Focus & Meditate--October
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.
October--Week Forty-Three
Article: Removing Religion From a Kingdom Mindset
All the conflicts that the Lord Jesus encountered were with religious individuals. When the Pharisees heard that the crowds were whispering such things, they and the leading priests sent Temple guards to arrest Jesus. John 7:32
It was the religious leaders that wanted Him put to death. But at this point the leading priests stirred up the crowd to demand the release of Barabbas instead of Jesus. Pilate asked them, “Then what should I do with this man you call the king of the Jews?”
They shouted back, “Crucify him!”
“Why?” Pilate demanded. “What crime has he committed?”
But the mob roared even louder, “Crucify him!” Mark 15:11-14 Notice that Pilate saw no reason to put Him to death. When they saw him, the leading priests and Temple guards began shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”
“Take him yourselves and crucify him,” Pilate said. “I find him not guilty.” John 19:6
Pilate made it quite plain that it was the religious leaders of His own nationality that had fault with Him. “Am I a Jew?” Pilate retorted. “Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?” John 18:35
The Lord Jesus made it clear that His citizenship and home was elsewhere and not there. Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.” John 18:36
Remember, a religious spirit wants to criticize, argue and debate in order to bring strife and division among believers. It wants to blind people to what Kingdom living truly is about. This week's article stirred that all up, but we will not ever debate. The Lord Jesus didn't tell His disciples to debate or argue when people didn't believe. If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave. I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day. Matthew 10:14-15 Receive the message, or reject it. That is the freedom God gives us. But we will not argue or debate to convince you. We will "shake the dust off our feet" and keep doing what God has called us to do.
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 John 17-18: Events leading up to the Lord Jesus' crucifixion. Praying for His disciples and believers. Peter's denial and Jesus in Pilate's court.
Have a productive and prosperous week. Keep seeking the Kingdom!
It was the religious leaders that wanted Him put to death. But at this point the leading priests stirred up the crowd to demand the release of Barabbas instead of Jesus. Pilate asked them, “Then what should I do with this man you call the king of the Jews?”
They shouted back, “Crucify him!”
“Why?” Pilate demanded. “What crime has he committed?”
But the mob roared even louder, “Crucify him!” Mark 15:11-14 Notice that Pilate saw no reason to put Him to death. When they saw him, the leading priests and Temple guards began shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”
“Take him yourselves and crucify him,” Pilate said. “I find him not guilty.” John 19:6
Pilate made it quite plain that it was the religious leaders of His own nationality that had fault with Him. “Am I a Jew?” Pilate retorted. “Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?” John 18:35
The Lord Jesus made it clear that His citizenship and home was elsewhere and not there. Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.” John 18:36
Remember, a religious spirit wants to criticize, argue and debate in order to bring strife and division among believers. It wants to blind people to what Kingdom living truly is about. This week's article stirred that all up, but we will not ever debate. The Lord Jesus didn't tell His disciples to debate or argue when people didn't believe. If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave. I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day. Matthew 10:14-15 Receive the message, or reject it. That is the freedom God gives us. But we will not argue or debate to convince you. We will "shake the dust off our feet" and keep doing what God has called us to do.
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 John 17-18: Events leading up to the Lord Jesus' crucifixion. Praying for His disciples and believers. Peter's denial and Jesus in Pilate's court.
Have a productive and prosperous week. Keep seeking the Kingdom!
October--Week Forty-Two
Article: Your World Without Purpose and Assignment Pt 2
To know your purpose in this world is to know what you live for. That only comes through your relationship with, and obedience to, your King. John's assignment was to introduce the Lord and King Jesus to the world. The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’ I did not recognize him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.”
Then John testified, “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him. I didn’t know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that He is the Chosen One of God.” John 1:29-34
When you discover your purpose for being here on earth, it will always honor the King, whether in song, print, speech or actions. It changed ambassador Saul's life. And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!”
All who heard him were amazed. “Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?”
Saul’s preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn’t refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. Acts 9:20-22 Keep in mind, the Lord Jesus didn't change Saul's attitude or boldness, but He changed his direction by changing his heart.
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 John 15-16: Jesus, the true vine, the working of the Holy Spirit and dealing with the world.
Have a productive and prosperous week. Keep seeking the Kingdom!
Then John testified, “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him. I didn’t know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that He is the Chosen One of God.” John 1:29-34
When you discover your purpose for being here on earth, it will always honor the King, whether in song, print, speech or actions. It changed ambassador Saul's life. And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!”
All who heard him were amazed. “Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?”
Saul’s preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn’t refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. Acts 9:20-22 Keep in mind, the Lord Jesus didn't change Saul's attitude or boldness, but He changed his direction by changing his heart.
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 John 15-16: Jesus, the true vine, the working of the Holy Spirit and dealing with the world.
Have a productive and prosperous week. Keep seeking the Kingdom!
October--Week Forty-One
Article: Your World Without Purpose and Assignment
First, God will get your attention. Sometimes that may be subtle, and sometimes unmistakable: Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains.
As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”
“Who are you, lord?” Saul asked.
And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone’s voice but saw no one! Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink.
Then you must turn from your sin (repent) and submit to God's Word. Jesus answered them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” Luke 5:31-32
Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Acts 3:19
Discover your assignment: Pray and ask yourself what you enjoy, what do you notice first and want to fix, what makes you angry? Now be still and listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit and begin to operate in that assignment. In time that assignment will mature and expand along with you. One step at a time. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:26
However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.
John 16:13-14 NKJV
Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. Romans 8:12-14
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 John 13-14: Jesus teaching His disciples, and talking about the Holy Spirit.
Have a productive and prosperous week. Keep seeking the Kingdom!
As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”
“Who are you, lord?” Saul asked.
And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone’s voice but saw no one! Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink.
Then you must turn from your sin (repent) and submit to God's Word. Jesus answered them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” Luke 5:31-32
Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Acts 3:19
Discover your assignment: Pray and ask yourself what you enjoy, what do you notice first and want to fix, what makes you angry? Now be still and listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit and begin to operate in that assignment. In time that assignment will mature and expand along with you. One step at a time. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:26
However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.
John 16:13-14 NKJV
Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. Romans 8:12-14
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 John 13-14: Jesus teaching His disciples, and talking about the Holy Spirit.
Have a productive and prosperous week. Keep seeking the Kingdom!
October--Week Forty
Article: Believers Who Are Blinded, Distracted and Deceived Pt 2
The Kingdom of God is of one school of thought. The Word of the King is your fortress. I hate those with divided loyalties, but I love your instructions. You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope. Get out of my life, you evil-minded people, for I intend to obey the commands of my God.
Lord, sustain me as you promised, that I may live! Do not let my hope be crushed. Sustain me, and I will be rescued; then I will meditate continually on your decrees. But you have rejected all who stray from your decrees. They are only fooling themselves. Psalm 119:113-118
The god of this world uses religion, social media, entertainment and even religious leaders to distract people from hearing and accepting the Kingdom message. Even many who attend church services who are perishing. If the Gospel we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 Those are the ones who are blinded from the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.
There are many religious believers who think they can live their lives according to their own standards and be right with the King. These people are deceived. So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please Him. For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.
Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too. 2 Corinthians 5:9-11
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 John 11-12: The death and resurrection of Lazarus. Plots to kill Jesus and Lazarus. The unbelief of the people. He is a light in the darkness.
Have a productive and prosperous week. Keep seeking the Kingdom!
Lord, sustain me as you promised, that I may live! Do not let my hope be crushed. Sustain me, and I will be rescued; then I will meditate continually on your decrees. But you have rejected all who stray from your decrees. They are only fooling themselves. Psalm 119:113-118
The god of this world uses religion, social media, entertainment and even religious leaders to distract people from hearing and accepting the Kingdom message. Even many who attend church services who are perishing. If the Gospel we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 Those are the ones who are blinded from the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.
There are many religious believers who think they can live their lives according to their own standards and be right with the King. These people are deceived. So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please Him. For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.
Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too. 2 Corinthians 5:9-11
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 John 11-12: The death and resurrection of Lazarus. Plots to kill Jesus and Lazarus. The unbelief of the people. He is a light in the darkness.
Have a productive and prosperous week. Keep seeking the Kingdom!
October--Week Thirty-Nine
Article: Believers Who Are Blinded, Distracted and Deceived
Keep in mind, the devil is the deceiver. He deceived from the beginning. Then the Lord God asked the woman, “What have you done?” “The serpent deceived me,” she replied. “That’s why I ate it.” Genesis 3:13 NLT Always be aware of his deceptions. He will make it sound almost true and almost like God's Word. He is a master manipulator and imitator. Do not be deceived!
There are many who claim to know the Lord Jesus and attend church services every Sunday and pay their tithes. Jesus had this to say to those who fall in that category: While Jesus was in the Temple, He watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins.
"I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”
Some of his disciples began talking about the majestic stonework of the Temple and the memorial decorations on the walls. But Jesus said, “The time is coming when all these things will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!”
“Teacher,” they asked, “when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to take place?”
He replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and saying, ‘The time has come!’ But don’t believe them. Luke 21:1-8 NLT
Always keep in mind, if you fail to live by His word and do things He stated you shouldn't do, you won't inherit His Kingdom in your life. 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. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 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 John 9-10: Jesus healed the blind man and the Pharisees excommunicated the man. Physical blindness vs spiritual blindness. Jesus is the good shepherd.
Have a productive and prosperous week. Keep seeking the Kingdom!
There are many who claim to know the Lord Jesus and attend church services every Sunday and pay their tithes. Jesus had this to say to those who fall in that category: While Jesus was in the Temple, He watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins.
"I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”
Some of his disciples began talking about the majestic stonework of the Temple and the memorial decorations on the walls. But Jesus said, “The time is coming when all these things will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!”
“Teacher,” they asked, “when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to take place?”
He replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and saying, ‘The time has come!’ But don’t believe them. Luke 21:1-8 NLT
Always keep in mind, if you fail to live by His word and do things He stated you shouldn't do, you won't inherit His Kingdom in your life. 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. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 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 John 9-10: Jesus healed the blind man and the Pharisees excommunicated the man. Physical blindness vs spiritual blindness. Jesus is the good shepherd.
Have a productive and prosperous week. Keep seeking the Kingdom!
