Life in the Kingdom - Part 8

The princess had been in an ordeal! She felt as if she lost her mind. Literally speaking yet she still had it. Several she knew were chosen to go and live with the King in His palace where no pain or suffering was left. Oh how she yearned to be one of them. She was so jealous. She wanted to be in that place. But it was not her time. So she was left in her suffering, much of the time feeling all alone.

She learned many people do not like to approach suffering. She understood. She was not present all too often. She was driven out of the camp after all she was unclean. She could hardly walk. She was barely in her right mind. How or why would anyone want to be around her? But she craved the community. She wondered where were they?

However the Son of the King came and when He came He abolished the need for others to stay away from suffering of others. In fact He taught others to enter into it. No longer did others have to be cast away from the camp. There was no longer anyone deemed unclean if they were in HIM. Yet so many did not yet believe this. I guess that was the problem. She wondered how did she communicate this? How would people know?

Then the King came to her. She fell to her face. How in the world would the King come to a lowly, unclean, cast out peasant. She was so unworthy. So sinful. Yet He gently lifted her head. He took her chin and lifted it up until their eyes met. Immediately tears filled her eyes. Why was He with her?

He had some things to tell her. Some things she needed to know. Some things that can be said and others that are far too intimate. It would not help you to know because this King is a personal God. He has things to show each of His but they are personal. They speak to the heart of those who are HIS. No one else can understand those kind of intimate things. However, the things He shared that are open are below.

First He told her, "My dear precious child, do not forget ever who you are. You are my child which makes you a princess. You are part of the royal court and no one can ever cast you out. You are completely secure in me. You bare my Name and you are My representative to the world."

But she barely uttered, "oh King, I am so weak. I am unclean. How can I be any of this? I will only fail you. I am afraid."

He replied gently and firmly, "My child I have chosen you before the beginning of time to be Mine. I have a perfect plan. Your life and your circumstances are not a mistake. All things are part of making you more beautiful than you already are. I am making you more like me."

He went on in His unexplainable kindness like none she has ever experienced, "You see you started out a very prideful and independent girl. Not uncommon to those who live in your land. They think they can do things for themselves. They get a thrill out of it. They are too arrogant to accept help. They are strong and they despise weakness. You were trudging down that path. I watched. I was at a distance because I oppose the proud yet I still loved you. Something had to be done. As I wooed you and you responded I answered your prayer to do whatever I had to to make you a reflection of me. It is still in process. I heard you ask to completely kill who you were yet your personality and your make up is who I created you to be, I am not looking for a robot. I created you with a wonderfully complex make up that is part of this plan in time and history. But I will continue to sand and burn off the impurities of you until my reflection is completed."

She was stunned, "How can you let someone hurt like that and remain so alone?"

"My child, I have never left you. I am near the broken hearted. I live with the lowly in spirit. You just have to open your eyes to really see me. I never let the fire get too hot for you to bare. Never. You have to trust this. You have a special place in this suffering. You will really never know the deep affects of it are more far reaching than you can understand. You must just trust This my child is the place of true and deep love that is mature."

Sadly she said, "Will I ever be able to re enter community?"

"Yes that is my plan for you. You are clean in Him. The kingdom you belong to is to minister to you as you have ministered to it. The problem is that often times people get too busy and lose that others focus. They forget others need things especially those in your particular situation. Uncleanliness in their eyes is too messy and they like to not be reminded of it. Remember how people pride themselves on being strong and taking one look at you makes them think of things being of the contrary. So rejoin. Work in the strength I will give you. Love well. Remember Judas was appointed to the twelve with Jesus and he was not of the kingdom. So it is in your kingdom. The wheat and weeds grow together. You will not know all the time who is who but you still must just love. I have given you a gift. You can now see needs that others would not. Your eyes have now been opened. Go love well, be my representative. Reflect me well. Love out of the love that you receive from me."

Still a bit confused she replied, "But how? How have my eyes been open? How have I been given a gift?"

He continued, "I am in control of all things. I have allowed you a constant weakness that no one can really see but me. I know your constant sacrifice in all things that you do. I see this. I take note. Others will not appreciate it. They cannot see. I will strengthen you to do the things I have prepared in advance for you. But you must only do those things. Your strength is limited and can only be drawn on me. In this weakness you get to personally see my power at work in an intimate way. Most miss this. You have compassion you lacked so long ago. You love stronger and better. You have passion for the weak. That is what I want from my children. Help others see. I will open eyes. Keep doing as I lead you. You are my chosen instrument.

You have been given the gift of a disabled child. Again, in a way no one else can understand or see clearly. But it gives you and your family a great compassion for others in similar situations. It helps you know how to pray and serve them. Even in your little strength you can educate others who are strong to do it. I have given you another child another gift with other issues. She is a gifted child, alot like you, again one that many cannot understand. These two together though their thinking and brains are completely different will make them into better people. It is not a mistake. You just do as I say and trust."

About to burst she blurted, "Oh but dear Father, I can barely stand it, why must I stay here. Why can I not come with you?"

Patiently He spoke, "You must stay to serve. I have given you a task to speak on behalf of those who are weak. Represent me well to them. Help them see me in it. Help them know they are chosen for a hard but beautiful task. Greater things are accomplished through it. Help them know to be patient because all will reveal itself in due time. I will come back for you. There is a time but it is not now. Keep your eyes on me child. Rejoin your community and live in your weakness. I will help you. I delight in you and love you. Don't give up. I will never leave or forsake you. You are my child. Go. Do what I have said. Trust."

After that and many other words were exchanged the King left. And off the princess left stronger than before in Him. Thus thwarting the plan the enemy had as he lurked hoping to use these things to destroy what belonged to the King. Now though as she went she was not well in physical body but much better in spirit for He was with her always. She headed in. They welcomed her though they did not understand. She loved still and served them. They did in return for this is covenant relationship. This is what community is to look like. Not perfect but intentional. They learned this together even with weeds among them. The weeds too had their purpose. Yet whatever happens covenant sticks together. Kingdom life is messy but is necessary. It is what the King desires for us and what makes us more like Him. This can only be accomplished together.

LIfe in the Kingdom - Part 7

There once was a kingdom full of love. They strived to care and love for one another in good times and bad. They cared so much that they did the right thing even when it hurt. It created a healthy kingdom. A good kingdom, the kind that is rare and precious. The kind that desperately needs to be guarded.

You see years ago this kingdom was once very cold and uncaring. Many left it but because of tradition many also stayed. The enemy was happy. It was a complacent place. Not a threat to him.

But then one day a new ruler came, he strived to fulfill God's purpose. He worked tirelessly by pouring out his life on behalf of the kingdom. He loved well. He lifted up Christ. Christ changed hearts. Christ drew people in. Life started to burst forth. The kingdom started to thrive.

The enemy was furious to see it. You see, a cold kingdom is not a threat. He cannot stand unity and God centered places. So the enemy watched and waited...He prowled like he likes to and waited patiently for an opportune time to attack. He is a smart enemy. He studies his subjects well. He took some captive to do his will, unknowing subjects.

One day many in the kingdom, more than not, wanted to show their love to these kind leaders of the kingdom. They used words many times to honor them but this time they wanted to give them something tangible. It was a great gesture to those who did indeed pour out their lives for them like a drink offering. It is a rare thing indeed.

Many liked this idea. Many wanted this offered to them. However, there were others in the kingdom who didn't like this gift. It is here that the enemy started to work. Since agreement could not be made here the gift was not given. Now the kingdom has a challenge.

Can it rise up and agree to disagree? Can it move forward knowing that God will work this out? This is the point in time where the enemy likes to sew in discord and doubt which leads only to bitterness if not dealt with. This is a time for the kingdom to rise up and walk keeping God the focus and center anyway. And whatever needs to be done now, let it be in God's hands.

God has even greater plans than what was even offered. He works in ways that are bigger and wider than we can even begin to think and even imagine. He is a good gift giver and He will give gifts in His ways. Perfect gifts. And as the kingdom moves forward in love and unity it will offer a great victory of sacrifice before the Lord. A sacrifice of praise which confuses the enemy. Moving in victory over the enemy and what he tried to accomplish. The Father sees and He is well pleased because even though things went terribly bad He will reward in His due time.

Life in the Kingdom - Part 6

Kingdom living was not meant to remain in the castle or the court alone. The Master gave charge for princes and princesses to go out and make disciples. He wanted them to go outside the castle to do this. How else can they know the Master? This Master is not like other kinds of kings. This Master truly desires all people to know Him but He is kind enough to give them a choice to do that or not. He depends on the people of His kingdom to go and share His good news.

There however are some kingdoms who like to keep their castle protected by a moat that is impossible to get over. Not only is there a moat but also a draw bridge so they can monitor and chose who they let in. The Master is not pleased with this but these castles persist in it.

In one of these particular castles there was a daughter of the King. He placed in her heart the desire to reach those who do not usually visit the castle. So she went out with an invitation and many came delightfully. Many saw the delights of the King through this woman and her friends. It sparked a desire in them to know the Master. They desired to know His word. They wanted to be part of the castle. However, they were still a little dirty and didn't understand proper castle behavior.

The Master loves to teach them proper castle behavior but the guardian of this castle didn't want them there. He closed up the draw bridge and kicked them out along with the daughter of the King who brought them. He was uncomfortable with the mess they brought and instead of seeing them as the Master's grand creation, He saw them as a nuisance. The King's daughter got thrown out too. No one from that castle is helping her. You see she got wounded when she was thrown out with the others. No one tended to those wounds of hers though she called out for help. The Master is coming to tend to them though. He is well pleased with her.

Sometimes the castle guardians or the castle courts do not behave the way the Master desires. This should not be a reflection of the Master. The Master is kind and loving and invites all to His kingdom. He doesn't force you to come but if you do decide to come and follow Him, He gives you a precious gift of Himself that works in you to make you look more and more like Him in His timing. Have you been afraid of the castle? Not all guardians are following God. Just keep looking until you do find one that does. Let the Master help you.

Life in the Kingdom - Part 5

The little girl who wondered aimlessly around the world finally
landed herself into a kingdom that deeply cared for those who
belonged to it--Even to the point of discipline. It amazed her at
the long suffering love that was shown to one another. Yet that love
wasn't exclusive to that kingdom but reached out to others as well.

The little girl watched for awhile because it was so hard to believe
this type of kingdom actually existed. She observed that it wasn't a
perfect kingdom, no not at all. Yet it was intentional in its actions
toward others.The love she observed and received (though she was a
foreigner) was a beautiful thing. The people excepted her as their
own.

The little girl cautiously became a part of this kingdom little by
little. She was afraid though because of all the beating she endured
on her other journeys. She didn't receive beatings here. She could
be exactly who her King created her to be. Yet she still had walls
up of her own. The King gently started using the people of that
kingdom to help her break down those walls and learn to trust again.

She knows the journey will be hard and will have bumps. There will
be challenges and difficulties in relationships but she found a
place to settle. A place where the King can do great works that He
has already prepared. The works He will bring to completion. The
King sees, the King smiles.

Life in the Kingdom - Part 4

There once was a girl in this cold hard world that walked the earth with hope and wonder. It was not too long before she recognized that life brought with it many losses. In this life she had the chance to wonder around to many different kingdoms. Though losses came with each hard move, God had better plans.

He was King. Though there are many small kingdoms there is only one King who rules them. Some are following Him while others follow other paths--motivations very different. Seeing different kingdoms near and far has shaped a deep love inside her.

She walked with the King so very closely before she was in a kingdom. Then as kingdom life took place she struggled at each place. Things at first always seemed good but after time things happened. Whenever a kingdom takes its eyes off the King the kingdom soon will crumble.

God is big and uses all things to grow each of His children. Kingdom drama can grow a heart that yearns for unity. So the girl walked along and learned how to trust and bring these things to her King. He walked with her no matter where it was He had placed her. He tenderly spoke sweet encouragement in her ear, “this is not the way I want it either, but the world is fallen and one day the perfect kingdom will come on earth as it is in Heaven. Hold tight sweet child, keep your eyes on me because when you don’t that is when you will wallow. I have greater plans for you and unity is among them. Hold tight sweet child hold tight for that day will soon be coming.”

Life in the Kingdom - Part 3

Once there was a man in the kingdom who wore the colors of the King. He seemed to be part of the royal family yet a time came when he betrayed those who were his closest brothers and sisters. Then the biggest mistake was made. Instead of bringing honor to the King his main objective became bringing honor to himself. He started to scheme different ways in which he could elevate his position. Deep in His heart he wanted to be King.

Make no mistake; the King will always be the only King. He will never give His glory to another. The King desires the best for His family. Sometimes that may mean that His subjects must wait on Him. He will decide who He elevates and who He leaves low. It is all in the King’s hands, yet misguided subjects often think their way is better than the Kings. After all at times waiting on the King’s timeframe can seem like forever. So self-focus and building their own kingdom comes as the way they believe they will get ahead.

The true subjects of the King know that this way will never work. The King always knocks those down who make it their focus to be above all. In His time the King will correct this, yet again, it takes time. Faithful subjects in the kingdom need to be reminded of this fact because it can be very discouraging to watch the evil rise up while the faithful get knocked down. Yet in their faithfulness to the King, He will restore and make things right. So wait faithful one. Wait on Him. He sees you.

Life in the Kingdom - part 2

In the kingdom in another foreign land there was another prince. His duty to the patriarchs was something he obeyed but never before the service to the King. He continually followed the King. At times though this made the patriarchs uncomfortable. So uncomfortable in fact that the prince was banished from the kingdom. Though he was loved he was told it was probably better for him to serve outside this kingdom. They knew people liked him but he made them a little too uncomfortable. This had to be dealt with after all the patriarchs could not have their kingdom dwindling to a small size. They wanted their people comfortable. They wanted to please the people over pleasing the King. So the young prince left on his way to seek out another place where people deeply desired to please the King over anything else.

The Father watches, the Father hurts, The Father waits. The Father knows that persecution will come to His true followers. Yet He commanded us to love and encourage one another daily. In the kingdom it does not always happen while it should. Unity is the thing He desires yet He waits while time continues to draw short. I wonder what we will be doing when He returns for us? What will life in the kingdom look like?

Life in the Kingdom

Once upon a time in a faraway place (yet closer than you may think). There was a kingdom. In this kingdom there existed a large extended family. In this family there was love. Some loved more than others but nevertheless there was love. As any family has them this family also had its share of ups and downs with one another. The family focused on going in the same direction as their Father and then sometimes they split as is the cause of human nature.

Because the family was so big it lost focus on the most important things. First the busy things kept them from seeking the Father. The Father had great plans for them. He wanted them to follow Him. He had a path. He had a plan. But because of all the happenings the Father’s voice became muffled. The Father being a gentle and loving Father would not force His voice so He let his children take the path that they desired. This decision did indeed break His heart for He knew it was not their best.

Over time many members of the family got overlooked. They felt alone and isolated which is ironic since the family was so large. Yet that did not matter. They fell apart from the family and no one was there to retrieve them. They are the missing persons of the family. They are the family members whose pictures you see on the billboards and milk cartons. These break the Fathers heart yet He knows exactly where they are though the family He entrusted them to did not do its job in guarding and keeping them.

Other family members saw some of the problems and became concerned. They took these concerns to the patriarchs. Unfortunately the love of the them had grown too cold. They lost their love for their family. They decided that there are many in the family and the family continues to grow so if you do not like it then just go on and leave. This family does not need you. Yet again the Father sees and the Father weeps. You know my disciples because of their LOVE. Where is the love in the family?

One day a prince in the kingdom was suffering. He had suffered for a very long time. His afflictions were great. Yet though he was so afflicted no one was there to encourage and lift him up. He did not complain. He just quietly served and worked as the Father directed Him. Yet the evil one who seeks to destroy snuck up on him one day at his weakest point. The prince was not guarded partly because the family had failed him. It is not easy to be strong alone. The prince fell. He came back to the patriarchs of the family filled with regret, repentance and shame. Because of his failings he was kicked out of the family. No restoring the prince because the love had grown cold in the kingdom. It was forgotten that the family was to stay united.

Because it was the prince who was kicked out of the kingdom the people were bewildered. Some thought he was on a journey. Others thought perhaps he had found a new family and a new kingdom. Yet questions remained. For now in the darkness remained a family secret. A secret that the patriarchs did not want out. They wanted to protect their kingdom more than they wanted to restore their brother. The Father sees. The Father weeps. Yet it is never too late to step back on the right path. The Father waits.