Posted in Kingdom in Cambodia by Kristen Paulick on 1/23/2012
 Our van bumped along the thin dusty road, one line on a grid of rice paddy fields. As we entered the village there was a familiar air. The houses were not cinder block, but rather strong, wooden establishments built on stills standing five, six, eight feet off the ground. The little fences surrounding each property were not wood and barbed wire, but rather shoots of bamboo tied together with reeds. But the air was the same. The same air of homecoming I feel every time I enter the little Nicaraguan village of Bethel.
We were there to meet with the village chief and a mother whose 6 year old had been raped a week ago. Would her mother release her to receive healing care from this trauma at the safe house? . . . A crowd gathered to listen to what the foreign people had to say.
A different crowd gathered around me. Little bright-eyed faces swarmed our van as I stepped out. Some of the littlest ones hid behind the older kids, as they gathered around. Other more brave little souls would run up quickly, pushing their way through the crowd, make eye-contact and then scamper off as quickly as they came, laughing the whole way. They'd never seen a white person before.
I practiced what little Khmer I know before a game of tag ensued. Laughter burst through the air as we ran and played. It didn't take long before my lungs were hurting and we gathered once again by the van. A Khmer friend asked the kids if they loved me. They all said. "yes, we love her." I was then able to share with them in Khmer that I love them too and I came all the way from America because I love Cambodia and the people of Cambodia, and not only me, but Jesus. I love them and Jesus loves them. They had never heard the name of Jesus before and so my Khmer friend began sharing the gospel with them. Their little eyes got wide as they listened to the strange story, so contrary to anything they have ever heard before. I then began to tell them that God loves them and he hears them when they pray. And that they can pray to Jesus anywhere, in their home, as they are walking in the street, in a church. Lord Jesus is everywhere and he hears them and he loves them.
We continued to practice Khmer and soon they asked if I could sing. I told them I could a little bit and they wanted to hear an english song, so I explained to them that this song was about God and his love for us. Then I sang over them How He Loves Us. They thought it was beautiful and they wanted to learn an english song so I tried as best I could to teach them Jesus loves me and explained in Khmer the words of the simple song.
We had such a precious time. For that day, for that moment I saw the Kingdom at work, it was in the air. We all explored how the atmosphere of this village was just different; their care and respect for one another, their closeness, the order and cleanliness of their homes, the openness and love that flowed from each person that we met. God is already there and moving. I am excited to continue to work with that village, build relationships, and share the gospel.
The village people gathered and walked behind our van as we pulled out. All waving and smiling, laughing and folding their hands in the front of their faces they bowed their heads sending us off with a formal and friendly farewell.
We will be returning on Friday to bring the little one to the safe house. Pray for her complete and total healing from this trauma that she may be able to reintegrate into her village healthy, well, and whole.
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Posted in Kingdom: USA by Kristen Paulick on 1/17/2012
In the last 10 days I have seen Kingdom unfold in these ways:
The Holy Spirit's classroom. Surrounded by friends and some acquaintances, but it doesn't matter anyhow, we're all family. Each one loved and accepted; welcomed in. I walk through the door and find a sense of home. Hugs all around. The kitchen table talk commences; freedom and openness reign. Wine, fruit, and cheese are not the only delicacies we are feasting on, but the mysteries and things of God. It's there in the gaze and laughter and smiles around the table as we express our hearts free from all judgement and fear; it's in that moment I express silently in my heart, "we are living it." . . . let love be genuine. Kingdom.
Recognizing as Satan, those thoughts that daily creep into my subconscious viciously planting ill-good in my mind. When I am doubting myself. When I feel unloveable. When he tells me I will be single forever. When he whispers, "you will be forgotten in Cambodia." When I hear the words, failure, fraud, or disappointment. When it moves from my mind and frustrations harbor in my heart as I outwardly roll my eyes. When he whispers, "isn't so and so just so yada yada" or when my flesh seeks it's own, I consciously have to choose to allow the Kingdom to break in. I must eat and drink the Word of God. I must fill my heart with truth. I must meditate and pray. I must ask God to enter in and fill my mind with light. I must repent. I must daily grasp hold in this way . . . abhor what is evil, cling to what is good. Kingdom.
I instantly see Kingdom in the faces of World Racers. We come from different squads; we have trudged through different soils; we own very different stories. But we are family. We might barely remember each other's names, but we won't forget each other's faces. And if you need prayer, I will wrap my arms around you and hug you and let you cry. I will pray and speak all the words the Holy Spirit is telling me to share. Or if I am the mess, you will seek me out, lay hands on me, speak life into me, and pray powerful prayers over me, as you listen to the Lord on my behalf. Why? Because that is just how children in this family are raised! . . . love one another with brotherly affection. Kingdom.
Righting wrongs. Redemption. It is never too late to show another person the honor they deserve. It might mean sitting that person down, in the middle of a coffee shop months later, tears streaming down your cheeks as you tell her, "You probably had no idea, but when you were my leader- in this situation- I did not do a good job of honoring you nor covering you. I sowed into some things that I didn't intend and as a result, you were not held in honor as you should have been." Then tears well up in her eyes as forgiveness and hugs are exchanged and the Spirit brings full healing . . . outdo one another in showing honor. Kingdom.
Late nights. Early morning. First ones to arrive. Last ones to leave. Tearing down office space. Putting up 180 chairs. Taking down 180 chairs. Rebuilding office space. Correcting coffee malfunctions with grace. Rearranging. Fixing. Filling. Emptying. Running. Elbow-deep in dirty dish water. Vacuuming dusty floors. Up at dawn cooking breakfast. Chopping. Cutting. Seasoning. Prepping. Cleaning. Mixing. Wrapping. Spilling chicken blood and body fluids all over you. Meeting every challenge head on with joy. To the wonderful serve team at Searchlight, my hat is off to you! . . . do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Kingdom.
"Kristen, Your strength is in your openness. I do not need your strength- I need your openness so people can see and receive MY strength. You don't have to be the strong one any longer. You don't have to have all the answers- divert to Me- trust Me. Then just go be with Me. Rest in Me. A place of rest and peace is a pure place- the purest place you can be with Me. Seek to enter My rest. I am not after what you can do for Me. Do not doubt in the dark, Kristen, what you have seen in the Light. Be like a bird, a small little bird, wings open, gliding on the wind- not flapping and working- I, my Spirit, is the wind that will carry you. You are My Cherished One"- These are words from the Lord spoken to me this week by a wonderful friend. Thank you Jesus . . . Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be constant in prayer. Kingdom.
I walk through the door. Laughter billows out of the other room, breaking over me. The Spirit is here. Joy. Laughter. Peace. I love how I am instantly at ease whenever I walk through their door. The football game is on. People are gathered. A large-bellied wine glass is placed in my hand. No need to ask. The answer is yes. They know. A smooth red, a delicious taste. I sit down and join the raucous of cheering fans and conversation. Cheese and fruit are passed around. The night unfolds, and I am laughing so much my cheeks hurt. I sit in my chair smiling to myself and pondering what it was like for Jesus and his disciples to be in a room; fruit, cheese, and wine in hand. I wonder about their conversations and how much they laughed. I wonder if the disciples realized in that moment, like I am now, that they possessed abundant life?! Just then a large tub of peanut butter-filled pretzel bites are placed next to me. I look up. He smiles down at me. Again, no need to ask, he already knows I want to munch on them. How, in that moment, does a gesture so small speak so loudly to me of love and care?! . . . contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Kingdom.
My eyes are uncontrollable fountains. My nose is a dripping faucet, snotting all over the carpet underneath my prostrate body, hands up-turned to heaven. I have had no appetite all day, as anxiety has eaten its way through my bones. I have reached my breaking point. I am desperate. I am scared. I am broken. My stomach is sour and my heart sick. I have no idea what to think or even pray, I just know in this moment I need Jesus more than anything else. Even if he doesn't say a word, I just cry out for his presence. The Lord's Prayer begins to form on my lips . . . Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth, here in my heart, here right now, as it is in heaven. Forgive me of my sins. Forgive my sins Lord, I know they are many, as I forgive those who have sinned against me . . . as I forgive those who have sinned against me . . . Give me today, what I need Lord. I need you. I need you. I need you. . . . You are in control. Yours is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory forever . . . Amen . . . Amen. The sadness lifts and I speak out blessings as peace begins to settle in around me . . . bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Kingdom.
A circle of my closest friends surround me. Dessert- (Delicious Beth!) Laughter and catching up on life. It is great to be in their presence again! I have missed them! Hugs all around. They want to send me out covered in prayer. They lay hands. They are praying. I am receiving. I begin to weep. Jake grabs my hand- strong and comforting. Alison is gently holding the other. With her free hand she gently strokes and twists, playing with my hair. My head rests on her shoulder. Encouragement. Power. Peace Be Still. Blessings. Prophecies- the truth of the intimacy that comes in darkness. Breaking off any oppression and reminding me of who I am. Peace be still. They speak life and truth over me as I prepare to return to Cambodia. Proper alignment with the Father- They intercede for me, my team, the women and children of Cambodia. The tears of others begin to fall. The Spirit is binding our hearts together; an unbreakable bond. Afterwards, Congo coffee. Leg Hugs. Possible "Ruthing." Short-lived dance parties with white-boy moves. Late night Belmont, giggly-freak-out-girl-talk, freezing our butts off as our cars warm up, and tearful goodbyes as, "I love you, OK?!?!," is blurted out and laughed about later. These are the small treasures that will not be forgotten . . . Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Kingdom.
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Posted in Kingdom by Kristen Paulick on 1/11/2012
Kingdom
is not a dot,
a spot
on a map
to be charted
nor secured.
Scale peaks,
cross seas
to seek it,
reach it,
but you won't find it
within
the confines
of space and time;
It is within
the hearts
of the mighty ones-
the daughters
and sons.
Kingdom knows
no limits nor bounds,
no color nor race,
nor economic state.
You find it
where Jesus rules;
where Jesus reigns;
where the royal kids
remain
in His love,
under His care,
it is there.
Kingdom
is not picketing
in front of abortion clinics
nor raising its voice
to join the critics.
It is meek
and humble
found in the faith
and prayer
of a child;
wild,
alive in the arms
of his Abba.
It is not
condemning those
of different belief
but rather
seeking
to be
the light of the world;
the salt of the earth
proclaiming
the truth
of rebirth.
Adoption
into the family of God,
a message for all.
Not only
neatly packaged,
wrapped
theological doctrine,
spoon-fed to the masses
on the weekends.
Kingdom
is action
wrapped in love;
It's preached
in the streets;
raw, tangible, and messy.
It never gives up
and never quits.
it never fails.
even on the worst
of the worst
infidels.
Kingdom
is LIFE
abundant,
indulgent;
and FREE
feasting on God
Himself;
King of Kings.
Kingdom
is news
Good to the ears.
not producing
guilt nor fear.
Incapable
of breeding death;
it only brings forth LIFE:
Oppression cease.
Sickness be healed.
Eyes open.
Hearts turn.
Mouths prophesy.
Truth reign.
Kingdom.
Come.
To you.
To me.
To everyone.
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Posted in Kingdom by Kristen Paulick on 1/3/2012
I need to humbly come before you guys, and receive the correction of a mentor.
In the following blog, I rebuked Satan rather harshly for his deceitful schemes and was reminded by a loving mentor that I was acting outside of Scripture.
In fact, the Scripture says in Jude 1:9-
But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgement, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!"
I am only starting to learn about Authority within the Kingdom of Heaven. So far, I know the Kingdom of Heaven is, as I said before, a Kingdom. Therefore there is a ruler- Jesus- and there is a designed order. All things are under his authority and he delegates authority to those whom he chooses. I still have much to learn about the authority that we are granted as Believers. I am excited for the journey and thankful for the Lord's grace. I know I have much to learn.
If we go back and look at how Christ answered Satan's deceitfulness in the wilderness we can all learn from his example. He answers Satan with Scripture . . .
So I hope you will go back and reread the blog again. I have changed my words and continue to ask the Lord to change my heart and teach me what it means to be a citizen of his kingdom.
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I don't know if you have ever felt the looming dread of disappointment in your relationship with God- like if you didn't spend that solid hour in prayer, but rather slept in; or worse, fell asleep while praying; or if you didn't read the 5 chapters of your chronological reading plan that you were supposed to read then you have somehow absolutely let God down!
FAILURE.
Just tat it on your forehead.
You are a failure.
You are a disappointment.
God is shaking his head at you. . . .
Well . . . that is exactly where I found myself this morning.
For about the 4th morning in a row I have woken up with sinus pressure, sore throat, and a heavy head. The Lord woke me up at 5:30 am . . . our usual time, without an alarm clock even. What he had to say must have been important, but again I struggled to pull my heavy noggin off the pillow. At about 7 I pulled some sweatpants on thinking I would go out to the chair in the living room, our usual spot. But I didn't make it any farther than the bathroom before I turned myself around ditched the sweatpants and wandered back to bed.
As my head hit the pillow the accusing voices started:
Failure.
Lazy.
You can't even pull your lazy self out of bed to spend time with the Lord.
Disappointment.
You say you "love him" yet you push him aside.
You disappoint him.
But I didn't go down without a fight:
I will not listen to lies!
I am sick, and like any good parent,
I know my Father desires what is best! Right now, that is rest!
Like a mother who loves to watch her children sleep,
I imagine He is gazing at me in the same way.
I bet He is singing over me right now as Zephaniah 3:17 says!
He will quiet me with His love; and rejoice over me with singing!
I closed my eyes and slept soundly for 2,5 more hours!
In the Word, Satan is called the Accuser of the Brethren. And sometimes Satan speaking to us can sound like us thinking. He is really good at planting thoughts in our minds that are contrary to the Word of Truth. This is why Paul says in 2 Corinthians 10 that we are to take captive EVERY thought and make it obedient to Christ!
When accusing thoughts come against you, take them captive and remind yourself of the truth!
And the truth of God's Word is:
YOU ARE NOT A DISAPPOINTMENT!
He loves you SO MUCH
that while you were still a sinner,
CHRIST DIED FOR YOU!
You are, on the contrary,
His Delight.
You are adopted; His child.
You are chosen and dearly loved.
So when Satan comes against you with accusing thoughts,
call them into obedience to Christ with Kingdom Truth from the Word.
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Posted in Kingdom by Kristen Paulick on 1/2/2012
This morning when I woke up, I was in such a sour mood. My alarm clock went off and I was much less excited about waking up early this morning than yesterday. Ten more minutes. . . I rolled over. Ten minutes turned into an hour more. I pulled some clothes on, washed my face and walked out the door. My parents and I were headed up to my grandmother's house with my nephew; my sister and her family were headed back to TN.
After they left my parents and I headed back home. On the way my father wanted to "run" into the grocery store. I don't know why I was in such a sour mood, maybe it was my sinus pressure, my fatigue or maybe I was just too caught up in myself after having missed my date with the Holy Spirit this morning. Either way, my father was taking too long for my taste and I verbally expressed my outright frustration. My mother remained quiet.
A little later, out walked a little elderly lady and my father close behind her. Her car was beside ours, as he approached our car, he handed my mother the groceries and then turned around and helped her lift several heavy objects into her trunk, then returned her cart for her. In that moment I saw the kingdom of heaven lived out in my father. As he got back into the car, I expressed to him that I was proud of him and he said he only wished someone would do that for his mother if they had the chance, then explained how they had started talking in line. She offered for him to go before her, seeing his few groceries compared to her many. He told her he was in no hurry and allowed her to go in front of him.
Immediately, the Lord humbled me. The Holy Spirit spoke to my spirit, "My reign, my rule. Not your schedule." I had complained because my father was taking too long, while he was allowing the kingdom of heaven to come to earth in his heart. The Holy Spirit continued, "You will miss Kristen, if you're not looking for it, if you're too focused on you, you will miss it."
"Forgive me Lord"
As I got ready to start my day, I bowed my heart and postured myself bent before him.
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The spectacular thing about our Lord is that he is GRACIOUS! Even when we blow it from the start, he is capable of redeeming everything.
This morning a couple hours later, I met a friend for coffee. I arrived at Caribou ahead of her. Instead of going ahead and ordering, I waited for her because I had decided in my heart that I wanted to bless her and pay for her coffee. After I had ordered, I told her to get whatever she wanted, this was my treat. She tried to protest "You're the missionary!" She said. I just smiled. She ordered.
We both ordered coffee and a breakfast sandwich because neither of us had eaten yet. The barista made my latte; a large- I had ordered a medium! He handed Allison her coffee, put our breakfast sandwiches in the oven, then asked the ladies behind me for their order!
I stood there a little dumb founded and he said, "Don't worry about it, this one's on me!" I put a large tip in their tip jar and walked back to my seat thanking Jesus for his provision and asking him to keep my spirit sensitive to how he is moving so that I may join Him in bringing the kingdom of heaven to others the rest of today!!
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
You are blessed when you get your inside world- your mind and heart- put right.
Then you can see God in the outside world.
Matthew 5:8 (ESV; Message)
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Posted in Kingdom by Kristen Paulick on 1/1/2012
I woke this morning before my alarm clock, excited to spend time in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Ipod playing prophetic worship, I settled into the pillows of my bed with Bible and journal in hand . . .
expectant.
As I prayed silently I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit settle in around me. Joy, Peace, and Love wrapped around me like a blanket. I began reading in Matthew. I stopped on the 23rd and 24th verses of chapter 4.
"And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people . . . they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, epileptics, and paralytics, and he healed them."
Then I looked back up to verse 17:
"From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'"
He proclaimed the kingdom of heaven is at hand. The gospel he preached- the same gospel we should be preaching- is the gospel of the kingdom of heaven, in short:
"It's here! It is at hand. Bring your sick, your afflicted, your oppressed. Receive healing from death and decay, the kingdom is here! Jesus is here! His reign and his rule bring the kingdom! Stop trying to do it all yourself."
In the last 48 hours it has taken all that I have to pull myself out of bed. My head weighs 1000 pounds. My throat, sore; my nose red and raw for how many times I have had to blow it. To top it all off, I sound like a man. I have felt exhausted, utterly.
Today, the most forceful grasp on the kingdom of heaven that I can muster is proclaiming health over myself, praying for his kingdom to come to this mortal body of mine, and listening to him as he teaches me how to pray for myself in this time of sickness.
BUT . . .
It has been a phenomenal day. My head still feels like it weighs 1000 pounds, my throat is still sore, my cough hasn't gone anywhere, I've sneezed more times today than I have in the last 3 months, and I still sound like a man, but the sweet, sweet presence of the Holy Spirit has been so near. He is speaking and stirring. He has given me things to journal, words to speak out, and prayers to pray over others.
I have not had much strength or much to offer the Lord today, but he has not ceased offering me good things from the time I woke up until now!
. . . that is kingdom.
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Posted in Kingdom: USA by Kristen Paulick on 12/31/2011
By this point, a clearer picture of the kingdom of heaven had begun to develop in my head and heart. But one question still loomed . . . probably the most difficult of all to answer . . . HOW?! How do I experience the kingdom of heaven?
If I were completely honest with myself and you all, I would say I do not experience the kingdom of heaven on a daily basis. (which I firmly believe is how often Jesus desires us to live in, lay hold of, and experience the kingdom of heaven!)
Sometimes I am busy, distracted, and worried about my own schedule or desires. Sometimes out of fear I am not as bold as I ought to be in proclaiming the kingdom of heaven. Sometimes I feel the Holy Spirit welling up in me to say something to a stranger, pray for a person or reach out to somebody on the street, and I ignore him. Sometimes I am just too comfortable in my daily routine that it's just plain easy to accomplish all I need to do without giving Jesus a second thought . . . but that's just me, and lately it has started to really grieve my heart.
"From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it."
As I word studied this verse, the verb tense "has been forcefully advancing" is the present passive indicative tense. This means that something is presently acting on the subject, in this case, the kingdom of heaven, to cause the action of forcefully advancing.
I believe the one performing the action is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is forcefully advancing the kingdom of heaven.
The second verb tense "lay hold of it" is the present active indicative tense. This means the subject is the one presently performing the action. In this case, forceful men, are the ones laying hold of the kingdom of heaven. The men have to act. They will not lay hold of the kingdom of heaven without acting.
Some synonyms for forceful are: dynamic, energetic, assertive, authoritative, vigorous, powerful, strong, driving, determined, insistent, commanding, dominant, feisty.
Some antonyms are: weak, unassertive, and passive.
THIS BLEW MY MIND! Because it spoke so clearly to me of intentionality.
They Holy Spirit is advancing the kingdom of heaven in our world. God's divine and prophetic sovereignty is accomplishing his will in the world. We have the opportunity to join in and lay hold of it, but it takes intentionality on our part.
The times when I do not experience the kingdom of heaven, are when I am walking in my flesh and not by the Spirit; when I am not allowing the Lord to reign and rule fully over my heart, mind, emotions, mouth, actions, days, hours, and minutes; when I wake up and jump to start the things Kristen wants to do, instead of sitting, waiting and hearing what the Holy Spirit desires for that day.
As I sit this New Year's Eve waiting for another year to dawn, my mind and heart meditate on the Kingdom of Heaven. Anxious anticipation mounts. To my spirit, the Holy Spirit is speaking, 2012 is a year of intentional pursuit and daily seeking; daily sitting at the feet of Jesus; daily seeking to walk by the Spirit; daily submitting my will to the reign and rule of the Lord; and daily laying hold of the kingdom of heaven.
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Posted in Kingdom: USA by Kristen Paulick on 12/31/2011
"Why" was the easiest question to answer. From the beginning of time, God's desire has been for his dwelling place to be with man. We see this as he walks with Adam and Eve in the garden; in His desires to come near to Israel, but for fear, they send Moses as a go-between; in His instructions for the ark and the temple; and in the revelation of his final solution to the world's sin which he spoke through the prophets.
John 3:16 answers the question of why the Kingdom of heaven as come to earth. It says:
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life."
Why has the Kingdom of Heaven come to earth? Because God so loved the world. He sent his only Son, Jesus, to earth. His birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection inaugurated a new era in history which accomplishes all that God has desired from the beginning . . . His Kingdom coming to earth; Himself dwelling with man.
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Posted in Kingdom by Kristen Paulick on 12/29/2011
The next questions I started asking myself were:
When is the Kingdom of Heaven coming and where?
As I grew up the thought was reinforced that the Kingdom of Heaven is just there, in Heaven. It is not on earth and wouldn't come to earth until the Book of Revelation came to pass, Jesus returned, "raptured us out," defeated Satan, and established his eternal kingdom- the new Jerusalem, the new heaven and new earth . . .
I don't really believe that any more.
Here are some things Jesus says about the Kingdom of Heaven:
Matthew 3:5- "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Matthew 4:17- "From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Jesus sent out his disciples telling them to proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven:
Matthew 10:7- And proclaim as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'
Luke 10:8-9- Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick in it and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.' But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, 'Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.' I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.
When healing, releasing the oppressed from demons, or contending with Pharisee's he proclaimed the kingdom:
Matthew 12:28- " . . . But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you."
Luke 11:20- But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you
Mark 1:15- "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel."
Mark 12:32-34- And the scribe said to him, "You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God."
Luke 17:19-21- Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, "The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, 'Look, here it is!' or 'There!' for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you."
As I have bowed my heart to the Holy Spirit and allowed him to teach me he is communicating that one day, the complete fullness of the Kingdom of God will be fully realized when Christ returns, but it is not some futuristic thing only to be obtained or experienced at the "End of the Age".
Each and every person is capable of living in, laying hold of, and bringing to others the Kingdom of God now- just as Jesus did when he walked the earth. He taught us to pray, "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven," because I believe, he wanted us to know this is truly possible with God. But it only happens when we are completely bent in submission to the Lord; when we die to self; when He has full reign and full rule in our hearts and over all our faculties.
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I found one particular parable interesting as I studied the questions of when? and where?
In the Parable of the weeds seen in Matthew 13:24-30 the kingdom of heaven is compared to a man who sows good seed in his field. It says while his men were sleeping his enemy sowed weeds and so the weeds grew up with the crop. The man didn't want the weeds to be pulled out of the field while the crop was growing for fear that the good would be pulled out with the bad. So they waited until the harvest, then his workers gathered both the crop and the weeds. When Christ explains this parable listen to what he says:
"The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace."
First he says the field is the world. He is obviously the man sowing good seed. Satan is the enemy and the weeds are all the sons of the evil one or, sinners that have rejected the grace of Christ's death on the cross. The harvest time is the end of the age. At the harvest time, at the end of the age, all causes of sin will be gathered OUT OF HIS KINGDOM. In this second reference to the field or the world, he calls it HIS KINGDOM.
Notice the Kingdom of God is not likened to the barn- It does not say, "the kingdom of heaven is like a barn at harvest time when all the wheat (righteous people) is pulled from the field (world) and put into the barn (kingdom)".
I always grew up thinking the Kingdom of God was coming at the end of the age, but in this parable the kingdom of heaven is likened to the man sowing good seed in his field.
The Kingdom of God is the Son of Man sowing his good seed into the hearts of every believer here and now in the world . . . we are not far from the Kingdom of heaven, it is in our midst!!
The reign and rule of the Lord Jesus. Where He reigns, the Kingdom comes!
Are you living in the Kingdom of God?
Is it in your midst or do you feel in the midst of darkness?
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Posted in Kingdom: USA by Kristen Paulick on 12/28/2011
From Matthew 11:12 I began looking at all the verses in the Gospels that talk about the kingdom of heaven or the kingdom of God. I began by asking basic questions about Kingdom, Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How?
What is the Kingdom of God?
It is just that, a Kingdom. Over every Kingdom there is a King or a ruler who reigns. I agree with Seth Barnes when he says the kingdom of God is:
"The reign and rule of the Lord, wherever the Lord reigns, the kingdom comes."
Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise."
Jesus lived in the kingdom of God here on earth because the Father ruled and reigned in the heart of Jesus. He is our example. He shows us what the kingdom is: LIFE. It looks like bringing life, wholeness and healing to others. It sounds like speaking life and hope over others. It acts like releasing the oppressed, caring for the poor, extending grace, and relinquishing judgement. It feels like abundant life, joy, peace, love, freedom, and wholeness.
He says it is like a treasure hidden in a field or a pearl of great price- it is worth selling everything you have to obtain it.
He says it is like leaven- it permeates the whole world; first, through the hidden, inner transformation of the heart of each believer, and then through their proclamation of the gospel of the kingdom of heaven.
He says it is like a mustard seed- the kingdom of heaven had an insignificant, humble beginning, like the mustard seed, but grows to be the largest tree in the garden.
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The next question is who? Who lives in the kingdom of God? Who experiences it?
Matthew 5:3 the poor in spirit
- those who know and confess their spiritual bankruptcy and need for the Lord.
Matthew 7:21 those who do the will of the Father.
Matthew 18:4 those who humble themselves and possess child-like faith in God.
Matthew 19:23-24 the wealthy can enter, but it will be difficult for them.
Luke 6:20 the poor- those who are utterly dependent on God to provide for their very basic needs because they have no means to provide for themselves.
John 3:2-6 those who are born again of water and spirit.
Do you see what I saw? All of these examples from scripture reinforce the idea that where the Lord reigns the kingdom comes. Those for whom it is difficult or impossible to enter are those who do not have faith in God; are sufficient on their own, in their wealth and security; and those who do not allow the Lord complete sovereignty in their lives.
Does the Lord truly reign in your heart?
or do you go about your day without giving Him much thought?
How have you experienced the Kingdom of God lately?
Is there someone in your circle of influence
who needs a touch of the kingdom?
How is the Lord asking you to bring it to him or her?
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