The kingdom of God is like buried treasure (Matt 13:44). The kingdom of God is like a pearl (Matt 13:45). The kingdom of God is personified in Jesus (Hebrews 1:3). Jesus is truth (John 14:6). The kingdom of God is truth!
Don’t worry I’m not going to fill a whole blog post with one-liners. But there is a point to those I’ve mentioned above and I think they are best expressed through a story.
Do you believe in the brotherhood of all mankind? Even if you find someone with a completely different background in race and culture and beliefs they are still created in my image and you can relate to them on the basis of shared humanity. This principle is difficult to put into practice even if you affirm it in theory. Attempting to overcome these barriers makes you realize how strong they are.
In ancient times some monarchs were given the title, the defender of the faith. In a sense this title cannot be assigned to one person for I told all my followers to proclaim the good news of the gospel to every creature, to let their light so shine before men that they may glorify me, and to do and teach all that I had commanded them. Yet have you encountered people who take upon themselves the responsibility of setting everyone else straight for every doctrine?
Today my daughter, Charity Kayembe, will share the next segment in her blog series with us.
Enjoy!
God it’s a sunny weekend afternoon, I’m tidying my garage. I’m having fun. But I think you’re saying to take a break? You want me to get my computer out and have a written conversation with you?
I do. Why do you think that is?
I think it’s because even though I’m enjoying myself -- somewhere in the back of my mind I’m feeling a bit anxious, worried, alone – maybe just a bit down?
Yes. Why are you feeling like that?
Have you heard of people referred to as ‘high maintenance’ or ‘low maintenance’? This is a readily apparent metaphor and you prefer the company of low maintenance people who are not demanding but there is another category to consider that is better still. They could be called negative maintenance people because they are spontaneously life giving rather than demanding at any level. Can you think of anyone that meets this description? Such people are attractive in a way that surpasses the attractiveness of appearance and charm.
I can’t exactly recall the reason I was feeling down on this particular night. Maybe it was because I hadn’t ministered to anyone in a while. At least not in the way I had become used too. In fact, the more I think about it the more I’m sure it was for that reason. But it doesn’t really matter because it’s not the point of this blog (although the topic of “boxes I’ve tried to shove ministry into over the course of my life” could fill a number of articles I’m sure).
I do remember that I was in the bathroom getting ready to take a shower when I happened to look up and see a vision. I saw a bar hovering above my head. It wasn’t too long, maybe a couple of feet. It was cylindrical and looked pretty sturdy like it was made from steel.
Have you ever heard someone refer to their ‘lot in life’? Such a declaration is one of resignation and defeat rather than triumph. You may face circumstances in life that you would like to change but are unable to. Do you see these as a limitation or a curse? I promised my followers that in this world they would have tribulation, but that they should still be of good cheer, for I had overcome the world. Some of my most prominent followers were imprisoned and afflicted and tormented, yet they still lived with a sense of destiny. You can do the same. I will not permit your circumstances to interfere with the plans I have for you.
While attending the Voice of the Apostles Conference in Orlando last week, I was blessed to have breakfast with Bill Johnson, senior pastor of Bethel Church, a mega-church in Redding, California where amazing miracles and healings take place weekly. My goal was to get acquainted and become friends, and I discovered Bill had been influenced by our Communion With God book way back in the mid 1980’s.
Do you think of the Christian life only in terms of blessing and abundance? These are true, but I also told you to lay down your life and pick up your cross and follow me. Do you make it a goal of your life to avoid any association with the cross? If you don’t have one of your own I will make one for you. It may not be obvious at casual observation that this is beneficial for you but I assure you that this too is a manifestation of my goodness to you. Therefore do not resist my work in your life and do not complain about carrying your cross. If you receive it from me and carry it with grace and dignity it is an eloquent testimony that you are on the path of life seeking my Kingdom above.
