Citizens Of The New Kingdom - September 30

“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’    “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:13-14 

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that pride has no place in our hearts.  King Jesus taught that being humble before God is the way to be justified. Time and time again he reprimanded the Pharisees and teachers of the law for being self righteous. Only when we admit that we are sinners will we be able to accept the love and forgiveness of our King.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that if we trust in any other means for escaping the wrath of God we will not be accepted by our King. Doing good work instead of putting faith in King Jesus' finished work on Calvary is having pride in myself. As we follow the example of the tax collector and cry out, ' God have mercy on me a sinner', God will forgive and welcome us into his New Kingdom.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - September 29

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”  Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Matthew 18:21-22 

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that an important command of King Jesus is forgiveness. It does not matter what the offense is or how often we have been wronged by our brothers and sisters the command is always the same - Forgive. 

Citizens of the New Kingdom are encouraged to extend the same forgiveness we have received from our King to others. We have been completely forgiven for every offense against a righteous and Holy God. We have been rescued from the coming wrath of God's judgment, a punishment that we rightly deserved. How can we not forgive others when their offenses are so minor compared to what we have done to our Lord and King?

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - September 28

Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40 

Citizens of the New Kingdom seek to love God firstly and completely. King Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment.  Not only did he talked about loving God he also made sure his listeners knew that the responsibility of loving our neighbors is also a command of God.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that we cannot show love to God and treat others with hatred and contempt. Our King encourages us to make things right with our brothers and sisters before we offer gifts to God. 

Let us strive daily to love God and show love to others.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - September 27

Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.” Matthew 15:32

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that King Jesus taught his disciples compassion by his words and his example. He saw deep into the hearts of the people following him and he knew what they needed. He saw the thirst and hunger in their souls but he was also acutely aware of their physical needs too. 

Citizens of the New Kingdom are encouraged to follow the example of our King. As important as it is to be concerned about people's souls we should never overlook their physical needs. As disciples of our King let us always do our part to serve others. 

May we be obedient to King Jesus teachings on compassion.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - September 26

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20 

Citizens of the New Kingdom have been given a commission from the King. King Jesus proclaimed the commission by stating his authority. He has all authority in heaven and on earth.

Citizens of the New Kingdom are commissioned to teach obedience to everything that King Jesus commanded. Not what the church commands, not what the preachers on television command, not what learned scholars command - ONLY what King Jesus commands. 

Let us study God's Word to discover exactly what it is that our King taught and commanded!

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - September 25

This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. Titus 3:8 

Citizens of the New Kingdom have freedom in the assurance of eternal life.  When our minds are not enslaved by stress and the guilt of unconfessed sins we can live the abundant life in the freedom of God's grace.

Citizens of the New Kingdom are encouraged to keep on trusting in God and doing his will. Our thoughts, words and deeds will be controlled by the Holy Spirit and we will seek to do what King Jesus calls 'good'. As we love God firstly and love others like we love ourselves we continue to strive for excellence and doing what is beneficial to others.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - September 24

so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:7

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that it is only by God's grace that are we justified. Justification allows us to be granted righteous status in King Jesus. We do not ever have to fear the wrath of God because we have been made righteous in our King. We cannot stand before God because of any good that we have done. We can only appear before God because of what King Jesus did for us at Calvary.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that being justified by our King's finished work at Calvary allows us to become heirs of God's salvation and rescued from the coming wrath and punishment of sin. As we participate in this world's temporary activities we have within us the source of eternal life which gives us hope of living forever.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - September 23

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior...
Titus 3:5-6

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that it's the kindness and mercy of King Jesus, not anything we have done which initiated our salvation.

Citizens of the New Kingdom enjoy the two fold aspect of salvation - the second birth at the acknowledgement of King Jesus dying for our sins and washing them away by his shed blood and the also the renewal of our lives by and through the Holy Spirit living in us.

May we enjoy the wonderful gift of Salvation today!

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - September 22

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. Titus 3:3 

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that we are called to live differently than we used to live. Before we became citizens of the New Kingdom we were enslaved by our own desires. We did not have the willpower to choose to live like King Jesus because the Holy Spirit was not present in our lives.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that it is only by the grace of God that we can we live a different life in King Jesus. We know what it is to be foolish,  disobedient, hated and hating each other. We had to be born into the New Kingdom to be able to live a Spirit-filled life. 

May we be understanding of the struggles of others as we remember the lives we used to live.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - September 21

(Remind the people) to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. Titus 3:2

Citizens of the New Kingdom are encouraged to speak truthfully and kindly about others. Slander and lies can hurt the reputation of our brothers and sisters and also make our witness ineffective. As we live in this world we will fail at times and forgiveness and restoration is what is needed not criticism and slander.

Citizens of the New Kingdom seek to live in peace with everyone. We should be known as peaceful, considerate and gentle people. Others will want to be in our company as they are drawn to the love of King Jesus seen in our lives.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - September 20

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, Titus 3:1

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that this present world is not our final destination. The kingdom of King Jesus is not part of this world's system. This world has it's authority and government. Since we live in this world we abide under its authority.

Citizens of the New Kingdom are obedient people. We do not seek confrontation with this world's authority unless it is in direct contrast with God's authority.

Citizens of the New Kingdom are encouraged to always be ready to do good so that people around us will be drawn to God's love.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - September 19

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13 

Citizens of the New Kingdom are encouraged to give each other the benefit of the doubt. Even when all evidence shows that we are right we must not insist on being right but must show love to the one who wronged us.

Citizens of the New Kingdom seek to forgive each other and not to hold grudges nor seek revenge. The forgiveness we show to others cannot ever measure up to the forgiveness King Jesus gave to us.

Since we are God's chosen, holy and dearly loved people let us live in our King's forgiveness and may we choose to forgive those who wrong us.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - September 18

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

Citizens of the New Kingdom are privileged people because we are God's chosen, holy and dearly loved children. However,  this privilege brings responsibilities. Our spiritual standing before God is chosen, holy and loved so we must clothe ourselves with the evidence of who we are.

Citizens of the New Kingdom show themselves to be compassionate people. We are moved to action by the pain of others. We seek to be kind people always looking for ways to serve. We are not boastful but humble. We strive to be gentle and have great patience with others.

May our lives show the evidence of being God's chosen, holy and dearly loved people.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - September 17

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 

Citizens of the New Kingdom are God's chosen people. We know that King Jesus chose us to be his children when he formed the world AND we chose him to be our King when we were spiritually born into the New Kingdom. Our redemption started with him - NOT because we are better than non-citizens but because we are chosen.

Citizens of the New Kingdom are God's holy people. We know this holiness is not earned through our exemplary behavior but King Jesus took away all our sins and clothe us with his holiness.

Citizens of the New Kingdom are dearly loved by God. We do not have to worry about being rejected ever again. King Jesus promises that he is 'for' us not 'against' us. We are the most privileged of citizens because we are God's chosen, holy and dearly loved children.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - September 16

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that only by the Holy Spirit can we be like King Jesus and follow his example of forgiving.

Citizens of the New Kingdom seek to be kind to all the people we interact with each day even when we want to respond in anger for what they are doing. We are called to be compassionate and forgiving even when we don't think they deserve it for all the hurt they are inflicting on others.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that we have been forgiven for all our sins. This forgiveness came at the cost of King Jesus dying on a cross for us. Our sins hurt the sinless Son of God and as we received forgiveness from our King we are called to extend forgiveness to others.

Let us be kind, compassionate and forgiving today.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - September 15

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Ephesians 4:31

Citizens of the New Kingdom seek to live in peace with others in this world. We turn away from the anger, conflicts and turmoil that seem to exist in every step we take. Words are said with deliberate intent to hurt and cause resentment which leads to bitterness. The forgiveness that the world offers comes with a price. This is the world we are living in.

Citizens of the New Kingdom are called to live a different way of life. We are called to forgive freely so that we will not accumulate bitterness in our hearts, we will avoid rage and anger, we will stay away from name-callings and slander, we will seek to remove envy and malicious intent from our lives.

Citizens of the New Kingdom seek to live in love, peace, patience and looking after the welfare of others. We follow the example of King Jesus in forgiving all who wrong us.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - September 14

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30

Citizens of the New Kingdom enjoy the fellowship of the Holy Spirit as he lives in us. He teaches us how to live godly lives. He makes the Word of God come alive in our minds. He gives us direction to find the right path. The Holy Spirit is for us and not against us. He is the very Presence of the Father and King Jesus in our lives.

Citizens of the New Kingdom seek to live in harmony with the Holy Spirit. We listen to his still small voice as he gently lead us. We do not reject him; we do not ignore him; we do not deliberately walk away from him because we want to keep sweet fellowship with him. Walking in step with the Holy Spirit brings us peace. Grieving the Holy Spirit adds turmoil to our lives.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - September 13

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

Citizens of the New Kingdom are encouraged to give up any attitude, habits and behaviors that bring conflict and discouragement to others. Instead we should build others up. If our attitude, words and actions bring hurt to others and we continue to act in this way we are not surrendering to the leading of the Holy Spirit. 

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that the goal of the Spirit is to bring us to maturity in King Jesus. If we are using our words to hurt others we must seek to be helpful instead and use our words to benefit and not to hurt.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that wholesome behavior will not happen on its own. We must submit to the Holy Spirit if we want lasting change. King Jesus has given us everything we need to succeed and he patiently and lovingly wait for us to submit to the Holy Spirit.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - September 12

Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Ephesians 4:28 

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that when our hearts are changing and we are growing into maturity through the Holy Spirit our behaviors will change also. When we get rid of our selfish desires we need to add to our lives more desirable behaviors. Not only for ourselves but also to encourage others.

Citizens of the New Kingdom are encouraged to work to provide for the needs of himself and his family.  This principle was true for first century believers and it is still true today. The goal is to give up our selfish attitude and then by submitting to the Holy Spirit develop a giving attitude.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - September 11

...and do not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:27

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that all it takes for the devil to break us down is a foothold. He exploits our weaknesses no matter how small and finds a way into our minds to wreck our spiritual walk.

Citizens of the New Kingdom are admonished to guard our minds so that we are able to withstand demonic attacks. He uses any and all tactics. By ourselves, without the Holy Spirit, we cannot stand up to the Devil. If he gets control of our minds he wins the battle, but by the grace of God, he cannot win the war. King Jesus already defeated him at Calvary!

Let us guard our minds, give the Holy Spirit control and never give the devil a foothold!

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - September 10

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,
 Ephesians 4:26

Citizens of the New Kingdom are encouraged to put aside anger that can lead to sin. King Jesus said that anger can lead to murder. Cain, the first son of Adam and Eve proved his point when he became so angry at his brother Abel and ended up killing him.

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that the path where the the Holy Spirit leads is away from anger. When we put off anger we must fill the space with love and forgiveness.

Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry!

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - September 9

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. Ephesians 4:25 

Citizens of the New Kingdom are taught by the Holy Spirit to live honestly and truthfully with each other in this world. We must put off falsehood which includes, lies, gossiping, manipulation, hypocrisy, being false witnesses, etc. Then we must fill the space up with speaking truth. This must be a conscious effort. It will not just happen. It will take training and discipline. 

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that when we fail to speak truth and live honestly with each other we are not condemned. We are encouraged to continue and to seek restoration because our King loves us. He has a storehouse filled with forgiveness for us, bought by his precious blood shed on Calvary's cross. The end goal is to be like God in righteousness and holiness and this will only be fully completed when we see him face to face.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - September 8

(You were taught)... to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:24

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that being godlike in righteousness and holiness is not a reflex action. We have to be taught, trained and disciplined in the ways of GOD.

Citizens of the New Kingdom can only be trained by the Holy Spirit living in us. Mere human teachers can direct us to the Scriptures but the living word will not come alive in us unless we are allowing the Holy Spirit to have his way.

Citizenship in the New Kingdom is a spiritual experience,  a spiritual relationship with King Jesus not merely an outward religious experience. True righteousness and holiness is only possible by learning from the Holy Spirit.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - September 7

(You were taught)..to be made new in the attitude of your minds; Ephesians 4:23

Citizens of the New Kingdom are being taught to put off their old selves. We are also being taught to have a changed attitude in our minds. Changing our behavior will not last unless our minds are also changed. Our minds are the real battlefield. We win or lose depending on how disciplined we are in training our minds.

Citizens of the New Kingdom are encouraged to renew our minds daily as we read and meditate on God's Word. We keep in daily communication with our King. We walk daily in the path that the Holy Spirit shows to us. We are citizens of the New Kingdom so we are being trained in the way our King wants us to live. The first step is daily submission of our minds to King Jesus.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - September 6

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; Ephesians 4:22 

Citizens of the New Kingdom are physically and spiritually alive when the Holy Spirit made us a new person. As a new person we have to learn how to live a new life. Our desires are changing from pleasing ourselves to desiring to please God not out of fear but out of love. 

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that our desires before our new birth were usually about self gratification. What is in it for me? How does this affect me? How will I benefit? As I put off my old self my desires now include what King Jesus desires for me. Is this showing God's love to others? How will this benefit God's Kingdom?  Is this the loving thing to do?

Let us continue to live in God's love today!

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - September 5

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

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that King Jesus saves us completely. We are completely cleansed; we are made perfectly righteous; we are totally sanctified and there is nothing else that we need to do to add to the finished work of redemption. This completeness and perfection happened the moment we were born into the New Kingdom and became citizens of this New Kingdom.

Citizens of the New Kingdom have a different spiritual DNA from non-citizens. With the Holy Spirit living inside of us we are learning daily how to live like our King. We are striving every day to get our physical bodies in sync with the gift of spiritual completeness and perfection we received from our King.

Let us humbly continue to be faithful servants of our King.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - September 4

Praise the Lord , all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord. Psalm 117:1-2 

Citizens of the New Kingdom know that their King is Lord over all the earth, over all the nations, over all peoples by virtue of being CREATOR.

Citizens of the New Kingdom have acknowledged King Jesus as Lord over us as individuals and we have chosen to become his servants. We have accepted his love, kindness and faithfulness. We praise him!!!

Citizens of the New Kingdom also know that King Jesus loves all nations and all peoples. He is patient and faithful not willing to give up on any person on earth. He died for the entire world and longs for the entire world to choose him as Lord.

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - September 3

Precious in the sight of the Lord  is the death of his faithful servants. Psalm 116:15

Citizens of the New Kingdom are servants of the Lord. We are content to live in this world knowing that our future is secure. We do not let our hearts despair over the troubles in this world because we know that when we take our last breath we will be in the presence of our King.

The King calls us beloved. The King thinks of us as a treasure and was willing to give up his glory in heaven to make us his. Our physical body is a barrier between us and the fulfillment of our spiritual inheritance.  No wonder the psalmist proclaims,  'precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants'.

Citizens of the New Kingdom have much to look forward to!

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - September 2

What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord . I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people. Psalm 116:12-14

Citizens of the New Kingdom have hearts that are eternally grateful to the King for all he has done. We long to repay him for his goodness to us, knowing, that anything we do will fall very short of what he deserves from us. Our worship is incomplete but our King appreciates our gratitude and acknowledgement of all his gifts to us. We praise him for his grace that brought us salvation; we call on his name showing our faith in him and we publicly and unashamedly show to all people in our sphere that we believe in the King of kings.

Citizens of the New Kingdom are people with integrity who honor their commitment to the King!

Citizens Of The New Kingdom - September 1

For you, Lord , have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living.
Psalm 116:8-9

Citizens of the New Kingdom rejoice in the protection of the King. When we accepted citizenship in the New Kingdom we were instantly delivered from death. We have eternal life! Our future is secure. We are kept in the path that our King has chosen for us. When we embrace our calling as citizens of the New Kingdom we give up what we desire and want and we humbly walk before the Lord as our journey in this world continues. 

We are truly blessed as we reflect on all that it means to be citizens of the New Kingdom!