FINDING A PATH TO ENGAGING AND RAISING UP GOD'S KINGDOM

Have you ever found yourself in a place where you are truly confounded by what is going on around you in the world ? I imagine that many of us today just might be experiencing that feeling. Multiple wars and confrontation at every turn. Governments that seem to not care at all about the people they have been elected to serve, protect, and create a productive environment to thrive in. We have churches in America that are all too eager to run away from God’s standards and embrace cultural acceptance. We have churches around the world that are sitting empty….seemingly indifferent or unable to connect with a people who seem to be moving away from God. In many places, we hear of persecution so visceral that people must hide and meet clandestinely to avoid arrest or imprisonment. HAS MUCH CHANGED SINCE JESUS WALKED AMONG THE PEOPLE WITH HIS DISCIPLES ? His time was spent under the tyrannical power of the Roman Empire, and also engaging a Religious Elite that craved power and had no interest in truly helping the average person grow in faith. Follow the Law, and most importantly, follow our “interpretation” of those laws.. By the way, we may add a few things that flow from our wisdom and discernment. Remember…WE KNOW BETTER THAN YOU….and perhaps…God ? We have the swirl of confusion in every part of every people group on earth, and it is having devastating consequences on every individual and every family and every society WORLDWIDE ! Our problem is not an inability to recognize it, our problem is about TAKING ACTION TO CHANGE IT…and that starts with each one of us individually. WHAT ARE WE DOING TO ENGAGE OUR WORLD AND RAISE UP GOD”S KINGDOM ? God is in control and has a plan, but HE IS ASKING US TO GET IN THE ACTION AND USE OUR TALENTS, GIFTS AND SKILLS IN THE WAY HE DIRECTS IN OBEDIENCE TO HIM !

FROM ONE MAN HE HAS MADE EVERY NATIONALITY TO LIVE OVER THE WHOLE EARTH AND HAS DETERMINED THEIR APPOINTED TIMES AND THE BOUNDARIES OF WHERE THEY LIVE. Acts 17:26

THE SPIRIT HIMSELF TESTIFIES TOGETHER WITH OUR SPIRIT THAT WE ARE GOD’S CHILDREN, AND IF CHILDREN, ALSO HEIRS-HEIRS OF GOD AND COHEIRS WITH CHRIST-IF INDEED WE SUFFER WITH HIM SO THAT WE MAY ALSO BE GLORIFIED WITH HIM. FOR I CONSIDER THAT THE SUFFERINGS OF THIS PRESENT TIME ARE NOT WORTH COMPARING WITH THE GLORY THAT IS GOING TO BE REVEALED TO US. Romans 8:16-18

THE HEAVENS ARE YOURS; THE EARTH IS ALSO YOURS. THE WORLD AND EVERYTHING IN IT-YOU FOUNDED THEM. NORTH AND SOUTH-YOU CREATED THEM. TABOR AND HERMON SHOUT JOY FOR YOUR NAME. YOU HAVE A MIGHTY ARM; YOUR HAND IS POWERFUL; YOUR RIGHT HAND IS LIFTED HIGH. RIGHTEOUSNESS AND JUSTICE ARE THE FOUNDATION OF YOUR THRONE. Psalm 89: 11-14

Do you have time to Seek God ? Is He At the CENTER of your life and thoughts and time ? Is His Will something that you are pursuing rather than your own? Have you grappled with the question of “Just How Much Is Enough” in terms of material things and riches ? Have you examined what you value ? Does it amaze you when an athlete or musician is paid an exorbitant amount of money while teachers of our children barely eke out a living ? Talk about “reaping what we sow !” When I think about that question “What can I do” it leads me to one simple conclusion. I, Me, Myself have to start moving, and find a path to engage God and elevate HiM and His Kingdom. Did you know that there is a group called MOMCO ( formerly Mops-Mothers of pre-schoolers) who met at the Gaylord Hotel in Denver this last week ? 5000 or so strong. Gathering to BE TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY and support each other. To share struggles, Joys, Pain, and Hope. TO ENGAGE GOD AND HIS KINGDOM…believers, doubters, searchers….finding a path and purpose. Moms growing an organization together to Engage and Raise Up God’s Kingdom. My wife Julie was in the midst of it, sharing love, support, and the peace and hope of Jesus Christ. So Proud of her :) Then there was a gathering at our house for Emmanne Ministries to host and celebrate the leaders, kids, and villagers that make up Thierry Kenya. Leaders, supporters, and friends who have actually walked in this village among its people, just wanting to bring love, share stories, and celebrate God’s Love And Goodness for this place and people:) How you ask ? Because two men, Matthew and Mwangi came together in Love to Engage and Raise Up God’s Kingdom. Don’t let me forget the Reclaim Ministry Dinner, where we got to see and share the vision of Reaching And Healing Men by Going To Where They Are ! Helping them to RECLAIM THEIR IDENTITY IN CHRIST :) Todd and Jon…two men coming together to Engage and Raise Up God’s Kingdom.

NEVERTHELESS, EACH PERSON SHOULD LIVE AS A BELIEVER IN WHATEVER SITUATION THE LORD HAS ASSIGNED TO THEM, JUST AS GOD HAS CALLED THEM. THIS IS THE RULE I LAY DOWN TO THE CHURCHES. 1 Corinthians 7:17

THEREFORE, HOLY BROTHERS AND SISTERS, WHO SHARE IN THE HEAVENLY CALLING; FIX YOUR THOUGHTS ON JESUS, WHOM WE ACKNOWLEDGE AS OUR APOSTLE AND HIGH PRIEST. Hebrews 3:1

EACH OF YOU SHOULD USE WHATEVER GIFT YOU HAVE RECEIVED TO SERVE OTHERS, AS FAITHFUL STEWARDS OF GOD’S GRACE IN ITS VARIOUS FORMS. 1 Peter 4:10

Engaging in anything is always about taking a step. No longer standing still. Looking and finding people, a place, a need, a passion, a purpose. Pouring yourself and perhaps your resources into something or someone Besides Yourself, Charity, an investment in a ministry, a community, a group, a church. Always looking to encourage, to bring hope and peace…rest,…Love, Mercy, Grace. Sharing the Good News of Jesus. THE GOSPEL ! Make the time and make the effort, for God is calling us to His Will, His Purpose, and His Kingdom. All we have to do is ENGAGE !!!

RISE UP IN HIS KINGDOM/JAA

BUT YOU ARE A CHOSEN RACE, A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR HIS OWN POSSESSION, THAT YOU MAY PROCLAIM THE EXCELLENCIES OF HIM WHO CALLED YOU OUT OF THE DARKNESS INTO HIS MARVELOUS LIGHT. 1 Peter 2:9