Loss

Loss comes in all shapes and forms. Loss of a game,  loss of a friend, saying goodbye to a memory, loss of joy or temporary happiness, loneliness - these may not be life or death situations but there is still a sadness that must be dealt with...

I feel myself dealing with subtle hints of loss today. My friend left and is back home in Belize. I never got to see him but I spent probably 30 minutes speaking with him on the phone. The conversation touched a part of my soul that is only reserved for very special people in my life and when I feel that familiar tug of pain in saying goodbye, I know that he is one of those very special people.

I know I will get an email from him, I know I will hear his voice again, I know I will see him again but it does not change the fact that I miss him. He is not a boyfriend, a lover or an affair, he is just my very dear friend. He knows my heart, he understands my feelings, yearnings and desires.  He knows what goodbye feels like because he feels it too.

I haven't really lost anything tangible but I feel a sadness just the same. He said that he heard a song that reminded him of me and he remembered times we spent together. He said he does not want anything to change our friendship. He has his own world,  his own life and we are separated by tangible miles but we are also separated by intangible miles of circumstances.

I say 'goodbye' physically but I am saying 'hello' spiritually because what we share comes from our Creator's heart. We have forever to be together and forever is a long, long time. Eternity holds many wonders and joy unspeakable for all God's children.

I know that even as I grieve from saying 'goodbye', the journey to saying 'hello' is just beginning.  I miss you my friend but I will see you soon.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - March 31

But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!” “Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered. John 19:15

Citizens of the New Kingdom have renounced all other kings but King Jesus.

Pilate asked the right question,  'shall I crucify your King?' Citizens of the New Kingdom know that the crucifixion of their King brought salvation. Satan and his accomplices think they are winning when they seem to have thwarted God's plans but when they claim the victory, God always turns their evil intentions into GOOD. 

Yes, our King was crucified so that we can live forever with him.  

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - March 30

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished'. With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that King Jesus did not give up his spirit until his purpose for coming to earth was totally completed.

The angels announced at his birth that God's favor was being shown to mankind and the Prophet Isaiah wrote that at his death it pleased God to bruise him. This was King Jesus' purpose for coming to earth and he willingly submitted to it so that he could save sinful men and women.

When King Jesus said that it was finished, salvation began and became reality for mankind.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - March 29

When the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, 'Hosanna to the Son of David', they were indignant. Matthew 21:15

Citizens of the New Kingdom serve a King who did not seek the praises of the religious authorities but enjoyed the children and the people singing Hosannas to him.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that King Jesus still enjoy hearing their praises today even when authorities try to silence them.

Citizens of the New Kingdom continuously sing praises to King Jesus in their hearts.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - March 28

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that they have everything they need to live in this dark world.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that they have everything they need to live a godly life in this world.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that they are personally called by their King who gives them everything they need.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - March 27

I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart! I have overcome the world.  John 16:33

Citizens of the New Kingdom will be treated as foreigners and aliens in this world. They will be persecuted, abused, wrongly accused and sometimes even killed. This behavior should be expected because this world is not our home.

Citizens of the New Kingdom can have peace in the midst of the conflicts because they know that their King already conquered and was triumphant over this dark world. His peace reigns in their hearts.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - March 26

I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. Ecclesiastes 3:12

Citizens of the New Kingdom are happy people. They know that the real source of joy is found in King Jesus.

Citizens of the New Kingdom seek to do good to all in their sphere of influence including their enemies.

Citizens of the New Kingdom have the very Presence of God inside them and where God is there is joy, peace and love.

Citizens of the New Kingdom cannot help but be filled with joy and happiness.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - March 25

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. Romans 8:14

Citizens of the New Kingdom are led by the Spirit of God.

Citizens of the New Kingdom are the children of God.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know the voice of King Jesus because the Spirit leads them to him.

Citizens of the New Kingdom follow their King's example as they live in this world.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - March 24

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6

Citizens of the New Kingdom are clothed with the King's goodness and love all of their lives.

In the days of troubles and sorrows the King's goodness and love will always be there.

In the days of joy and happiness the King's goodness and love will still be there.

In the days of rebellion and sin the King's goodness and love offers forgiveness and peace.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that the presence of God is their dwelling place.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - March 23

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, you anoint my head with oil my cup overflows. Psalm 23:5

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that even in the presence of their enemies they can be completely at rest. They can feast on the goodness of their King and not worry about the plots of their enemies.

King Jesus accepts his citizens, shows his favor to them and let his blessings overflow in their lives.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - March 22

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,  I will fear no evil for you are with me; your rod and staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

Citizens of the New Kingdom have the promise of King Jesus that he will always be with them no matter where their paths lead even if it is in the shadow of death. They do not have to fear when they are being led by the King.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that the reason they do not have to fear is because their King knows how to take care of them.  With his rod he pushes back their enemies and with his staff he leads his citizens.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - March 21

He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake. Psalm 23:3

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that they can always be refreshed by their King.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that as long as they are following their King they will be traveling along the right path.

Citizens of the New Kingdom seek to glorify their King in their lives.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - March 20

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters. Psalm 23:2

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that when life gets stressed and they need to rest their King will lead them in green pastures where they can be at peace.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that King Jesus will protect them as they rest. They can be completely at peace as they follow the leading of their King.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - March 19

The Lord is my shepherd,  I lack nothing. Psalm 23:1

Citizens of the New Kingdom should know that all their needs can be met in King Jesus.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that they do not have to figure it out on their own because they have a loving shepherd leading them.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that there is security in following their shepherd who is also their King.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - March 18

Nehemiah said, 'Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve for the Joy of the Lord is your strength'

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that the Lord delights in people;

We bring him joy when we long for his presence;

We bring him joy when we are still before him;

When we experience the joy of the Lord we are strengthened for the joy of the Lord is our strength.

Let us rejoice in the Lord today!

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - March 17

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that true wisdom comes from above.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that wisdom will not be hidden in their lives but will shine forth.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that genuine humility is not a sign of weakness but evidence of wisdom.

King Jesus gives his citizens wisdom.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - March 16

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Psalm 143:10

Citizens of the New Kingdom seek to do the will of King Jesus everyday.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that they are not walking alone. They know that their King is with them.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that the Holy Spirit will lead them on the paths they should go. He will level out the rough patches so that they can keep going forward.

King Jesus makes his citizens Overcomers as they continue to do his will.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - March 15

Give us this day our daily bread. Matthew 6:11

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that every day, daily, they will receive blessings from their King. Blessings are not given to be stored up but to be used and shared each day.

Every day God gives us new grace, new mercy, new forgiveness. Living daily in his providence means that we have nothing to worry about. Daily his provision will be there and it will be enough.

Can I have this dance?

This is what Calvary was all about....the gift of No Condemnation from God!

The most embarrassing day of my life! I should have known it was going to end like this. I had a dream... In it I was warned to stay away from this man. He was a dark shadow in the dream. I should have known nothing good would come from our acquaintance.

But he seemed like a caring man; he was different. I heard a rumor that he had a family somewhere but he never speaks of them...why would he want to be with me if he has a wife? People are jealous of my good fortune. I don't care what they say. I am meeting him tonight.

I shouldn't have. This was the worst night of my life. I knocked on his door and he quickly let me in almost as if he was afraid someone would see me. He seemed distracted throughout the evening. I made him dinner and tried to feed him but he was not interested in the food or me. I asked what was wrong and he said he was thinking of a business transaction. I offered to leave but he smiled and said he wanted me to stay. He was a little more attentive after that but I could tell something was bothering him.

We fell asleep eventually and I was surprised to find him packing his clothes when I opened my eyes at 5:00 AM. I asked him where he was going but he didn't answer. I reached for my robe but I couldn't find it. In fact, all my clothes were missing. I turned away to do a more diligent search and just like that he was gone.

Less than 2 minutes later the door burst open and 10 men rushed in and dragged me out of the room with only a sheet wrapped around me. They said they were taking me to the temple to be condemned and stoned. I tried to get away. I kicked, I screamed, I bit one of them but to no avail. My fate was sealed. I was going to die that morning.

By this time a crowd was following us. I saw my sister, my friends, my cousins and I yelled out to them to save me but they hung their heads in shame.

How did I get myself in this predicament? Would no one save me? I was too young to die...We finally reached the temple and there was a crowd already gathered. It seemed a Rabbi was teaching. They dragged me in front of him and told him that they caught me in adultery and that I should be stoned.
I looked up at him expecting to see condemnation but instead saw compassion. But there was nothing he would be able to do to stop the stones....I closed my eyes, waiting for the first hit.

Suddenly, everything faded away...I was now in a beautiful garden,  midnight blue skies, a million stars twinkling brightly in a field of candlelight; I am dressed in a beautiful gown of white; I have a tiara on my head, my hands are covered in long lacy gloves; my shoes are made of white pearls. I must be dreaming... how can this be? I was caught in adultery; I was with a man who is not my husband. This beautiful,  innocent princess is not me. How did I get here?
'Can I have this dance?' The Rabbi transformed into a King was speaking to me. There is no condemnation in his eyes, only love and compassion. There is no anger, there is no rage. He loves me!

He transformed me into his beautiful bride because no matter what I had done, he sees me as clean, pure and innocent. He transformed this horrible, wretched person into a beautiful princess. He tells me he wants to dance with me forever. He loves me with an everlasting love. He says he will never let me go and if I leave his side, he will always come looking for me because I am his beloved bride. My King loves me. There is no condemnation,  no judgment only LOVE. I am dancing with my King.

I opened my eyes and I was alone with the Rabbi or was he the King? I looked around,  my accusers were gone. He asked, 'where are your accusers,  did no one condemned thee?'
I shyly answered, 'No one Lord' and then he said, 'neither do I condemn thee, go and sin no more.'

Romans 8:1
There is no condemnation for them who are in Christ Jesus.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - March 14

Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him because he always live to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:25

Citizens of the New Kingdom have a High Priest who intercedes for them at all times.

Citizens of the New Kingdom have confidence in their High Priest because he already paid the price of their sins.

Citizens of the New Kingdom can be assured that they are completely saved and have no doubts because the King who loves them is also the High Priest interceding for them.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - March 13

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

Citizens of the New Kingdom do not have to stress over the possibilities of failure;

Citizens of the New Kingdom have confidence that their King is completing the good work he began;

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that they can rest in King Jesus and always be safe for he is in control not our circumstances and insecurities.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - March 12

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that every citizen in the New Kingdom has a purpose.

King Jesus will see the purpose through to the end. So, no matter what happens each day, it will all lead to fulfillment of the purpose.

All things are working out each day and will end with the proclamation from the King that 'all is good'.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - March 11

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  Genesis 1:1

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that nothing exists beyond the realm and the scope of God;

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that there would be no universe without God;

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that everything in the universe was designed and created by God;

Citizens of the New Kingdom enjoy the awesome, splendid majesty of God in all of his creation.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - March 10

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hand. Psalm 19:1

Citizens of the New Kingdom gaze into the starry skies at night and see the magnificent splendor and display of God's glory. They know that it was all created by their King. It was designed. It did not happen by accident.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know beyond a shadow of a doubt that chaos cannot create order. The universe displays order as a result of the Creator's design.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - March 9

For you know that we dealt with you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God who calls you into his kingdom and glory. 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that they are called into the kingdom by God;

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that it was not by accident or coincidence that they have become citizens;

Citizens of the New Kingdom are called by their King to live lives worthy of God and pleasing to King Jesus; 

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - March 8

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Matthew 7:24

Citizens of the New Kingdom hears the words of King Jesus;

Citizens of the New Kingdom listens to the words of King Jesus;

Citizens of the New Kingdom obey the words of King Jesus;

Citizens of the New Kingdom built their foundation on the rock;

Citizens of the New Kingdom are wise people;

Citizens of the New Kingdom hear the words of King Jesus and do them.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - March 7

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast.  Isaiah 26:3

Citizens of the New Kingdom do not have to live in turmoil, chaos, conflicts and anxieties. They serve a King who can continually bring them peace of mind.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that if they keep their minds steadfast and trusting in their King they can deal with stress and conflicts in a way that won't overwhelm. Even when it is stormy outside they are calm inside.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - March 6

Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your request to God.  Philippians 4:6

Citizens of the New Kingdom have the solution for every anxiety, worry, fear etc.  They know they can go to their King through prayer and petition.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that they can thank God for the answer to their prayers even while they are waiting.

They can thank God for King Jesus' solutions to their every problem because his answers and responses are the very best and always on time.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - March 5

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Citizens of the New Kingdom live the Kingdom life every day. It is the way of life for all citizens of the New Kingdom.

Citizens of the New Kingdom seek to understand and increase in knowledge and awareness of what the King requires.

Obedience to the King is the constant goal of each citizen of the New Kingdom.

Obedience to the King comes from a devoted and loyal heart of love.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - March 4

In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. Luke 15:10

There is an endless party going on in heaven as citizens are born into the New Kingdom each moment.

The angels are continually rejoicing in the presence of God as King Jesus continues to build his kingdom.

Citizens of the New Kingdom can share in the festivities as they continue to invite citizens of this world to become citizens of the New Kingdom. 

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - March 3

But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son,  whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he also made the universe. Hebrews 1: 2

The birth of King Jesus ushered in a new order of things. In the old order God communicated his will through prophets, signs, angels, nature etc. In the new order of things until he returns, God communicates with his citizens through King Jesus.

Jesus clearly spoke about the things of God and he clearly showed us our Father God. He taught us how to live a life that pleases God, how to treat others and then gave his Holy Spirit to enable us to carry out his instructions.

God seeks to communicate with his children continually. We need to tune in and listen to what he is saying through our King.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - March 2

Do not comform to the pattern of this world,  but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

Citizens of the New Kingdom should have one desire and that is to please the King. In order to do so, they must know what the will of the King is. They cannot guess at the King's will.

The way to know the perfect,  acceptable will of King Jesus is to not become charmed by the ways of the world. When Citizens of the New Kingdom transform their minds by delighting in the Word of God,  their desires will be to please God.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - March 1

My sacrifice,  O God is a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart, you God will not despise. Psalm 51:17

Citizens of the New Kingdom are not filled with pride;

Citizens of the New Kingdom are not arrogant people.

Citizens of the New Kingdom are not egotistical people.

Citizens of the New Kingdom are humble before their King;

Citizens of the New Kingdom bow before their King with a broken spirit;

Citizens of the New Kingdom live in the mercy and grace of King Jesus who shed his blood to reconcile them back to God.