Kingdom Come!

As I see the world’s chaos, I often breathe a phrase from Jesus’ prayer – “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” It is a settling benediction, reminding me that I belong to a mighty God, that His plan is sure, my hope secure. My heart turns often these days to longing for the Coming of the Lord.  Jesus will return. It was His final promise and it is the Blessed Hope of the Christian Church. 

Those mysterious chapters near the end of Matthew’s Gospel contain Jesus’ own words about His coming kingdom. “At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other." (Matthew 24:30-31, NIV)  In the face of the growing godlessness of the world, in a time when Self is worshiped as supreme, I breathe  “Lord, let Your Kingdom come.”

This hope is not formed around a few isolated texts in the Bible. Isaiah looked for the Kingdom of God to come with peace. Ezekiel saw frightful visions of the Kingdom to come.  Daniel stood before the Babylonian emperor and interpreted that pagan king’s dream that revealed the plans of God. Centuries before the first advent, Daniel peered through time and saw that Day of Christ’s Kingdom to come. “In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever. This is the meaning of the vision of the rock cut out of a mountain, but not by human hands—a rock that broke the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver and the gold to pieces. “The great God has shown the king what will take place in the future. The dream is true and the interpretation is trustworthy.” (Daniel 2:44-45, NIV)  

Paul urges us to look up, expecting the Lord’s return. "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever." (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, NIV)

Let us not forget this important truth. There is an aspect to that prayer-“Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven” - that is a call to service. How so? When I pray with Him for His Kingdom come, I am committing to live now as a citizen of that as yet unseen Kingdom!  I am an ambassador of Christ, the King, who is to seek justice, practice compassion, to be merciful, and to faithfully call people to be reconciled to God. Kingdom Christians make their King known in the middle of the pain, the problems, the panic of this present world. (Or, at least they ought to.)   

When Christ is my King, not just in rhetoric, nor just in a Sunday sense, but in the actual practices of my day to day life, I am bringing His Kingdom to earth. Remember when Jesus sent out disciples for ministry? What did He tell them to say?  "Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God is near you.’" (Luke 10:9, NIV)  Those preachers were told to tell people that God was not ‘out there, somewhere’ but that He is active, loving, and ready to save them.  Yes, Christian, when pray for the “Kingdom Come” we are not only longing for that future revelation of His return, we are seeking God’s provision, protection, and power to be revealed right now.

Though we long for the glory of sin’s defeat and the wonder of the full realization of our salvation at His glorious return, there is much to do while we wait.  The Scripture’s promises of a renewal of all things, a final defeat of evil, and the revelation of God’s glory is not meant to distract us from doing the work of the Lord. It is a promise to keep us on purpose, boldly facing the world, our sinful nature, and the Devil himself with tenacity in proclamation of Christ’s Gospel.

Are the headlines of pandemic, war, godlessness, the emergence of world government, disasters, and chaos tearing at your soul?

Is your heart broken for the suffering that is presently visited on millions around the world?
Are you weary, Christian, wanting to be holy but finding yourself failing too often?

Pray with me - “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.”

The word from the Word says - "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." (Titus 2:11-14, NIV)

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The Lion And The Lamb

He's coming on the clouds

Kings and kingdoms will bow down

And every chain will break

As broken hearts declare His praise

For who can stop the Lord Almighty

Our God is the Lion

The Lion of Judah

He's roaring with power

And fighting our battles

And every knee will bow before Him

Our God is the Lamb

The Lamb that was slain

For the sins of the world

His blood breaks the chains

And every knee will bow before the Lion and the Lamb

Every knee will bow before Him

So open up the gates

Make way before the King of kings

The God who comes to save

Is here to set the captives free

For who can stop the Lord Almighty

Who can stop the Lord Almighty

Who can stop the Lord (Almighty)

Brenton Brown | Brian Johnson | Leeland Mooring

© 2015 Meaux Mercy (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)

Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)

The Devil Is A Liar! Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)

Bethel Music Publishing

CCLI License # 810055

What did you say?

I scanned my Facebook newsfeed and nearly came to despair over our ability to find a way forward. Cheap verbal shots abound. Complex issues are reduced to sound bites. Slogans substitute for substantial conversations. People are judged, condemned, and written off – then labeled.  “Racist.” “Stupid.” “Bigot.” “Fool.” 

Real questions that might lead to discovery go unasked because certain things must never be spoken. We dare not wonder aloud about the polar extremes in this national crisis without risking offending the other ‘side.’ One word can make another decide we are no longer worthy of their friendship without the benefit of even one conversation. It is a tragic development. The danger makes many, the majority I think, join a safe silence.

God, the Spirit, reminds us of this. "Live wisely among those who are not Christians, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone." (Colossians 4:5-6, NLT) ‘Let your conversation be gracious.’   What a thought. Because of Christ Jesus, our words and actions are to flow out of a place of kindness and gentleness; being full of good will. When that persons says something with which we disagree, instead of shutting the conversation down with a look of derision, with a quick word of judgment, we can gently inquire further, looking for clarification, trying to understand how they came to that way of thinking.  But, will we?

A good listener can draw a toxic poison in the soul to the surface is she will probes gently with leading questions, listening without racing to judgment. Listening does not mean that we affirm the truthfulness of every word spoken. God forbid! Nor, can we abandon the core of convictions with that dishonest dismissal that says, “Well, you have your truth and I have mine.”  Such ‘tolerance’ does not bring real understanding.  Then, too, we commit ourselves to the process in this exchange, knowing how unlikely it is that a single conversation will change long-standing assumptions. A loving discussion, however, that allows for mistakes, that lets offensive ideas make their way into the open, that seeks to know the person as well as his ideas, can create moments of revelation.

Christian, are you humble enough to listen and learn? 
Are you willing to set aside the need to be right long enough to keep engaged with that person who really needs to talk?

Will you patiently let another vent while pursuing a conversation past the point of unpleasantness to real discovery?

Words do matter. Lies must be exposed. To suggest otherwise is to lack courage. We do not bring about righteousness by silencing others. We humbly engage, reveal, listen, learn, and grow together for the sake of love and humanity. This is the heart of our Christian commitment.  Jesus says we are people of the truth but the signature mark of those who are ‘in Christ,’ is love – for God, for others – even those with whom we differ.

Here is a word from the Word. It is lengthy but oh so full of correction for this time in which we live. Let’s commit to living lovingly in the Truth, for God’s sake.

"Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he is the one who has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:29-32, NLT)

Now, what were you were saying?

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Stand In Your Love

When darkness tries to roll over my bones

When sorrow comes to steal the joy I own

When brokenness and pain is all I know

I won't be shaken I won't be shaken

My fear doesn't stand a chance

When I stand in Your love (repeat)

Shame no longer has a place to hide

I am not a captive to the lies

I'm not afraid to leave my past behind

I won't be shaken I won't be shaken

There's power that can break off every chain

There's power that can empty out a grave

There's resurrection power that can save

There's power in Your name power in Your name

Standing in Your love

Ethan Hulse | Josh Baldwin | Mark Harris | Rita Springer

© 2018 Be Essential Songs (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC)

EGH Music Publishing (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC)

Gateway Create Publishing (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC])

CCLI License # 810055

It’s not ‘game over’

America is in the middle of a mess, isn’t she?  Seems that every institution is in deep trouble, the fabric of our society ripping apart; if you believe the crisis reporting of the media. In my adult lifetime, I cannot recall another era of comparably widespread fear. A kind of panic has taken root that is turning into a kind of self-fulfilling prophecy.  We keep repeating how terrible things, how challenging the future is, until we convince ourselves that hope is lost. Our attention is focused on pockets of problems that ignore the greater whole of the nation.  We have become terribly fearful, which is a real problem because when we are convinced that we are in mortal danger, we choose one of two basic responses – flight or fight. We run and hide or we dig in and start a war!  

Are you hiding out, if not literally, figuratively? 
Have you retreated into your home, surrounded yourself with a few like-minded people, and attempted to shut out the world? 
Or, have you launched a war of words, furiously lobbing angry attacks on those that threaten your sense of well-being?

It's time to PAUSE and reflect! The problems are real. The pandemic is here, but it will not wipe out the human race. America has racial problems that go deep but they are not beyond a solution if reasonable people will work together. The economy has slowed and job losses are a major issue, but prosperity will return. Christian, this is a time of unprecedented opportunity for God’s people, His Church, but not if we join the “Chicken Little” screams that the sky is falling on our heads.  If anyone has reason NOT TO FEAR, it is the person who knows God, who enjoys the promise of eternal life, who is invited to enter the Presence of the Lord with every concern carried to the Throne in prayer!

Joshua took the leadership of Israel after Moses died. It was a crisis moment. The only leader they had known was gone. They had lived as wanderers in the wilderness for an entire generation. Now, it was time to launch an invasion of Canaan, a land of formidable obstacles. Here is what that old man told those people: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9, NIV)  Read that line again and take note of the WHY that would sustain them.  Joshua did not say, “God will remove every problem.” Nor did he say, “It’s not really an issue, it’s all in your imagination.”

He said, “The LORD, your God, will be with you.”  We must quiet ourselves UNTIL we have re-discovered His Presence.

Those who choose faith, who exercise their ‘prayer muscles,’ find new courage and clear vision. Clear-minded Christians who are held in the hands of God can look and listen and learn. They can help find solutions, seeing the chaos as an opportunity. They can begin to act instead of react, to hold fast to principles instead of prejudice. I am not suggesting that every value is up for negotiation, or that we have to throw away every conviction and accommodate the most radical demands for change.  But, we do not have to build the battle line either, determined to make an enemy of every person who disagrees with us. The Scripture wisely reminds us that there is a "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven … a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak." (Ecclesiastes 3:7, NIV) It’s always right to pray!  

I suggest these choices for all those who claim Christ as Lord.
Stop the anger.
Quell the fear.
Pray for courage.

Jesus asks us to "Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and on the unjust, too. If you love only those who love you, what good is that? Even (sinners) do that much." (Matthew 5:44-46, NLT)  We cannot imagine the good that God can do in us and through us if we invest the same kind of passion in prayer that we often invest in our conversations about the various crises in which we live.

This is not an easy prescription to take. Results are not instant. Living in times of great change is terribly costly to our sense of personal well-being. But, we can do it, God helping us, and if we are willing to show some discipline in the process.  Steep your mind in this word from the Word. Hold onto it, repeat it, live it - "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:4-9, NLT)

It's not ‘game over’ time. God reigns.
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How Great Is Our God

(worship at this link)

The splendor of the King

Clothed in majesty

Let all the earth rejoice

All the earth rejoice

He wraps Himself in light

And darkness tries to hide

And trembles at His voice

And trembles at His voice

How great is our God

Sing with me

How great is our God

And all will see how great

How great is our God

And age to age He stands

And time is in His hands

Beginning and the End

Beginning and the End

The Godhead three in one

Father Spirit Son

The Lion and the Lamb

The Lion and the Lamb

Name above all names

Worthy of all praise

My heart will sing

How great is our God

Chris Tomlin | Ed Cash | Jesse Reeves

© 2004 sixsteps Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)

worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)

CCLI License # 810055