KINGS AND KINGDOMS

Kingdoms. Kings. Knights in shining armor. Princes and princesses. Dragons and bad guys and those trying to thwart the peace in the land. Understanding of this concept begins at a very early age. This time of year especially, the costumes come out. Go to almost any public area and dozens of children and even several adults will be disguised as characters from popular storybooks and movies.

C:\Users\Sharyn\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Word\princess and dragon.jpg ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​​​ C:\Users\Sharyn\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Word\castle.jpg ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​​​ C:\Users\Sharyn\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Word\knight.jpg

Kingdoms. ​​ Kings. ​​ Knights in shining armor. ​​ Princes and princesses. ​​ Dragons and bad guys and those trying to thwart the peace in the land. ​​ Understanding of this concept begins at a very early age. ​​ This time of year especially, the costumes come out. ​​ Go to almost any public area and dozens of children and even several adults will be disguised as characters from popular storybooks and movies.​​ 

Are you part of God’s​​ kingdom? ​​ It is not make-believe or a clever story written for the latest fairy tale movie. ​​ It is real. ​​ Through Jesus it is attainable. ​​ God’s Kingdom will stand. Forever.

Heb 12:28 Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;

We, God’s children, have received an inheritance in His kingdom which is immovable,​​ indestructible, and eternal.​​ ​​ This is a promise! ​​ Security​​ like none we’ve ever known is given to us once we sincerely accept in our heart the sacrifice made for us in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. ​​ This is incredible. ​​ 

Da 7:14 "And to Him was given​​ dominion, Glory and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and men of every language Might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion which will not pass away; and His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed.

Mt 25:34 "Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

1Pe 1:4-5 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Can you think of anything else you have received that even comes close to having this kind of stability​​ and value? ​​ We’re talking eternal protection from danger, freedom from anxiety and fear, an intimate relationship with God, King of Kings and Lord of Lords and the promise that trusting in Him alone will always turn out for our good and His glory. And all this is encompassed in a love from God that is much greater than we are able to comprehend.​​ 

What is your response to this truth? ​​ Hebrews 12:28​​ goes on to give us the response we​​ should​​ have: ​​ ‘let us show gratitude’!

Ps 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.

Ro 12:1-2 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Something good​​ benefits​​ others. ​​ Acceptable​​ means well-pleasing. ​​ Perfect​​ is completeness. ​​ Hmmmm, showing gratitude in God leads to service that profits others, is worthy of God’s approval and comes from a pure heart.

Showing gratitude doesn’t come from a costume we put on. ​​ It comes from a heart of thankfulness for the King and Kingdom we belong to!

 

Click here to continue…

Author: Sharyn Balogh

You know it's difficult to write about yourself. The most important fact I can disclose is that I'm saved by God's grace through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. My desire is to live a life honoring to God in response for the gift of salvation I've been given. This is so much easier said than done! I struggle daily with right choices, right words, right thoughts, and right actions. My best and only defense against sin is the power of God in me and for that I am inexpressibly thankful. I have three amazing grown-up children who have responded to God's call in their lives along with their spouses. One of the great joys of my life is knowing my children and their families strive to serve and follow God. My grandchildren are another wonderful joy in my life! My husband and I are blessed with four beautiful grandchildren to date with another expected very soon on September 12th. We also are thankful for the comforting knowledge that an additional three of our grandchildren, a set of twins at three months gestation and a little boy, Isaac, at four and a half months gestation, are in our Savior's presence. I have attended the same church since the day my eyes were opened to Truth over thirty years ago. How fortunate it is to have been led by God’s hand immediately to a church body that follows the Bible, no man-made doctrines, just the Word clear and strong. My husband is my best friend, my confidant, my encourager, and I still can't believe how blessed I am by his example of love and generosity towards everyone around him. He is God-fearing, compassionate, and kind and I have learned so much from him. I am a daughter to my almost 92 year-old mother, sister to three brothers, a wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, great-aunt, neighbor and friend. That means, whomever is reading this, we probably have something in common! I love every unique role I have been placed in. I'm frequently stretched and sometimes feel like silly putty that wants to bounce right back into my comfort zone. My greatest ambition is to be a follower of Jesus; a light that shines for Him at all times, in all circumstances. So, there it is, a bit about me. I guess I was able to write about myself after all! However, my existence cannot be defined without Jesus Christ, my Lord and my Savior. His love has permeated my life to His glory and my eternal thankfulness.