Citizens Of The New Kingdom - May 31

We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved just as they are. Acts 15:11

Citizens of the New Kingdom come from many different cultures, upbringing, beliefs, status etc and the one thing we all have in common is the method of becoming a 'citizen' of the New Kingdom.

The only way to become a citizen of the New Kingdom is to accept the grace of King Jesus and believe the good news that he died to pay the penalty of our sins. Once we believe and accept we are granted the title, 'Citizens of the New Kingdom' and brothers and sisters to each other.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - May 30

Love does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrong. 1 Corinthians 13:5

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that when a fellow citizen is being gossiped about, being disrespected and dishonored, it is not done out of love.

When Citizens of the New Kingdom become selfish and seek position and praise, they are not living in love.

Citizens of the New Kingdom are always willing to give each other the benefit of the doubt, forgive immediately and keep no record of being wronged by others.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - May 29

Love is patient,  love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 1 Corinthians 13:4

Citizens of the New Kingdom seek to live out these words daily and claim them as personal character traits. Others should be able see these attributes in the lives of citizens of the New Kingdom.

Citizens of the New Kingdom are patient as they wait for God to work out all situations and circumstances. They are kind to their brothers and sisters and to people they don't know.

Citizens of the New Kingdom follow King Jesus' example by not envying,  boasting or being filled with pride.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that this world is passing away and they eagerly wait for the New World Order.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - May 28

If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast but I do not have love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:3

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that it is the motivation behind their actions that is the most important thing.

If we do anything in order to be considered  'good', our actions mean nothing.

The motivation behind everything that we do must always be love for God and love for our neighbors.

Enduring hardship and pain without love means nothing.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - May 27

And God said,  'Let there be light,' and there was light. Genesis 1:3

Citizens of the New Kingdom dwell in the environment of God and so they live in light.

Citizens of the New Kingdom cannot be happy in darkness, they always seek the light.

Citizens of the New Kingdom are encouraged to share the light with Citizens of the world. King Jesus calls us the light of the world.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - May 26

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10

Citizens of the New Kingdom should be known by citizens of the world as people of love, not moral, fundamentalist or religious.

King Jesus, as he was saying goodbye to his followers, told them the only thing that would show the world they were his disciples was love for one another. He demonstrated that love by taking on the role of a servant and set the example by washing their dusty feet.

The distinction between citizens of the New Kingdom and citizens of the world is genuine love for each other.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - May 25

Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Hebrews 13:1

Citizens of the New Kingdom have a great heritage. We belong to the most populated country. All believers in King Jesus belong to this country.

All citizens of the New Kingdom are called brothers and sisters because we belong to the same family. We have been adopted into the family of God. We have love for our Father God.

Citizens of the New Kingdom show love for the King by loving each other as brothers and sisters.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - May 24

The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever.  1 Timothy 4:18

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that they have nothing to fear from the evil around them.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that King Jesus is willing, able and ready to rescue them from every evil attack.

Citizens of the New Kingdom live in confidence every day because their future is secure. King Jesus will take them safely to their heavenly home.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - May 23

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. 1 Thessalonians 5:15

Citizens of the New Kingdom live by a different standard than citizens of the world.

Citizens of the world seek revenge for wrongs done to them.

Citizens of the New Kingdom love those who have wronged them and seek to do them good.

Citizens of the New Kingdom follow the example of King Jesus, who with his dying breath asked forgiveness for those who were nailing him to the cross.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - May 22

What shall I do Lord? Acts 22:10

This question should be the heart cry of every citizen of the New Kingdom.
When we are struggling with sin and are convicted by the Holy Spirit,  we should humbly turn to our King and ask, 'what shall I do Lord?'

When we cannot see the way out of a bad situation; when we feel like we are at the end of our rope; when we have no one else to turn to, our prayer should be, 'what shall I do Lord?' Our King has the answer.

It is also important to note that even when are doing great and we are feeling good, asking the question, 'what shall I do Lord?', will keep our feet on the right path.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - May 21

The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me'. Matthew 25:40

King Jesus identifies with his children, citizens of the New Kingdom. He expects us to take care of each other. He calls us brothers and sisters. When we provide for our fellow citizens on earth, it is as if we are providing for our King.

The motivation for showing kindness to others comes from the love we have for our King. We do not serve our brothers and sisters to get earthly rewards but we serve because we love our King and we always want to obey him. He tells us to love one another.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - May 20

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,  for his compassion never fail. They are new every morning;  great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

Citizens of the New Kingdom hold onto this verse like a banner over their lives each morning. The assurance that grace and compassion from our King never runs out. Yesterday ended yesterday; today is a new day to experience God's love and mercy. Great is His faithfulness indeed!

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that they did nothing to earn God's grace and there is nothing that they can do stop God's compassion for finite humans. God's love is forever displayed in the story of redemption. Great is His faithfulness!

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - May 19

Direct me in the path of your commands for there I find delight. Psalm 119:35

Citizens of the New Kingdom seek the path of their King's command because pleasing the King is their delight.

When King Jesus was saying goodbye to his disciples he told them that if they loved him they would keep his commands. When we let love be our motivation we do not see our King's commands as restrictive nor oppressive. In fact, keeping his commands bring pleasure and delight.

Citizens of the New Kingdom consider it a joy to obey the King's commands.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - May 18

Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. Psalm 27:10

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that parental love is an example of how finite,  sinful humans can do something beautiful - loving their children beyond explanation.
But there are times when parents forget and forsake their children because of the hardness of their hearts causing brokeness and bitterness that may never heal.

Citizens of the New Kingdom have the assurance that their King will never ever forsake them or forget them. We are never alone when we become Citizens of the New Kingdom. We have the Presence of our King with us at all times.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - May 17

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9

Citizens of the New Kingdom may set goals, make plans and have an agenda for things that must be accomplished. We write To Do list,  we scratch tasks off as they are completed and we feel good when we successfully execute our plans.

However, as Citizens of the New Kingdom we must realize that without God establishing each step, our success and mission accomplished would never happen. We must remember to give God the glory for everything we accomplish and every success that we have.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - May 16

Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.  Proverbs 16:8

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that being motivated by righteousness may not result in riches and wealth in the world's eyes but in God's eyes they are successful winners.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that there is no price that can be put on a clear conscience; freedom from fear or guilt-free living.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that it is better to be free with less than to have abundance as a result of being enslaved to an accusing conscience, stress, high blood pressure or living with guilt.

Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - May 15

When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone's way,  he causes their enemies to make peace with them. Proverbs 16 : 7

Citizens of the New Kingdom have enemies who wish them harm; enemies who do not want good things to happen to them; enemies who hate them for no reason.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that the Lord will take care of them and will fight their battles. The Lord can cause enemies to have changed attitudes and sometimes even turn them into friends.

Citizens of the New Kingdom seek to please their King and they want their King to take pleasure in them. King Jesus wants to delight in his children and to give them peace.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - May 14

Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided. Proverbs 16:6

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that it is only through God's love and faithfulness that our sins are forgiven. It is love that sent King Jesus to earth to take the place of mankind. It is love that made King Jesus accept the cruel death of crucifixion to take away our sins.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that it is God's faithfulness that keeps us secure in his love. We are forgiven forevermore because of God's faithfulness. We have eternal life because God is faithful to his word and promises.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that when we fear the Lord we will avoid evil. Fearing God is our response to his love and faithfulness. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - May 13

The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: they will not go unpunished. Proverbs 16:5

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that there is no gray area when it comes to how King Jesus feels about the proud of heart. His harshest criticism was leveled at the religious leaders who elevated their positions above the people.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that King Jesus is the only being worthy and deserving of worship. When we allow pride to rule our hearts we project that we are deserving of more and we judge others as inferior to us.

Pride lifts a person up to a false elevated position that makes him or her compete with God. We know that we have pride in our hearts when we think that we know what is best for ourselves and others in direct contrast to what King Jesus requires.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - May 12

The Lord works out everything to its proper end - even the wicked for a day of disaster. Proverbs 16:4

Citizens Of The New Kingdom know that our Sovereign King sees the beginning and the end of everything on earth. He sees the beginning and the end of everything we do even when we are blind to the reality of what is happening. Every choice we make will come to its proper end as God desires.

This thought brings peace to citizens of the New Kingdom because it shows us the sovereignty of God. We see only bits and pieces of things but our King sees the whole picture and he knows how to make the end what he desires.

Citizens of the New Kingdom should keep in mind that everything on earth has a purpose and when the purpose is fulfilled then it is finished according to the sovereign will of God.

As long as we are still alive in this world we are still fulfilling our purpose.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - May 11

Commit to the Lord whatever you do and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3

Citizens of the New Kingdom should seek to have a relationship with their King so that no decisions are made without King Jesus having the final word and stamping his approval on what we plan to do.

Committing our plans to our King means that if he says 'No', we are not going to proceed. We may not understand and we may not see anything wrong but we trust our King to lead us into his purpose.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that when King Jesus establishes our plans they will be successful and they will continue until his purpose is fulfilled in us.

Let us commit ourselves to our King today.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - May 10

All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord . Proverbs 16 : 2

Citizens of the New Kingdom may think their ways are pure before their King but they may have hidden memories in their hearts and minds buried deep in their subconscious. This may cause unexpected reactions to situations and circumstances.

Citizens of the New Kingdom make plans and have goals that seem harmless but there may be hidden motivation that only King Jesus sees.

As our Sovereign Lord, he sees and knows everything - every intention of the heart. He weighs each motivation and he alone knows the root cause of each desire. He knows which motivations are deceitful and he alone knows which ones are pure. This is one reason for not judging each other's intention.

Let us take all our desires, plans and goals to our Sovereign King before we begin to carry them out.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - May 9

To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue. Proverbs 16:1

As citizens of the New Kingdom we cannot see the whole picture. So, we imagine what it could be; we plan how we want it to be with the limited knowledge we have. We plan within our hearts what we will say, what we will do and how we are going to make it work. 

King Jesus sees the whole picture; he knows the end from the beginning; he can pinpoint exactly the location of each obstacle and each pitfall. If his citizens listen to him and follow what he says, he will give us the right answer and show us exactly what we should say and do.

King Jesus is always in complete control. Nothing ever takes him by surprise. 

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - May 8

Seek the Lord while he may be found,  call on Him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to God the Lord and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. Isaiah 55 : 6-7

As citizens of the New Kingdom read and meditate on the word of God they see the love of their King in the words of Scripture.

King Jesus is always calling his people to repentance, to blessings, to mercy, to pardon.

King Jesus invites the people of the world to become his citizens while there is still mercy and pardon available.

May we continually seek the Lord while he may be found.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - May 7

The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever. Isaiah 32:17

Citizens of the New Kingdom dwell in peace because the Holy Spirit brings peace to their environment. 

Citizens of the New Kingdom are 'still' before their King and they find rest and quietness in the midst of the hustle and bustle of this world. 

Citizens of the New Kingdom have confidence in their God and King and that confidence gives them freedom to live the abundant life.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - May 6

Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Psalm 37:1-2

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that this world is full of evil and people affected by it usually try to destroy the good around them.They may seem to have it all and everything may be going their way today but they need to realize that everything on earth is temporary. It will all wither away. One day evil and the people who seek to do evil will be destroyed.

Citizens of the New Kingdom seek to live righteous lives and turn away from evil. Righteousness will overcome evil in the end. Righteousness will proclaim victory over evil.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - May 5

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Citizens of the New Kingdom are truly blessed as they acknowledge their biggest treasure in King Jesus.

Citizens of the New Kingdom do not have to live in fear that their sins will be discovered and they will be condemned as frauds. We only have to agree with our King that we have sinned. The promise he makes us is that although he is just, he is also faithful to forgive us and purify us because the consequences of our sins are already paid. It was paid in full on the cross.

Let us confess our sins,  ask for his grace and forgiveness and accept his cleansing as he clothes us with his righteousness.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - May 4

You, my brothers and sisters were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather serve one another humbly in love. Galatians 5:13

Citizens of the New Kingdom are free in Christ but having freedom brings responsibilities. One of our responsibilities is to serve each other, not out of obligation or fear of consequences or fear of rejection. Love motivates us to humbly serve one another.

Citizens of the New Kingdom should not use their freedom to satisfy the needs of the flesh but we should let love motivate us to willingly serve and obey our King.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - May 3

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Citizens of the New Kingdom should be producing the fruit of the Spirit in abundance. King Jesus said that if we abide in him and his Word remains in us we will bear much fruit.

Citizens of the New Kingdom should examine their lives everyday to test the quality of the fruit they are producing. The fruit of the Spirit should be rich and sweet in our lives.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. ....how do we measure up?

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - May 2

I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Matthew 10:16

Citizens of the New Kingdom are different from the citizens of the world. King Jesus describes us as sheep among wolves.

Citizens of the New Kingdom have a different motivation. We are motivated by the love of God and we live by respecting the sovereignty of God.

Citizens of the New Kingdom are taught to deal with the citizens of this world by being wise but not deceitful.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - May 1

God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean.  Acts 10 : 28

Citizens of the New Kingdom are all pure and clean in King Jesus.

God is inviting the people of the world to become his citizens every day.

Citizens of the New Kingdom must love and accept each other and be united in King Jesus. There is no class system in the New Kingdom nor is there any distinction between citizens. We were all born into the New Kingdom exactly the same way - accepting the invitation from King Jesus.

When Citizens of the New Kingdom live and love as King Jesus requires it makes the gospel attractive to others.