Infused in the Word--January
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.
January--Week Four
Article: Religion Focuses on Birth, Death and Resurrection
- Keep in mind, citizens of the Kingdom government have no fear of the sting of death, for we are led by the Spirit. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when He adopted you as His own children. Now we call Him, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:14-15
- Wherever the Lord Jesus went, the attributes of the Kingdom were in operation, even to the point of raising the dead. When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled. “Where have you put him?” he asked them.
They told him, “Lord, come and see.” Then Jesus wept. The people who were standing nearby said, “See how much he loved him!” But some said, “This man healed a blind man. Couldn’t he have kept Lazarus from dying?”
Jesus was still angry as he arrived at the tomb, a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them.
But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.”
Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in grave clothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!” John 11:33-44
- His birth, death and resurrection weren’t His focus for being here. They were integral parts of His assignment, but not His focus. His focus was to restore the Kingdom government into the heart of His people, something they had lost. Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33
Continuing in Acts:
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 Acts 21-22 . The ministry of Paul continues to Jerusalem, where he is arrested.
Keep seeking the Kingdom!
January--Week Three
Article: A Sacrifice of Praise
- Your praise should always be given to your King. He is your creator. Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, “I have no pleasure in them” NKJV Ecclesiastes 12:1
- The praise of your King should always be on your lips. I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be on my lips. NKJV Psalm 34:1 I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations. Psalm 57:9 My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection. That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long. Psalm 71:7-8
- A woman who loves and fears the Lord God will be praised among others. Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
Continuing in Acts:
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 Acts 19-20. The ministry of Paul continues throughout Corinth, Ephesus, Greece, Troas, Macedonia and beyond.
Keep seeking the Kingdom!
January--Week Two
Article: Kingdom Culture--A Way of Life
- A Kingdom citizen's values are the same as our Lord God's. To know those values, we must know His Word. Everything He values is stated in God's Word. We must infuse ourselves in that Word; to the point that there is no dividing line within us between His Word and our nature. We become one with God's Word. Only then can we hold it up to the world's value system and stand unchanged. All uncertainty is gone with no room for debate or wavering. Everything that rises up contrary to the Word has no part in a Kingdom citizen's life. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 NKJV
- Kingdom citizens have a culture that is completely opposite of those in this world's society. Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. Don’t participate in the things these people do. For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Ephesians 5:6-9
- Kingdom citizens are those who are consistently changing through God's Word (the Lord God's Constitution--the Bible) But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from Him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:20-24
Continuing in Acts:
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 Acts 17-18. The ministry of Paul and Silas throughout Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth, etc. Also, addressing the men of Athens' altar to "the unknown God".
Keep seeking the Kingdom!
January--Week One
Article: Kingdom Culture and Values
- Kingdom citizens strive for peace among all mankind, but don't relinquish their values or principles to accomplish that peace. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. Matthew 5:7, 9
- Kingdom citizens don't fight others in this world for what others call "rights" in this society. They realize that their citizenship isn't here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. Philippians 3:29 Therefore, our values come from heaven.
- Culture is the customary beliefs, social forms and material traits of a nation, religion or social group. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. Matthew 5:10
Continuing in Acts:
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 Acts 15-16. Disciples on a mission. Paul and Silas jailed.
Keep seeking the Kingdom!
