Psalm 119:89-96 MSG

What you say goes, GOD, and stays, as permanent as the heavens. Your truth never goes out of fashion; it’s as up-to-date as the earth when the sun comes up. Your Word and truth are dependable as ever; that’s what you ordered—you set the earth going. If your revelation hadn’t delighted me so, I would have given up when the hard times came. But I’ll never forget the advice you gave me; you saved my life with those wise words. Save me! I’m all yours. I look high and low for your words of wisdom. The wicked lie in ambush to destroy me, but I’m only concerned with your plans for me. I see the limits to everything human, but the horizons can’t contain your commands! (Psalm 119:89-96 MSG)

Colossians 2:11-15 MSG

Entering into this fullness is not something you figure out or achieve. It’s not a matter of being circumcised or keeping a long list of laws. No, you’re already in —insiders—not through some secretive initiation rite but rather through what Christ has already gone through for you, destroying the power of sin. If it’s an initiation ritual you’re after, you’ve already been through it by submitting to baptism. Going under the water was a burial of your old life; coming up out of it was a resurrection, God raising you from the dead as he did Christ. When you were stuck in your old sin-dead life, you were incapable of responding to God. God brought you alive—right along with Christ! Think of it! All sins forgiven, the slate wiped clean, that old arrest warrant canceled and nailed to Christ’s cross. He stripped all the spiritual tyrants in the universe of their sham authority at the Cross and marched them naked through the streets. (Colossians 2:11-15 MSG)

Kingdom Territory

From today's devotional

The “it” Paul’s words in our text refer to is the cross. The cross of Christ is the sole instrument for humanity’s salvation and deliverance and the sole power for breaking hell’s works and operations. First Corinthians 2:7, 8 confirms this truth, showing how God’s wisdom through the blood and death of His Son completely confounded the strategies of hell. They have never recovered, nor will they ever recover! 

These words are such a holy and healthy reminder to all of us who want and welcome the fullness of the Holy Spirit to make Christ’s kingdom power effective in and through our lives today. They point to the place from which “all power” flows. For just as Jesus is the Person to whom, through whom and from whom all God’s power flows, so His cross is the place—the foundational accomplishment which releases all power to all mankind. 

This is holy territory. It’s where salvation’s price was paid and where sin’s penalty was broken. The cross is also where hell was “made a spectacle of,” and “it”—the cross—has become the sign by which we conquer. As the old hymn asks, “Are you living in the shadow of the Cross." Let’s answer, “Amen!”

John 1:9-13 MSG

The Life-Light was the real thing: Every person entering Life he brings into Light. He was in the world, the world was there through him, and yet the world didn’t even notice. He came to his own people, but they didn’t want him. But whoever did want him, who believed he was who he claimed and would do what he said, He made to be their true selves, their child-of-God selves. These are the God-begotten, not blood-begotten, not flesh-begotten, not sex-begotten. (John 1:9-13 MSG)

Revelation 3:20-21 MSG

“Look at me (Jesus). I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I’ll come right in and sit down to supper with you. Conquerors will sit alongside me at the head table, just as I, having conquered, took the place of honor at the side of my Father. That’s my gift to the conquerors! (Revelation 3:20-21 MSG)

Matthew 7:21-23 MSG

“Knowing the correct password—saying ‘Master, Master,’ for instance—isn’t going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience— doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, ‘Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.’ And do you know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here.’ (Matthew 7:21-23 MSG)

Kingdom Character—Part 4

From today's devotional

Jesus’ manifesto of the lifestyle of God’s kingdom people in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5–7) concludes with a startling disclosure and a stunning illustration. The illustration is a contrast between a house that stands solidly against hurricane force winds, and one that is in shambles in the wake of the gale. Christ’s summary of the two is terse: The one which stood characterizes the person who hears and does what He commands, while the one that was ruined demonstrates the life which considers obedience as an option, not a requirement. The ruin of the latter and the steadfastness of the former are graphic in their message to us. Everything about our lives will rise or fall depending upon our obedience to His ways. 

But an even greater issue appears. We have a future accounting also. On the one hand, Jesus relates the promise and reward of those who walk with Him in faithful service. One day, He will personally greet us with His ”Well done!“ (Matt. 25:21, 23). But inescapably present is the solemn reminder of today’s text. Appearances and words without commitment and obedience receive His final rejection. So today—tomorrow and ever—let us walk as kingdom people who obey Him as Lord, as well as who claim Him as Savior.

1 Timothy 4:6-10 MSG

You’ve been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound teaching. Now pass on this counsel to the followers of Jesus there, and you’ll be a good servant of Jesus. Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we’ve thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We’re banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers.

Matthew 6:30-33 MSG

“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. (Matthew 6:30-33 MSG)

Kingdom Character—Part 3

From today's devotional

There are perhaps no more reassuring words in the Bible which evidence God’s personal, protective and provisioning care for each of us than those spoken by our Lord Jesus. In Matthew 6:25–34 He so clearly links us with the Father’s heart for all His creation that we see two lessons at once. 

First, creation itself has not been surrendered to mere self-perpetuating care. God has invested something of His own self in His creation, in the same way artists or craftsmen pour their skills—and thereby their fullest interest—into their work. 

Second, humankind are the peak of the Father’s creative masterwork; endowed uniquely with His image and possessed of rare potential both temporal and eternal. No wonder He cares as He does! And therefore, Jesus affirms to us: The Father won’t overlook your need, so don’t worry! 

But in this context our Lord does tell us what we are to concern ourselves with. He says, Do seek the interests of God’s Kingdom! Do love. Do serve. Do help the fallen. Do reach out with salvations power and grace. Our appointed schedule of priorities is established: ”You take first interest in the things that concern My desire to reach, touch and love others, and I’ll take care of everything that concerns you."

Proverbs 2:6-8 MSG

And here’s why: GOD gives out Wisdom free, is plainspoken in Knowledge and Understanding. He’s a rich mine of Common Sense for those who live well, a personal bodyguard to the candid and sincere. He keeps his eye on all who live honestly, and pays special attention to his loyally committed ones. (Proverbs 2:6-8 MSG)

Matthew 5:19-20 MSG

“Trivialize even the smallest item in God’s Law and you will only have trivialized yourself. But take it seriously, show the way for others, and you will find honor in the kingdom. Unless you do far better than the Pharisees in the matters of right living, you won’t know the first thing about entering the kingdom. (Matthew 5:19-20 MSG)

Kingdom Character—Part 2

From today's devotional

Here is a remarkable truth worthy of our fullest understanding. Because of the fact that we are “saved by grace” and without “the works of the Law” (Eph. 2:8, 9; Gal. 2:16), some misapply these words of Jesus. He notes that while our salvation is neither based on nor sustained by our performance of the Law of God’s Old Testament commandments, we are still called to obey them. 

In describing the character traits of kingdom people, Jesus emphasizes this. He was unmistakably clear: People who teach that Gods Old Testament Law is unimportant are “least” in His value system; people who do and teach the Law are “great.” Of course, this is not intended to induce a guilty sense of failure for Laws we disobey Neither is it to bring defeat to our souls when we are still “learning to walk,” and sometimes stumble over God’s commandments. Our salvation is secured in Christ’s Cross, and our justification insures our continuing acceptance with God. But still, as we grow and go forward in the life of the kingdom, the commandments of God provide a holy blueprint for successful, liberated living. 

Thank God, He has given the Holy Spirit to enable us to live above condemnation and in growing obedience to the Law! (Rom. 8:1–39)

Colossians 1:26-29 MSG

This mystery has been kept in the dark for a long time, but now it’s out in the open. God wanted everyone, not just Jews, to know this rich and glorious secret inside and out, regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing. The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, so therefore you can look forward to sharing in God’s glory. It’s that simple. That is the substance of our Message. We preach Christ, warning people not to add to the Message. We teach in a spirit of profound common sense so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No more, no less. That’s what I’m working so hard at day after day, year after year, doing my best with the energy God so generously gives me. (Colossians 1:26-29 MSG)

Matthew 5:3 MSG

You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. (Matthew 5:3 MSG)

Kingdom Character—Part 1

From today's devotional

There are perhaps no more reassuring words in the Bible which evidence God’s personal, protective and provisioning care for each of us than those spoken by our Lord Jesus. In Matthew 6:25–34 He so clearly links us with the Father’s heart for all His creation that we see two lessons at once. 

First, creation itself has not been surrendered to mere self-perpetuating care. God has invested something of His own self in His creation, in the same way artists or craftsmen pour their skills—and thereby their fullest interest—into their work.

Philippians 4:8-9 MSG

Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. (Philippians 4:8-9 MSG)

Mark 4:26-29 MSG

Then Jesus said, “God’s kingdom is like seed thrown on a field by a man who then goes to bed and forgets about it. The seed sprouts and grows—he has no idea how it happens. The earth does it all without his help: first a green stem of grass, then a bud, then the ripened grain. When the grain is fully formed, he reaps—harvest time! (Mark 4:26-29 MSG)

Kingdom Growth: Part 1

From today's devotional

The poster read, “Lord, please give me patience; and give it to me NOW!” How like us all! And the same trait seems all the more tempting as we begin to learn of our privileges as people of the kingdom. Since our Lord has commissioned us to “Go and bring forth fruit,” it is understandable that as we pray, or as we do kingdom business, that we would prefer quick or immediate action. 

But Jesus is reminding us of how “kingdom growth” occurs. As surely as it is true that the words we speak in prayer are heard, and as surely as the promises of God we claim are seed, so just as certainly it takes time for those promises sown in prayer to come to fruition. 

The parallel is beautiful: we sow as God’s Word is laid hold of in faith; we water with prayer and praise; His love and grace provide the sunshine—and the fruitfulness of harvest will come! But remember the process: first, the small, grassy blade of mere beginnings; second, the growing evidence of coming fruit; and finally, the fulfilled promise in its completeness.

Psalm 143:7-10 MSG

Hurry with your answer, GOD! I’m nearly at the end of my rope. Don’t turn away; don’t ignore me! That would be certain death. If you wake me each morning with the sound of your loving voice, I’ll go to sleep each night trusting in you. Point out the road I must travel; I’m all ears, all eyes before you. Save me from my enemies, GOD — you’re my only hope! Teach me how to live to please you, because you’re my God. Lead me by your blessed Spirit into cleared and level pastureland. (Psalm 143:7-10 MSG)

Philippians 1:3-6 MSG

Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God’s Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present. There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears. (Philippians 1:3-6 MSG)

Matthew 13:11-15 MSG

He replied, “You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom. You know how it works. Not everybody has this gift, this insight; it hasn’t been given to them. Whenever someone has a ready heart for this, the insights and understandings flow freely. But if there is no readiness, any trace of receptivity soon disappears. That’s why I tell stories: to create readiness, to nudge the people toward receptive insight. In their present state they can stare till doomsday and not see it, listen till they’re blue in the face and not get it. I don’t want Isaiah’s forecast repeated all over again: Your ears are open but you don’t hear a thing. Your eyes are awake but you don’t see a thing. The people are blockheads! They stick their fingers in their ears so they won’t have to listen; They screw their eyes shut so they won’t have to look, so they won’t have to deal with me face-to-face and let me heal them. (Matthew 13:11-15 MSG)

Kingdom Mysteries—Part 1

From today's devotional

The Bible word "mystery" is almost a mystery in its own right, because its meaning has reversed. When Jesus used it, it meant "a former secret now openly told." Today, it refers to something difficult to grasp, understand or figure out. 

It's important for us to understand this because Jesus is clearly wanting to make His purposes clear to us. There's nothing mysterious about what He's wanting to say, to do or to bring about…that is, IF. 

The one qualification to understanding God's way for you today or His will for your whole life is to listen. The parable of the seed and the soil (Matt. 13:2-9) precedes His promise to unfold "kingdom mysteries" to us. Its message is unmistakable: You must have 'ears to hear' (v. 9). Only then do we gain insight, understanding and growth in fruitfulness (v. 12). 

In this light, let us begin every day, praying words such as those so beautifully sung in this worship chorus: "Open our ears, Lord, and help us to listen, open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus."

Romans 8:26-28 MSG

Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. (Romans 8:26-28 MSG)

Luke 19:12-13 MSG

“There was once a man descended from a royal house who needed to make a long trip back to headquarters to get authorization for his rule and then return. But first he called ten servants together, gave them each a sum of money, and instructed them, ‘Operate with this until I return.’ (Luke 19:12-13 MSG)

Kingdom Enterprise

From today's devotional

Jesus likened this present era during which we await His return as a season of time His people are to be “doing business.” He illustrated this as a heavenly investment program by which He distributes to us the wealth of His life, love and grace. He then assigns us to “operate”—to do business in His Name until He returns. (Someone has suggested the corporation’s name is “God and Sons, Inc.”!) 

The New Testament word translated “do business” is the one from which we have derived our English word “pragmatic.” Noticing that can intensify our awareness that spiritual living is not ethereal, escapist or other-worldly. It is right-smack-dab-in-the-middle-of-reality—here and now. 

Today, invite the Holy Spirit to make you aware of “kingdom moments of opportunity”—situations in which you can do business, or “conduct trade.” Many people need to meet someone who can “trade” kingdom resources for their human need; who will trade love for the fear that binds them, healing for the sickness that afflicts them, forgiveness for the sin that stains them, strength for the weakness they feel. Today, let us conduct kingdom enterprise, “doing business” in Jesus’ Name.

Hebrews 7:23-25 MSG

Earlier there were a lot of priests, for they died and had to be replaced. But Jesus’ priesthood is permanent. He’s there from now to eternity to save everyone who comes to God through him, always on the job to speak up for them. 

- Hebrews 7:23-25 (MSG)

Kingdom People

From today's devotional

There is no more dramatic word than “birth,” the word Jesus used to describe the radical “delivery” of our life from sin into God’s kingdom (John 3:3, 5). But almost matching that dynamic metaphor is Paul’s saying, “He has conveyed us into the kingdom.” This word was used when ancient kings took captive peoples and transported them to another land, usually as slaves. 

But here, we as former slaves now taken captive by our Savior King are being transported from former bondage in sin to the liberated atmosphere of His daily presence. “Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36). 

While our ultimate “transporting” will be into His presence at His coming, in the meantime He has not left us at the mercy of the “dark rulers” of this present age (1 John 5:19; Eph. 6:12). We are His people, proclaiming His praises (1 Pet. 2:9), showing His good works (Matt. 5:16) and holding forth His Word (Phil. 2:15, 16). We have come under the rule of our supreme King who also is the Lover of our souls; who has “conveyed” us unto His kingdom to serve kingdom enterprises.

Luke 16:14-18 MSG

When the Pharisees, a money-obsessed bunch, heard him say these things, they rolled their eyes, dismissing him as hopelessly out of touch. So Jesus spoke to them: “You are masters at making yourselves look good in front of others, but God knows what’s behind the appearance. What society sees and calls monumental, God sees through and calls monstrous. God’s Law and the Prophets climaxed in John; Now it’s all kingdom of God—the glad news and compelling invitation to every man and woman. The sky will disintegrate and the earth dissolve before a single letter of God’s Law wears out. Using the legalities of divorce as a cover for lust is adultery; Using the legalities of marriage as a cover for lust is adultery. (Luke 16:14-18 MSG)

Kingdom Keys—Part 2

From today's devotional

On this occasion Jesus answered the questions of critics who decried His generosity with former sinners. His readiness to forgive and lift the fallen to places of new possibilities infuriated them. He referred them to an era; a new time which began with John the Baptist’s call to “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matt. 3:2). Jesus went on to say that from that time forward—and to this day—people who choose God’s rule for their lives press into it. The figure of speech is one which indicates earnestness and urgency. 

Entering into the dimension of God’s life and grace isn’t a casual matter. In likening this “entry” to the travail of birth (John 3:3), Jesus is emphasizing our full attention and commitment. 

The “keys of the kingdom,” that is, access to and functioning in the kingdom, are capacities promised to everyone who calls Jesus Lord. As we submit to His rule in our lives, with characteristic grace and generosity, He responds by fully sharing His power and His authority with us. It’s an overwhelming concept: His sovereign power invites our partnership as joint-heirs with Him (Rom. 8:16, 17). Let’s keep growing in this grace!

Zechariah 14:9 MSG

GOD will be king over all the earth, one GOD and only one. What a Day that will be! (Zechariah 14:9 MSG)

Matthew 16:19 MSG

“And that’s not all. You will have complete and free access to God’s kingdom, keys to open any and every door: no more barriers between heaven and earth, earth and heaven. A yes on earth is yes in heaven. A no on earth is no in heaven.” (Matthew 16:19 MSG)

Kingdom Keys—Part 1

From today's devotional

Keys represent privilege, trust and authority. When a teenager receives the keys to the family car, a distinct turning point has been reached. Growth, preparedness, training and trust converge in the release of this expensive vehicle unto the care and use of a son or daughter. It’s a big day, but also a weighty moment, for the authority being granted could be as destructive as it is beneficial. Is the child ready? 

When Jesus said He would give His disciples “the keys of the kingdom of heaven,” He based it on each one’s coming to the same place of understanding Peter had reached when he said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (v. 16). In other words, “the keys” are given to people who fully recognize Jesus as their King, and who yield to His rule as the mandate for their own lives. It is then that He says, “Now I am transmitting to you a representative role". 

As keys give access, He opens a new arena of possibility for us. As keys verify trust, He entrusts arenas of service to us. And just as keys ignite, lock and loose, Christ sends us to people and circumstances waiting to be ‘turned on,’ ‘closed in’ and ‘set free.’ Let’s keep learning about these keys.

2 Corinthians 5:21 MSG

How? you ask. In Christ. God put the wrong on him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God. (2 Corinthians 5:21 MSG)

Romans 14:17-18 MSG

God’s kingdom isn’t a matter of what you put in your stomach, for goodness’ sake. It’s what God does with your life as he sets it right, puts it together, and completes it with joy. Your task is to single-mindedly serve Christ. Do that and you’ll kill two birds with one stone: pleasing the God above you and proving your worth to the people around you. (Romans 14:17-18 MSG)

Kingdom Joy

From today's devotional

No human systems can generate the dimensions of fullness and fulfillment God’s kingdom life bring us. The present passion so many of us feel, to drink of “all the fullness of God,” is a quest for the way the Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus as King in our daily life and living. There are no religious substitutes for the reality of this order of life. 

As Paul wrote here, he was laboring with a problem, for everywhere he turned he found opponents to the message of Christ’s kingdom joys. His most ardent enemies weren’t Roman soldiers or the Roman government, but a strange breed of religious diehards. They knew the true God but hated the refreshing liberty of Holy Spirit-filled living Paul was preaching. They kept imposing ritual requirements related to the Mosaic code—issues concerning certain ”eating and drinking“ stipulations. Paul wasn’t arguing for undisciplined living but simply for unsaddled souls! In effect, he says, ”God’s kingdom isn’t in the trappings of tradition, but His rule brings His right ways (righteousness), His mighty ways (peace) and His bright ways (joy). Let’s all open fully to such fullness—and to His kingdom’s expansion in our souls.

1 Peter 4:14-16 MSG

If you’re abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It’s the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. If they’re on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that’s a different matter. But if it’s because you’re a Christian, don’t give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name! (1 Peter 4:14-16 MSG)

1 Samuel 11:13-14 MSG

But Saul said, “Nobody is going to be executed this day. This is the day GOD saved Israel! Come, let’s go to Gilgal and there reconsecrate the kingship.” (1 Samuel 11:13-14 MSG)

Kingdom Renewal

From today's devotional

The phrase, the "Kingdom of God" is more than familiar; it has almost become shopworn. Still, these words at the heart of Jesus' preaching deserve to be the best understood in all our minds. We need to grasp their fullness, weight and dimension. 

There is a worldwide spiritual renewal in progress throughout the Church today. 

Wherever it is occurring, a richer understanding of the kingdom seems to be related to this renewal. What "new" or "renewing" of kingdom truth do I need to hear and receive?1 Samuel 11 tells a story of a vicious monarch's effort at gouging out the eyes of every individual in an ancient village of Israel. In response, Saul, their newly crowned leader, rises to smash Nahash, the arrogant enemy who proposed the blinding torture. As a result, the whole population of Israel saw; saw not only by reason of their vision having been spared, but saw the beauty and power of Saul, their God-given king! 

Samuel's call, "Come . . . let us renew the kingdom," may well be heard by all of us today. As our adversary the devil seeks to blind us to the glories and the power of Jesus Himself, let us instead "Come..." and be renewed in our understanding of Him--His kingdom's power and glory.

Psalm 105:1-6 MSG

Hallelujah! Thank GOD! Pray to him by name! Tell everyone you meet what he has done! Sing him songs, belt out hymns, translate his wonders into music! Honor his holy name with Hallelujahs, you who seek GOD. Live a happy life! Keep your eyes open for GOD, watch for his works; be alert for signs of his presence. Remember the world of wonders he has made, his miracles, and the verdicts he’s rendered— O seed of Abraham, his servant, O child of Jacob, his chosen. (Psalm 105:1-6 MSG)