LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD DECEMBER 28, 2023

 

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD DECEMBER 28, 2023 Greetings Dear Saints as we conclude 2023, Though the day the world acknowledges as the birthday of Jesus Christ has passed for another year, we know that the impact of His birth and life are always present with us. Even as Jesus promised he would never leave us alone, so we too must live such a life that demonstrates that He truly is with us at all times. The following short poem concludes a book I have entitled, “Christmas Angels” by Helen Steiner Rice and published by “Precious Moments.” “The gifts that we give have no meaning Unless God is part of the giving And unless we make Christmas a pattern To be followed in everyday living.” As we daily live in the Kingdom of God, we must demonstrate that we are truly “Citizens of that Kingdom.” God’s people are not to be fearful, worried, anxious, or doubtful, but confident in our Mighty God. Others need to see the strength, power and love of God within us so they will have somewhere to turn when things get tough. As we enter another new year the following hymn by Frances Havergal pretty well says it all. It is called, “Standing at the Portal.” Standing at the portal Of the opening year, Words of comfort meet us, Hushing every fear; Spoken thru the silence By our Savior’s voice, Tender, strong and faithful, Making us rejoice. I, the Lord, am with thee, Be thou not afraid; I will help and strengthen Be thou not dismayed. Yea, I will uphold thee With My own right hand; Thou art called and chosen In My sight to stand. For the year before us, O what rich supplies! For the poor and needy Living streams shall rise; For the sad and sinful Shall His grace abound; For the faint and feeble Perfect strength be found. He will never fail us, He will not forsake; His eternal covenant He will never break. Resting on the promise, What have we to fear? God is all sufficient For the coming year. Refrain (After each verse) Onward, then, and fear not, Children of the day; For His Word shall never, Never pass away. So, dear Saints, with such a promise from our loving God, of which there are a great number of reminders, regardless of what we encounter in 2024, may we be further encouraged by DC 110:22 a,b “Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! b Let your hearts rejoice and be exceeding glad. Let the earth break forth into singing.” May we continually heed the challenge from Jesus in Matthew 6:38.. ”Seek ye first to build up the kingdom of God and to establish His righteousness.” God bless Paul Gage

ANNOUNCEMENTS: The following items may be found on the CRE website eldersconference.org The Daily Devotional for January-April, 2024. Saturday, January 6, 2024 Worship Service at Stone Church (All are welcome) Saturday, February 17, 2024 High Priest Classes 9a-1p at Waldo Avenue Restoration Branch Independence, MO. All are welcome.