kingdoms

Sometimes life can be rather depressing… especially if you pay attention to the news. This world is a mess, and it is easy to get “sucked” into the bad news and to forget the “good news” that Jesus brought to us. It is also easy to get so involved in the drama, sadness, and pain of your life every day, on this earth, and forget that this is not the real life of forever.
Jesus was very clear that there are two different kingdoms in operation…the kingdom of man and the kingdom of God. One is about power and money; the other about weakness and poverty. One chooses living for self; the other dying to self. One always wants to be first; the other willingly takes last place. I like what Jesus said in Matthew 5:

“You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought. You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat. You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for. You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family. You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom. Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds.”

One kingdom is only for a lifetime; the other for eternity. I want to live in God’s kingdom now, and show others the way. That is not always easy because I am pulled many ways (and I still want my way a lot)…but God will help me… he has already sent everything he had and everything I need…Jesus.

Thank you, Father,
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