WHAT DOES BEING A KINGDOM CITIZEN MEAN?

 Being a citizen of the Kingdom of God means:

Knowing, acknowledging, understanding and accepting who is the King of THE KINGDOM (GOD the creator of the Universe). 

Knowing the government and governing rules of the Kingdom, understanding and obeying them (wisdom of application). Knowing my rights and how to acquire them. Knowing the attributes, I possess as per what I’ve acquired from the King and my role as a citizen (my contribution to help improve my surroundings-community/city). Learning and being able to communicate well within my ordained post to the King, through his son Christ Jesus and to other citizens. Having the Knowledge to get educated in the talent and gifts (ability that will greatly influence in a particular world system), and effectively executing it well (the power given to me through the governor-THE HOLY SPIRIT), therefore being of great benefit to the Kingdom of God.

BEAUTY BEYOND AGES

 

Two months ago, I was sitting in the church audience when everyone was invited for a wedding. I was excited because I have not been to a wedding in a long time and then because of whom the bride and groom is, I was even more excited. I didn't know the size of the wedding, the style, (casual, formal etc.), or any in depth detail except for the venue’s location and the time that was announced. I knew what I was going to wear and got straight to it when I got home, to make sure all is well and that it still fit, since I have not worn it for many, many years ago (maybe 16 or more years). I was many pounds less than I am now and I made some alterations then and now.

I paired it with a small silver bag and strapped shoes, also a pair of silver heart-shaped earrings. It fit well and was still in excellent condition. However, it was not a formal wedding and only two of us did not get the memo, also we wore similar colors and looked as if we planned it or were part of a wedding party. It didn’t matter and we both looked good.

Anyways, I digress a little. This wedding was intimate, with a few family members and few church friends. It was for an elderly couple. Let me tell you, this couple Is so sweet and gentle. The bride being beautiful, vibrant, and bubbly, while the bridegroom seemed more quiet and reserved. The bride wore a gown fit for her personality (white with a few bright colors nicely placed near the bottom of it). She had laced ruffled three-quarter sleeves, the bodice fitted to her slender form, with what seemed to be an added cloak that draped to the floor, allowing just a peak of the colors in her gown. The groom wore the traditional black and white suit and looked so handsome, wearing his smile that looked more like he was blushing. The decorations, though simple, they were a reflection of the bride’s personality as well. The small wedding party wore some of the colors of the bride’s dress. Although there were no professional videographers nor any of such like, I’m sure they received copies of the many videos and photos that were taken, especially from one assigned or volunteered individual that was doing a good job (in my opinion).

I was so touched, by the ceremony that was conducted so well. The bride and groom sung every song together. They were songs of faith, joy and gladness, of union, also of hope and trust in the Lord. Tears filled my eyes. My mind went to Matthew 6:33 ESV “but seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness. And all these things will be added to you”. It was said that this is what this couple did before deciding to come together for this union. When we desire that Jesus’ rule to be recognized in our lives, in our circle of immediate influence and as far as we can reach, by obeying his command and making a conscious effort to follow the will of the Lord towards our fellow mankind, that is how we seek the Kingdom of God first. When we are doing that to the best of our abilities, even with all our flaws as King David, Moses, or Jacob. God blesses us in such ways that we are left in awe of him, because he alone can see our heart and knows our intentions. He gifts us not according to our time and age, but according to the beauty of our spirit.

 

DeLinda

How I Got Started?

I was born in “the church” as people would say, meaning that I had a parent or parents who were a member/s of “the church” before birth, such as my mother (believer and follower of Jesus Christ as the son of God). Therefore, from birth I should say, that is the life I knew, “the church.” But seriously, I was actually 10 years old when I first understood or started my Kingdom journey. Just sitting in the pews as I normally did on a Sunday evening, listening to the pastor [Who is also my godfather], preaching about how Jesus Christ came into the world to save humankind from their sins, and that we should accept Jesus Christ as Lord and savior. In the message, I heard of various kinds of sins that would be forgiven, also that if we suffered hurt by other people, how Jesus can take away the hurt and place his joy in our heart to comfort us. Now, this was not the first time that I was hearing this type of message, but at 10 years of age I had already experienced a lot of hurt, anger, disappointments, and pain in my life, so I was already reading my Bible through the years, and now started asking many unanswered questions. Little by little I understood some of the things that I had read and was taught, so on this particular evening, I felt a deep urge to surrender my life to God and ask Jesus to come into my heart. I wanted a renewed spirit and thinking (KJV-Psalm 51 vs 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Vs 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit). I wanted to experience having a renewed mind and living to please God (KJV-Romans 12 vs 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God). I not only wanted to have a changed mindset from how I understood the world around me, but I wanted a parent to be identified with. As I decided to accept God as my heavenly father, I wanted to be like Him, God. To truly be like him and needed to have the same ways as he has, just like a child has characteristics that are the same as their parents. I needed to have the same kind of character as God to be worthy of his son Jesus Christ living in my heart (KJV- Galatians 5: 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Vs 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law) This is his character. I accepted the news of salvation (John 3:16, Romans 10: 13), and was baptized in the name of Jesus, but not for 3 more years. My journey had already started before baptism....... 

The Imperfect Cookie

 

  The imperfect cookie is unique and is like no other, yet it is the product of and a reflection of its creator. It is not shaped with a cookie cutter to give it clean lines and curves. It is not rolled into a ball, pressed into a perfect circle. It is just designed uniquely with all its tasty flavors inside and placed carefully onto a cookie sheet for baking. In the oven is where it gets its color. Its form forged in the heat. Its physical attributes are now seen at the end of the baking, as it cools. You can admire its shape and tones, also its texture. One side is so visually pleasant, and the other side is deep and golden, with all its alluring goodness. You now want to bite into it, to taste the deliciousness of the ingredients that was folded inside. It becomes satisfying, or you want to have more. However, it’s important to not eat too much, as it can become overwhelming and not so much of a good thing for our health. The imperfect cookie is a delightful addition to a lunch, before dinner snack, or as a soother before bed, along with a refreshing glass of milk (Almond milk preferred by me).

        We are like this imperfect cookie, unique and unlike any other. We are the product of and a reflection of our heavenly father, the creator (God). 

Genesis 1:27 NIV "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."

We were not all made with perfect curves and lines, even though some of us have similarities in our physical features and tones.

Although being so imperfect and flawed, God saw that we have some potential for greatness, because of what we posses inside of us (his spirit). When we decide that we are tired of our life the way it is, and the struggles of this life, we can go to God with all our faults, and he will reshape our lives in such a way that we can become the best of the best. All the goodness that God had placed in us from the start will come forth which is listed in Galatian 5:22-23 KJV. When the character of God is seen in us, by our actions towards others, we are then in his favor, others can’t get enough of us, enjoying our presents and wanting to know more of our father. We don’t have to be perfect to come to God, we must be vulnerable to him and willing to trust him, especially when going through the hard times of this life (the oven). When enduring through our faith in God and obedience, we then become transformed, and our lives glorify him in every way. Just remember that imperfect can become perfect after an encounter with  Jesus Christ.

DeLinda