Meditation

Meditation for 10/15/2019

“The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.” (Psalm 103:19)

The kingdom of God is God’s rule over the universe. As Creator and Sustainer of life, God is Master of all. In the Old Testament, the kingdom of God is often equated with the kingdom of Israel. The rebellion of Israel and its kings against God demonstrated that this equation is not always true. God’s throne is in the heavens. Israel is too small to be the sole kingdom of he King of the universe. God’s kingdom consists of the whole earth.

He reigns and will reign over all creation forever. His reign is universal and complete. The Lord is Master of all the earth, controlling all nature. The Lord’s reign over His kingdom is not evident to all; yet, God is reigning. One day all people will recognize His rule. Visible evidence of the kingdom of God is reflected in the coming of the Messiah Jesus.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

Precious Abba, the understanding of Your kingdom in the Old Testament days, was seemingly limited to Israel only, but now we know it was only the beginning. Your kingdom is the whole world that we live in, including the universe. Abba, we seek to follow You daily and to reach out to others to tell them the salvation gospel so that they too can join all of Your people in the kingdom of heaven. Forgive us when we fall short of Your plan for us, and gently guide us back on the path that leads to You. This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen

THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“Evil people will ultimately fail; Godly people will ultimately prevail.”

KNOWING GOD:

“Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts28:31)

The kingdom of God must be proclaimed and taught. People need the good news of God’s kingdom. God gives the church the freedom it has to preach the kingdom even under unfavorable circumstances. Paul ended his missionary career just as he had carried it out in previous years, as a teacher. Now under house arrest in Rome, he taught Christ freely to all who came to him. Christ’s rule and lordship remained at the center of Paul’s proclamation and teaching. So, what are you teaching???

I AM:

The Church, God’s Kingdom: (1^st Thessalonians 2:11-12)

Paul and the disciples dealt with all people as though a Father to them, much like Jesus did with each of them and all the people they encountered. The kingdom belongs to God. He calls us to enter His kingdom by His grace. Those who submit to the rule of God and join in the fellowship of the kingdom accept a new life-style which reveals God’s power and rule. The early church consisted of born-again people who had not attained perfection. These ordinary people struggled to live a life pleasing to God. They were members of His kingdom. People today still struggle with living a life pleasing to God, but we must mover on from that point, to full acceptance, by maturing in our faith through God’s Word and learning at church. It is never too late, beloved, to move beyond the initial acceptance and then into full understanding of God’s love for us.

Second Thought of the Day:

“’Which of the two did what his father wanted?’ ‘The first, ‘ they answered’(Regarding the parable of the two sons). ‘The first,’ they answered. Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And eve after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.” (Matthew21:31-32)

Beloved, what God wants is obedience and not lip service. The kingdom of God is entered by faith, not by prior rank or social position. In the parable of the two sons, the first son was approached by his father and he told him, “Son, go and work today in the vineyard.” The son said, “I will not,” but then later he changed his mind and went obediently to work in the vineyard.

The father then approached his second son and told him, “Son, go and work today in the vineyard.” The son responded,“I will , sir,” but he did not go. The first son disrespected his father by flatly refusing to go into the vineyard, and then went, while the second gave his father “lip service,” by saying he would go and then didn’t. Both sons disrespected their father, but the first son thought and decided to go work anyway and was honored his father with his obedience. Which one are you?