LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD JANUARY 25, 2024

 

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD JANUARY 25, 2024

 

Greetings Dear Saints,

 

As we near the end of January and realize that one month of another year is going fast, what impact does that have with your living in the kingdom of God? It means we are another month closer to the return of Jesus Christ and the world is in a whirlwind like never before. At least, never before to us.

 

So, what effect, if any, does our living in the kingdom of God have in the lives of those around us? Are others able to detect something “different” about us, or do, they lump us in with the rest of the world?

Remember, the kingdom of God is on the earth. Our command from Jesus is to “Seek first to build up the kingdom and establish His righteousness. No easy task, for sure, but if it was not possible then Jesus would not have given us that challenge. Of course, we realize that Jesus gave that command while he was doing his ministry on earth and it was fairly early on in his ministry. He had a few years to get the idea across to his followers, but they did not get a clear picture until Jesus was resurrected and then ascended into heaven leaving them with that mission. Their mission is now our mission.

 

There is no need to recount all that has transpired in the last 2023 years. Many have worked diligently to build up the kingdom of God and a few groups of people have been successful, but did not endure. The group that did endure was translated and now awaits in heaven for that time when we, or those on earth who desire it enough fulfill Genesis 9:21-23. Simple assignment: embrace the truth (JESUS), keep all of God’s commandments and look upward.

 

Some would say that is easier said than done, and they would be correct. But it is possible and God has given us the tools to complete the assignment. The first task, possibly is to really understand that it is HIS KINGDOM and not our kingdom. We live in the world God created and placed us. He has a plan and it is the only plan that will ultimately be successful, because all the plans and efforts of satan as well as our plans and efforts will fail.

 

Every day is another opportunity for us, individually and as branches, groups, factions or whatever to build up God’s Kingdom on earth. Our efforts are visible to all those we make contact with. This, of course begins with the family and includes every aspect of our daily walk, even if we stay home all day and don’t see anyone else.

 

II Chronicles 9 is an interesting chapter relating to following God or following our own paths. Read it for yourself and especially note the first sentence verse 9. Actually, chapter 15 is worth reading as well.

 

Of course, according again to Jesus, we are to live by every word that proceeds forth from the mouth of God. His word provides all the guidance we need for building up His kingdom and establishing His righteousness. He is coming back and since we don’t know exactly when, it behooves us to be ready 24/7, even at midnight.

 

God bless

Paul Gage