KINGDOM BRINGER BLOG
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I turned 45 last week. I haven’t posted on social media in a while - but I felt impressed to share 45 thoughts about some different things in life that I’ve learned/am learning along the way. Thanks to all those who wished me a happy birthday - it was a blessed day for a blessed man. Without further ado - and in no particular order - here they are:
I’m encountering more and more people that have, what I believe to be, a twisted mindset about the bible. Upon further investigation, I’ve come to realize that many of them have the same faulty perspective when it comes to tithing and simply going to church in general.
One thing that should always be understood, is that the Kingdom of God is an ever increasing, always forward moving Kingdom. If you partake of its fruit, you will produce its essence. If you sow into its processes, you can expect to reap its rewards.
Are you hungry? Are you satisfied? There are two types of hunger. The physical kind, that buckles our flesh and pokes at our mind and body, reminds us of our need for nourishment. And there’s the spiritual kind that launches us into deeper exploration of meaning and purpose.
As I write this blog, we are in the third month of a quarantine brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. I remember when this thing started. Initially, there was some worry. Then, there was the realization of God’s invitation to rest and reset. I accepted. And I was excited about a couple of opportunities that were obviously being presented.
Today is the day. It's a great day. You may not think so if you've spent more than five minutes watching the news or reading the headlines. It's easy to get sidetracked with fear and hopelessness. But, when you are a Kingdom Bringer - a person who knows and understands that the Kingdom of God is alive and active inside of you - you can manage your feelings. You can steward your heart and your mind. You can look through the chaos and confusion and turmoil and find peace and order and comfort.
It was prophesied many times that 2019 was going to be the YEAR OF BREAKTHROUGH. And I believe that, specifically in the body of Christ, many people experienced a breakthrough in one form or another. But, I also believe that many of the same people that have busted through their situation are still waiting for their moment of victory.
I’m not always good with seasonal change. I tend to hang on a little too long and I am slow to adapt. It’s almost like I refuse to recognize the changes as they are posed before me. In the natural, it’s a little more easily understood.
There’s something I’ve learned about myself over the last few years that I’ve been hesitant to admit until very recently. It’s a truth I have only learned through experience. I can’t say I’ve fully accepted it as a part of my identity or if it’s just something I’ve adapted into.
Jesus is in the transformation business. He’s not about remodeling. He wants to rebuild. Many times we want Him to come and just do a little rearranging. Just move some furniture around. Maybe lay down some new flooring. Make things a little more comfortable. Livable. Actually, if we’re being honest, we’re a little more interested in the exterior, right?
There’s something amazing about knowing who you are. Like, really knowing who you are. Knowing who you were designed by and what your purpose is and what you are capable of. It took me a long time (about 33 years) to fully understand the underlying truth behind my KINGDOM IDENTITY.
There’s an old saying. It’s always been spoken in reference to the dangers of envy or it’s been preached as a warning to the ungrateful person. I think it’s a set of wise words, but I believe that maybe it’s become too cliche to really be taken seriously these days. The phrase goes, “The grass is always greener on the other side.” You’ve probably heard it dozens of times in your life. I hear it in my head right now. It always makes me want to self evaluate and think of areas in my life that I am ungrateful or moments in my day that I take for granted.
One thing I always craved but never really had was a spiritual father. I always felt that I missed out on so much due to simply not having a mentor willing to build me up and spur me on spiritually. Someone who was able to see the calling on my life, smooth out my rough edges, walk with me through trials and launch me into my destiny.
First off, this post is for anyone who considers themselves a talker. Anyone who has the tendency to speak first and clean up later. Anyone who has an opinion and isn’t afraid to share it. Unfortunately, I have fallen into all three of those at one point or another. So, as you proceed reading this, please know that I am giving advice and counsel to all that fit that criteria and I do not see myself as exempt. I’ve not only witnessed the effects of an unstewarded tongue, I’ve been the victim, and sadly, I’ve also been the offender.
Proverbs 18:22 – He who finds a wife, finds a good thing. And obtains favor from the Lord.
I had a good friend that described my analysis of the stewarding of my “Kingdom Perspective conundrum” as “having one foot in the now and having another foot in the next”. I like that. And It caused me to think about the real issue that was on my heart when I wrote the last blog. Because the fact remains, there really is a problem that arises when I get my dreaming about the next out of balance with my appreciation for the now. And that problem is – people get hurt. Specifically the ones that I’m more connected to.
I have a struggle. Okay, maybe it’s more of a conundrum. If I can be real for a moment (of course I can, it’s my blog and I can do what I want with it) I’d like to just say, I consider myself a dreamer. Not necessarily the sleeping kind. But, the having ideas to change the culture around me kind. I’ve always believed that there was something better. Something bigger. Something that, if I could just tap into it, would set me up with the knowledge, wisdom and courage I’d need to be launched into greater Kingdom Destiny.
(I have a passion for the body of Christ. For the people of God. My brothers and sisters in the faith. With that, I have a passion to see them come into a complete understanding of the blessing of God and His righteousness. The wonderful light that shines on that path. The fullness that exists in His presence and the peace that comes from walking in the Spirit and seeking…