so a whole nation came from this one man who was as good as dead—a nation with so many people that, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore, there is no way to count them. continue reading Hebrews 11
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 Luke 15-16—The parables and teachings of Jesus. Have a productive and prosperous week. Keep seeking the Kingdom!
