Power in the Word!--November
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.
November--Week Forty-Eight
Article: Kingdom Concepts: Understanding Religion Part 1
- Our basic beliefs and things we accept as facts in life are the result of the culture in which we were raised. Those concepts and beliefs become “hardwired” into us when they are learned as children especially. Please note that we are products of our culture and we interpret the world through our early mental conditioning. Understanding the concept of God's Kingdom must be intentional and focused. But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33 NKJV
- It is important to be able to look at a belief, tradition or law and determine if it is Kingdom based or religion based. My purpose is to reintroduce Kingdom concepts and principles that are true and authentic to the Kingdom as presented by our Lord and King Jesus; to show the superior and advantageous nature of the Kingdom as compared to any religion, which was created by mankind and is flawed. Jesus' many parables are an excellent way to grow in knowledge of the Kingdom. He tells us over and over "this is what the Kingdom is like..." I strongly encourage you to spend time reading the parables and then ask yourself what principle Jesus is teaching! It is vital that you are able to discern what is religion based and what is Kingdom based. Matthew 13 has several rich parables: (v1-9) He taught that sharing the Gospel of the Kingdom was like a farmer scattering seed. (v11) You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. (v24) The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field.... (v31) The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field... (v33) The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread... (44) The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field. (v47) Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a fishing net that was thrown into the water and caught fish of every kind. (v52) Then He added, “Every teacher of religious law who becomes a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a homeowner who brings from his storeroom new gems of truth as well as old.”
- Religion is defined as the adherence of a set of beliefs that regulate the moral, social and ritualistic behavior of the individual. We think of this only in terms of denominations and churches, but this definition could include any type of organization. They all adhere to a code of beliefs, acceptable behaviors, systems and traditions (or habits). Where did all of these “religions” come from? Out of the mind of mankind. They are manmade. it is only when we lack an understanding of the working of the Holy Spirit in us that we need the external religious controls to guide our moral and spiritual behavior. That was not as the Lord God intended. He sent the Holy Spirit to guide and teach us. Jesus replied, “All who love Me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and We will come and make Our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love Me will not obey Me. And remember, My words are not My own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent Me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. 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 14:23-26 I love this passage!
This is a season to grow in God's Wisdom, and our ability to praise and pray to our Lord. We are moving into Proverbs and Psalm:
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 Psalm 35. I am leaving off Proverbs this week to give more time to focus on Matthew 13 and the Parables. Psalm 35 The Lord is the avenger of His people and rescues us from our enemies! Amen!
Have a victorious, fruitful week and keep seeking the Kingdom!
November--Week Forty-Seven
Article: Kingdom Citizens Are Protected by Their King
- If you are a citizen in good standing, He will protect you. That is what a king does! That is why it is so important to make the Kingdom your top priority. But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:33-34 NKJV When things go wrong and bad things happen, people have a natural tendency to ask "Where is God? How could He let this happen?" But our question should be, "Am I living in the Kingdom of God? Have I been seeking His Kingdom? What have I put before God?" When life seems to be in chaos and out of order, we should examine our priorities truthfully and see what is out of order according to God’s Word!
- Once you are filled with His Spirit, you aren’t of this world and you should conduct yourself as a citizen of the Kingdom of God. You need to walk with your head high while living by His Word. When He isn't our first priority, we step back into the world. God doesn't put us back there, we go there all on our own. We can't do it in our own strength. But if we will listen to the Holy Spirit, He will give us increased wisdom, guidance and strength and stay secure in our life in the Kingdom. I have given them Your Word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking You to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by Your truth; teach them Your word, which is truth. 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 17:14-19
- Settle it in your mind that you will trust the Father no matter how things look. Complete trust in Him drives out fear. One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to Me.” So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the Word of God. Acts 18:9-11 He said to ambassador Paul, “Do not be afraid!” That was a command from the King, not a suggestion. The Lord Jesus stated that no one would hurt him. Keep this in mind, the Lord Jesus’ purpose and assignment for ambassador Paul wasn’t nearly complete. Even if the devil sends others to kill or harm you, you are protected by His Word to you. When the Lord God gives you an assignment, there is not anyone to stop you from fulfilling it except your disobedience to His Word. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. Romans 8:28
This is a season to grow in God's Wisdom, and our ability to praise and pray to our Lord. We are moving into Proverbs and Psalm:
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 26 & Psalm 34. Proverbs 26 A fool's life. Psalm 34 The joy of completely trusting the Lord.
Have a victorious, fruitful week and keep seeking the Kingdom!
November--Week Forty-Six
Article: Understanding the Kingdom Concept Part 2
- Many of us have spent our lives hearing about Jesus from a religious perspective, connected with church, the cross and all that goes along with being a church member. I encourage you to search out the Kingdom by studying the four Gospels for yourself. That is the key to Kingdom knowledge. Read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John from the perspective of the Kingdom of God that Jesus taught while He was here on earth. You will begin to discover the reality of the Kingdom of God and your citizenship. From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 NKJV
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
- Remember the promise declared by the prophet Isaiah strongly indicating the governmental aspect of the mandate of the Kingdom. For a Child is born to us, a Son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of His ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen! Isaiah 9:6-7
- He always spoke and taught on the Kingdom. He even instructed His disciples when He sent them out by two. Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Gospel about the Kingdom. And He healed every kind of disease and illness. Matthew 9:35 And as you go, preach, saying, “The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 10:7 NKJV
- As you read the four Gospels, it is through the Holy Spirit—our Governor—that you are given the secrets of the Kingdom, only for His children. A worldly mindset cannot see it. He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: ‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, and seeing you will see and not perceive; For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, do that I should heal them.’
But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. Matthew 13:11-17 NKJV
This is a season to grow in God's Wisdom, and our ability to praise and pray to our Lord. We are moving into Proverbs and Psalm:
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 25 & Psalm 33. Proverbs 25 Wise saying from Solomon. Psalm 33 Praising God, our Creator and Protector.
Have a victorious, fruitful week and keep seeking the Kingdom!
November--Week Forty-Five
Article: Understanding the Kingdom Concept Part 1
- To see the Kingdom of God from the perspective of government rather than religious, we must understand the concept and principles of a kingdom and its King and how they function. What is a monarch? The word itself means: 1. The single or sole ruler of a region. 2. The hereditary (often constitutional) head of state such as a king or queen, etc. For a Child is born to us, a Son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. Isaiah 9:6-7a
- While there have been evil kingdoms in the world that abuse, mistreat and take advantage of their citizens, the Kingdom of God has a benevolent King who is responsible for the well being of His citizens. He is responsible for all our needs, our shelter, our protection, and our health. “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.” Matthew 6:25-33
- Once Jesus began His ministry, He repeatedly promoted and declared “the Kingdom of God and Heaven”. It was His sole focus. It was His principle message. He instructed those who were following Him to make that a priority. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33 This was His instructions to His disciples when He sent them out: 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. Luke 9:1-2 Tell everyone about the Kingdom of God (their words) and cast out ALL demons and heal the sick (their actions). He didn’t tell them to talk about healing or casting out demons, but to DO it. By doing those things, they were showing God’s Kingdom in action! Remember that! Speak about the Kingdom of God but show the Kingdom through your actions.
This is a season to grow in God's Wisdom, and our ability to praise and pray to our Lord. We are moving into Proverbs and Psalm:
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 24 & Psalm 32. Proverbs 24 Do not envy or look up to evil men but don't fear them either. They are for the Lord to deal with. Psalm 32 The joy that is in forgiveness and trusting in God.
Have a victorious, fruitful week and keep seeking the Kingdom!
November--Week Forty-Four
Article: Kingdom Giving
- While King Jesus was here on earth He never instructed His followers to pay tithes. He did state to give to the poor. Notice what He stated to the rich young ruler. Someone came to Jesus with this question: “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?”
“Why ask Me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.”
“Which ones?” the man asked.
And Jesus replied: “‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
“I’ve obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else must I do?”
Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”
But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions. Matthew 19:16-22
- If you have the Governor—Holy Spirit—residing in you, He will lead and guide you as to your giving. Jesus replied, “All who love Me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and We will come and make Our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love Me will not obey Me. And remember, My words are not My own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent Me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. 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 14:23-26
- This is God’s plan for His church. The people freely gave (not a “tenth”) and the money was used to care for the poor and needy among them. Not one time did the apostles instruct the people to pay tithes in addition to giving to the poor. All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. Acts 4:32-35
- Keep in mind that a tenth doesn’t belong to the Lord God. It ALL belongs to Him. But He gives us access and its benefits according to His will! He is our good Father and He supplies all our needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33
All NLT scriptures unless noted.
This is a season to grow in God's Wisdom, and our ability to praise and pray to our Lord. We are moving into Proverbs and Psalm:
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 23 & Psalm 31. Proverbs 23 Wisdom from the Father on life, prostitutes, drinking and laziness. Psalm 31 A psalm of prayer and praise to the Lord for being our fortress, our protection in troubled times.
Have a victorious, fruitful week and keep seeking the Kingdom!
