Shaken

"Since we are receiving a Kingdom

that is unshakable,

let us be thankful 

and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.

For our God is a devouring fire."

Hebrews 12:28-29

My daughters and I heard it before we felt it.  A low rumbling resonated through the earth as we sat in the school room working on some math problems that February morning in 2001.  Living on an Army post as we did, we were accustomed to the sounds of artillery fire so we dismissed the noise as the normal concussions heard as a result of training exercises.  I stopped in mid-sentence, however, when I felt the rolling of the floor beneath my feet.  It took a few seconds for my mind to comprehend what was happening.  "Earthquake!"

As my four girls and I huddled in the doorway of our inner hallway for the duration of the 45-second quake, we truly realized our own lack of control.  We cried out to God in desperation, pleading with Him to stop the movement that was recorded at a magnitude of 6.8.

The Nisqually Earthquake caused damage to roads, bridges and buildings throughout the Pacific Northwest.  While these physical structures were shaken, the coming kingdom cannot be moved.  (Daniel 2:44)  What we have to look forward to is not like this world that is filled with things that can be lost, stolen and broken.  The knowledge of this truth can change the way I think of my life here, thus instigating a new way of living.

Remain Thankful

Physical pain, emotional suffering, abuse, divorce, murder, kidnapping, accidents, treachery. . . and the list goes on.  This world is filled with sin and it's consequences.  There is not a day that goes by that something bad doesn't touch my life in some way.  The question I often ask myself is, "What if this were all there was?  What if I had nothing better to look forward to?"  The answer I usually give myself is that I would have no hope and no reason to carry on.

Thankfully, I have an eternity with my Father after this life is over. Jesus said before He returned to His rightful position at the right hand of God the Father that He was going to prepare a place for me and all my brothers and sisters in Christ. (John 14:1-3)  For this reason I have nothing but good in my future, which makes me more willing to endure the present. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

Therefore, I can remain thankful despite the harshness of this world.  If my body is falling apart, I can turn away from despair and take on the garment of praise in a God who will give me a perfect body that will last an eternity.  (Isaiah 61:3)  If I struggle with broken relationships, I can take heart that my bond with a loving God can never be severed.  (Romans 8:38-39)  If it seems heartache after heartache keeps coming my way, I can keep my eyes on the One who comforts those who mourn.  (Matthew 5:4, 2 Corinthians 1:3-5)

While I live in this fallen world, it is my desire to remain thankful for a God who planned for eternity.

Worship

Addison Road performs a beautiful song that makes a good point regarding the holiness of God.  Take a moment to listen and meditate on the lyrics.  

What do I really know of the holiness of a perfect God?  Can I fathom His awesome character?  He is so great I cannot begin to know Him completely, nor hope to have Him figured out. (Isaiah 55:8-9, Isaiah 40:12-14)  Instead, I can only desire to know Him more, standing in awe every time He reveals a bit more about Himself.  It seems I should be careful to not grow complacent or accustomed to His miraculous ways, but always maintain a spirit of wonder.

When I see the intricate beauty of a budding rose, I can either pass on by or stop to revere the Lord as the maker of heaven and earth.   When it seems like everything is going wrong, I can either sink into despair or stop to look for the good that God is doing in the midst of the bad.   When I am tempted to do what comes naturally, I can either give in to my flesh or stop and sacrifice that desire on the cross, allowing God to have His way with my body which is His temple. (Romans 12:1)

While I live in this fallen world, it is my desire to worship the Lord in the way I live my life, giving Him the respect and reverence due such a holy God.

Maintain Faithfulness

If I were to measure my thoughts, would the majority be about God and His ways, or mostly about myself and my ways?  Even though I have no way to take such a measurement, I have a sneaking suspicion that I mostly think about me.  

There are many good things in this life on which I can spend my time and efforts: art, exercise, nutrition, hobbies, careers, even serving in the church.  Out of everything I do in a particular day, however, how much is done with any thought to God and what He wants me to do?  Most of the time, I make my own schedule without consulting God, acknowledging Him, or more importantly, seeking Him out.

God is a jealous God, a consuming fire.  (Deuteronomy 4:23-24)  He is not jealous of me, but is jealous for me; my time, attention and heart.  Anything that distracts me from focusing on the Lord as my everything is in danger of being an idol.  An idol could be running, scrapbooking, cooking for the needy, or my job.  Whatever it is, if I am not willing to let it go if God asks, it means I'm holding on too tight, making it more important than God.  He is the only One I should be unwilling from which to part.

While I live in this fallen world, it is my desire to stay faithful to God as my most prized possession.

Everything in this world except my relationship with God is at risk of falling away.  Consequently, I cannot place too much emphasis on this world but keep a thankful attitude that I have so much more in my future than what I can see here.  It is also my calling to worship God in all my ways, and to maintain a faithful attitude toward Him.  In this way, I will invest in God's kingdom which will not be shaken.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can worship God in my attitudes and actions.

When do I sink into a negative attitude, forgetting all to which I have to look forward?

How do I maintain my loyalty to a God who wants all my attention?

Kingdom Within

"Once, having been asked by the Pharisees

when the kingdom of God would come,

Jesus replied,

'The kingdom of God does not come

 with your careful observation,

nor will people say, Here it is,

or There it is,

because the kingdom of God is within you.'"

Luke 17:20-21

The people were angry.  For years the occupying force had oppressed them, forcing them to pay taxes, imposing their own culture upon them, and generally making life unbearable.  Their only hope was found in the Holy Scriptures which prophesied of a coming king, a Messiah who would rescue them from their oppressors. (Isaiah 9) The nation of Israel waited with bated breath for their Savior; the one who would restore their rightful place as God's chosen people.

Kingdoms come and go, as anyone who reads the news well knows.  Those who are broken and demoralized fight for freedom from their persecutors, while those who now enjoy freedom struggle to maintain their liberties.  Humans are quite dependent upon governments to provide security, infrastructure and supportive services.  We tend to look to our leaders as the ones who will solve our problems and supply the life we desire.  

Daniel prophesied about and Jesus taught that the freedom, security and stability found in God's kingdom is already available. (Daniel 2:44, Matthew 4:17)   It's not, however, your usual, everyday kingdom.  Instead, it's a realm I can only see with my spiritual eyes.

It's Here

When we go on a trip, I enjoy looking at the map posted at most rest areas.  Usually, there is a pin or some kind of indicator that says, "You are here."  It's always good to know where I am!

If only it were that easy in my relationship with God.  Sometimes, it seems I'm getting closer to Jesus while other times I feel so far away.  Thankfully, my feelings have nothing to do with reality.  Jesus reminds me that His kingdom is already here and I don't have to wait to walk with Him and experience the benefits of His rule.  If I have made Him Lord of my life, then His kingdom is located within me.  I am a part of the kingdom of God.

God's kingdom is not like an ordinary empire or regime.  It is not visible nor does it possess a physical address or location.  Wherever God's people are located, that is where the kingdom of God can be found.  This realm is like that which is found in heaven, as Jesus reveals in His instructions for how to pray found in Matthew 4:17.  He said to pray, "your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

In heaven we will be in perfect relationship with our Father and His desires will always rule.  As a follower of Jesus in this fallen world, I can still let His will be done as it is in heaven: without opposition.  

When I obey without question, putting aside all fear, doubt and other sin that so easily entangles, I am fully residing in His kingdom here on earth.  When I let the love of God flow through me unhindered, casting away all judgement, irritation and resentment, I am a resident of God's kingdom.  When I place God in the place of utmost importance, downgrading all other priorities to make way for Him, I am hanging out in God's kingdom.

The kingdom of God is not a place, it is a state of being right with God.  No matter where I am located in this physical world filled with pain, suffering, difficulties and strike, the kingdom of God can go with me.

If I want to see God's kingdom, I can get rid of any resistance I may raise against the will of God in my life.

Way of Living

It is always fun to go traveling as a family and one of the most enjoyable parts is when we cross a border.  As we pass by the sign that welcomes us into the state where our final destination is located, our family lets out some cries of excitement.  "Whoop, whoop!  Yay!  Woooo!"  We know we have almost reached our goal.

It is often said that life is about the journey and not the destination, unlike most road trips.  This frame of thought could also be applied to God's kingdom.  It is not a physical location which I can aim for and once I get there, set up residence.  Instead, it could be considered more of a way of living instead of a goal to reach or a target to hit.

When I enter into a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, I become a member of His family and find His kingdom to be within me.  As I grow, I learn more and more about how God wants me to live and how I can follow Him step by step in order to please Him.  (Galatians 5:16-18)  God becomes bigger, taking up more of my visual field and my fleshly desires are crucified on the cross, leaving behind the fruit of God's Spirit.  

In God's kingdom, love rules supreme.  Anything else that I do, even if my desire is to please God, means nothing if I don't have love.  I can go to great lengths to prove my devotion to God, but if I don't love those who hate me, cherish my family in the way I treat them, or show compassion to the down and out, then all my efforts are in vain.  (1 Corinthians 13, John 21:15-17)  

If I want to see God's kingdom, all I need do is look for His fruit found in the lives of believers everywhere.

Jesus is King

I know the location of God's kingdom is found with every follower of Christ, and the culture is demonstrated through the production of His fruit, but every country needs a ruler.  Who is my king?

Many times, I am my own leader.  I do what my flesh desires, I make decisions based on my own intellect and common sense, and I try to keep myself as comfortable as possible.  If I am going to dwell in God's Kingdom, however, I must let Jesus be my king.  

Kings are different than an elected official.  Power in these monarchies usually transfers between family members as authority is passed down from one generation to another.  Back in the middle ages, kings had ultimate authority and usually did not consider the well being of their  subjects.  Instead, they were mostly concerned with what they could get out of their position or how they could benefit those they loved.  People, as a rule, were not treated very well.

Living in a position where I am submissive to an ultimate authority like a king, I am in deep trouble if that leader does not have my best interest at heart.  Giving any human that kind of power over me would be scary, to say the least.  Thankfully, its not like that with Jesus.  He does care about me and my well being and works everything, even the bad stuff, together for my good. (Romans 8:28)  His love for me never ends and cannot be lost.  (Romans 8:38-39) That means I can trust Him to rule supremely over me.

Giving Jesus kingship means His reputation matters more to me than mine.  If Jesus is my king, I will do as He bids me to do, even if I don't like it or find it awkward or embarrassing.  Placing Jesus in the place of ultimate authority over me means I will live authentically with Him, not hiding my true feelings, fears or disappointments.

If I want to see God's kingdom, I must make Jesus my king by giving Him authority over every aspect of my life.

God's kingdom is not a place that I can find on a map.  Instead, it can be located in the heart of every believer, can be described as a culture of love, and subjects of His kingdom profess Jesus to be King.  If I am ready to live in God's kingdom, I must repent, for it is near!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I learn to live in God's kingdom here on earth.

When do I act like a resident of the world instead of His kingdom?

How do I betray who my real king is in the choices I make,  in the way I act and the words I say?