Where is your citizenship?

FAITH:
Isaiah 65:1-66:24

God answered the prayers of his people. Those who remained faithful would receive life, joy, and peace beyond imagination. The disobedient would receive judgment and death.

God cannot overlook sin, and he will punish it; but the faithful will know the eternal blessings of God's new kingdom.

While the kingdom is full of righteousness, peace and joy, it isn't a physical, tangible thing. It isn't something we touch or see....

Furthermore, this kingdom isn't verbal, something we can actually hear with our ears, even though it is powerful....

It that isn't mysterious enough, I should add that while it is unshakable, it isn't visible either!

....How about that! We're supposed to seek something we cannot feel, or hear. And we're expected to embrace something that is intangible, inaudible, and invisible.

....God's kingdom is a synonym for God's rule. Those who choose to live in His kingdom (though still very much alive on Planet Earth) choose to live under His authority.

Maybe a super-simple outline of the Bible will help us understand the definition of God's kingdom even better. But first let me warn you--it's so basic you'll probably sneer!

l. God creates the heavens and earth and all things in them, including mankind. That's Genesis 1 and 2.

ll. Mankind, alone, rebels against God's authority. That's covered in Genesis 3.

lll. God moves through history to reestablish His authority over all creation. That's Genesis 4 through Revelation 22.

....And if you are wondering where you and I fit into this outline, take a look at category three. For centuries God has been at work reestablishing His rulership...

All this leads me to some helpful news, some bad news, and some good news! The kingdom is the invisible realm where God rules as supreme authority. That's helpful news. The bad news is the we, by nature, don't want Him to rule over us; we much prefer to please ourselves. We;d much rather serve mammon (the word means "money") than the Master....More bad news is this; Most people do serve mammon. Just look around. Who's in charge, God or mammon? What's happening? The mediocre majority have bought into a mammon lifestyle.

Now, the good news. We don't have to live that way. God has given us an avenue of escape. It's called a birth from above .... Not until we experience a spiritual rebirth will we submit to God's rule.

So when I write of God's kingdom, I'm referring to His right-authority over our lives. Only then can we experience true excellence. by Charles Swindoll

Applying it: Become a citizen in God's kingdom today by trusting in Jesus. Reserve your place in his new creation by making him Lord of your life. You can have permanent hope and eternal life! There is no better way to live than by following him.
Exploring it: Kingdom of God--Matthew 5:3-12; Luke 4:43; 9:2; John 3:3; Acts 1:3; 1 Corinthians 1:2

FRIENDS:
Father, You've given us such a great promise, the promise of salvation. Forgive us, Father, when we sometimes put more hope in the things of this earth than in the incredible promises of your heaven. In Jesus' name, Amen.

10 THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR
1. Having a God who knows what I need and providing it.
2. Laughter with a friend
3. The reassurance that God has a plan for me
4. Sunshiny days (recurring theme with me)
5. Not being charged a late fee when I forgot to pay my rent on time (oops)
6. Being able to cook nutritious meals
7. The laughter of a little child
8. People who care about me and let me know they do
9. God's grace concerning my health
10. The ability to stay connected with my friends afar via the Internet

FOOD:

Brown Sugar Shortbread
From Every Day With Rachael Ray
Makes 16 cookies

1 c. flour
1 stick (4-oz.) unsalted butter
1/3 c. brown sugar

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Using an electric mixer, combine the flour, butter and sugar. Press the dough evenly into a 9-inch square baking pan. Bake until golden around the edges, 18 to 20 minutes.

2. Let the shortbread cool slightly in the pan, then cut into 16 squares and transfer to a rack to cool completely.

FUN:
People are always asking couples whose marriages have endured at least a quarter of a century for their secret for success. Actually, it is no secret at all. I am a forgiving woman. Long ago, I forgave my husband for not being Paul Newman. --Erma Bombeck