FOLLOWING US EVEN WHEN WE ARE NOT AWARE

"....All ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink.  For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ." (1 Corinthians 10:3, 4)

The thought occurred to me today that the sojourners in the wilderness were not aware that the, "....Rock that followed them...was Christ."  They tended to take what they received, and complained when they didn't receive.

There were (are) times in our lives when we were also of those who were unaware of the mercy and faithfulness of our Lord Jesus, "following" us, being our food and drink, even while we were complaining.  Today, I am repenting and thanking.

Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You for "following" me, even when I was not following you.  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"....REDEEMED WITH...THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST...."

"Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the sojourners of the Dispersion (you and I)...." (1 Peter 1:1a)

1st and 2nd Peter are so rich in revelation of our life and sojourn in Jesus Christ.  Here are a few examples:

"elect...for obedience and sprinkling of the Blood of Jesus Christ.

"....Who....has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead....

"....[We] are kept power the power of God....

"....Jesus Christ, Whom having not seen you love.

"Be holy, for I am holy.

"....You were not redeemed with corruptible things,..but with the Precious Blood of Christ,..[You] through Him believe in God....

"....having been born again, not of perishable seed but imperishable, through the Word of God which lives and abides forever...."

Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You so much for the, "incorruptible seed..," Your Word.  Amen. 

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

EVEN BEFORE WE COULD "BELIEVE" JESUS CARED

"By You I have been upheld from birth; You are He who took me out of my mother's womb.  My praise shall be continually of You."  (Psalm 71:6)

Someone once asked me if I was a Calvinist or Arminian.  I said that I am an Arminian/Calvinist.  Neither had the "whole truth."

Hence, our text.  Could it be that you and I are here not because our fathers and mothers wanted us here, but because God wanted us here.  Regardless, it is for sure that our Lord Jesus, "....took me out of my mother's womb."  And, Jesus has been sustaining me, "....from birth."

Whether the Godhead determined our birth or picked us up coming out of our mothers' wombs, it is God who has been caring for us, yes, even before we surrendered our hearts to Jesus.  He just cannot help being God.  

Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You that You knew and cared for me before I knew and cared about You.  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

SOME THOUGHTS ON THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN/GOD

"Another parable He spoke to them: 'The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.'"  (Matthew 13:33)

The concept of Kingdom is broader than the concept of the Church.  The Church is the, "household of faith," the Followers of Jesus Christ.  The Kingdom knows no bounds, no limitations, no exclusivism.  It is found in Jesus' Words, "You are the light of the world," and, "You are the salt of the earth."  Notice, "world," and, "earth," in other words, everything, everywhere.  

Our Lord Jesus teaches us in our text that His Kingdom, "The Kingdom of Heaven," is a "take-over" Kingdom.  It started "hidden" in Jesus Christ, in the administration of the Godhead, then spread in His Followers until the whole world is, "leavened"------ governments, schools, businesses, etc.

Everywhere you and I go, e.g., everywhere we work, attend school, buy merchandise, in short, live our lives, is Kingdom land.  The old hymns says that Jesus' Kingdom is, "from shore to shore."  I say to you and me today what I said decades ago to a Kingdom (Christian) School graduating class.  "Here is the interpretation of the 'Great Commission:'  Go into all the world and take over."

Wherever you and I are now, wherever you and I will be tomorrow is, "The Kingdom of Heaven...at hand."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray that you help me and my friend to have a greater understanding and walk in what is, "The Kingdom of Heaven."  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2