Where is God’s Domain?

20142020 Dr. Mike Kingdom Paradigms apprentice of Jesus, christ-follower, Christianity, christlike, God's Domain, Kingdom of God, KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, KINGDOM REALITY, life in christ, radical in christ

One of my disciplines is to read through the Bible each year. Though it may take longer some years than others depending on what concepts and verses jump out at me, I’m always amazed to discover something new about God or myself in the process each year.

This year we are reading the New Testament from a Greek Lexicon that contains the Greek and precise translation of each word in English. Starting in the Book of Matthew, I was pleasantly surprised to notice that the Greek translation of “Kingdom of Heaven” in many of our English versions was originally written in Greek as “Kingdom of Heavens.” The difference of course is that the Bible denotes three definitions for heaven. The first is the eternal habitat of God. The second is the sky above the earth. The third is the universal body of stars and planets that surrounds the earth. Why does this matter?

The English translation of “heaven” implies that God’s government is only effective in his eternal habitat. The Greek manuscript’s version “heavens” however reinforces that God’s domain includes all three heavens: everything in the universe, physically and eternally. A larger domain than just the heaven that is God’s abode. Whatever its worth, it simply reminds us that the Bible was not originally written in English and therefore requires us to do some homework before we accept what is written. This is why it is good to have various translations that provide us with a more complete picture of the author’s intent and message.

So next time when we read Matthew’s gospel, remember that God’s kingdom and domain includes the entire heaven, earth, and universe. But then again, you probably already knew that.

OUR PRAYER

Holy Father, Holy Lord, and Holy Spirit: Almighty God, we thank you for allowing us to live in your kingdom. Thank you for also allowing us to experience your way of life through Christ Jesus. Help us to share your life with others in our small world. Help us to witness your way through our actions and if necessary through our words. Whatever we do, let it always glorify you.

Yours In Christ,

Dr. Mike

Consultant, Coach, and Encourager

Author of Great Business Emulates a Good God

What Do You Mean Ask, Seek, Knock?

20142023 Dr. Mike Kingdom Paradigms christ-follower, christlike, Kingdom of God, KINGDOM REALITY, life in christ, Paradigms of the Kingdom, radical in christ

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Luke 11:9-10 (NIV)

Jesus was speaking about receiving good from our God including the Holy Spirit when he stated the principle of asking, seeking, and knocking. Over the years, I have come to learn the same principle after praying. I now expect my prayers to be answered because God is Good; may not be the answer I want or prefer, but when we pray seeking God’s Will the answer is very livable. The paradigm for prayer is to focus on asking, seeking and knocking for the answer.

For example, how often have we asked our Heavenly Father for help in a matter and then sat back and waited. When nothing happens, we wonder how come God didn’t answer our prayers. We, like the bird in the nest that God provides food on a daily basis, need to learn the art of leaving the nest in search of the answer. God provides food for the bird, but the bird must leave the comfort of the nest and search for it. We need to do likewise.

The principle of knocking is one that I have just recently began to understand. For many years, I would come to the doorway and knock at an opportunity. If the door opened slightly, I would then exercise all the strength and tools at my disposal to manipulate the door wide open, especially if it was something that I really wanted. Now however, I come to the door, knock, and wait for it to totally open. I don’t force it. I don’t push. I don’t seek influential help from others to open it. I simply wait for God to open the door for me. What have I discovered? That when I wait unto the Lord, the door opens so sweetly and easily from the other side and the entire passageway is a blessing all the way through to the other end. It’s like dominoes all falling down with very little effort from myself.

So next time you ask your Heavenly God for something, keep seeking for confirmation of your answer. And when you come up to the door of opportunity, wait for the Spirit to open it. You will be pleasantly and amazingly surprised by the results. In the end our Great God, not us, is Glorified.

OUR PRAYER

Our Holy Father, Holy Lord, Holy Spirit – we thank you for sharing your life with us. We thank you for revealing your love to us, revealing your favor to us, and revealing your plan of redemption to us.

Lead our steps toward fulfilling what you have designed us for. Lead us to find the best solution to the events in our life. Give us the patience and faith to trust you to open the door wide and reveal your Glory to us.

You are our hope. You are our sanctuary. You are our guide. Help us to live your life through us and about us. Let everything we do, say, and think be done for your Glory.

Yours In Christ,

Dr. Mike

Consultant, Coach, and Encourager

Author of Great Business Emulates a Good God

How Do You Measure Success?

20142022 Dr. Mike Kingdom Paradigms apprentice of Jesus, attributes of god, christ-follower, Christianity, DISCIPLE OF JESUS CHRIST, discipleship, KINGDOM REALITY, life in christ, radical in christ, Success

In the business world, everything that is important and valued is monitored, measured, and evaluated for improvement. But in our personal walk with the Triune God, how do we measure real success? For example, when we view the world’s religious landscape, what do we notice?

There are those who place emphasis on keeping rules.
There are those who emphasize a specific denomination.
There are those who observe special days.
There are those who place trust in Jesus plus…(something else).
There are those who place trust in their ability to do good work.
There are those who place trust in their service toward others.
There are those who place trust in pursuing causes for social justice.
There are those who place trust in maintaining a loving relationship with others.
There are those who place trust in yoga, in karma, or in the cosmos.
There are those who place trust in their ability to recall scripture.
There are those who place trust in attending church services on a regular basis.
There are those who place trust in participating in local, Christian fellowship.
There are those who place trust in observing unique rituals.
There are those who place trust in their ability to pray.
There are those who place trust…(add your own observation)

The point is many of us place trust everywhere but in Jesus. Yet, trusting His claim as Savior, Lord, and King from our heart, head, and will in everyday life’s circumstances is all we really have to show. A total, dependent trust that His life, death, and resurrection gives us birth unto a new life. A life that we can taste now. A hope that we can believe.

The real measure of spiritual success is simply our faith (trust) in Him. No matter the trial; no matter the situation; no matter the challenge we face, our faith is constantly being tested and strengthen through the circumstances of life. Though we may fail to live up to our expectations, He is committed to being faithful and will complete the task. We simply have to hang in there with Him.
The fact is Christ knows our human condition. Most of the time we are simply discovering where we really do stand before God, and it’s not pretty. I am one believer who is very thankful that Jesus is my Judge and jury and He includes us within His story. We are simply his servants enjoying the ride.

How goes your trust in Jesus? Jesus himself wondered whether or not there would be real, trusting faith in this world when he returns (Luke 18:8). However, no matter where you stand, Jesus loves you and enjoys you just as you are. He only wants you to truly enjoy spending time with him as he invests heaven’s and earth’s resources for your journey with Him unto the promise land.

Our Prayer

Our Holy Father, Holy Lord, and Holy Spirit – Thank you for opening our mind and heart to come to know you. To know your love, joy, and peace. To know that no matter the situation, the struggle, or event, you are always with us. Whatever we lack in trusting you, continue to shower us with your favor and grace as you sanctify and grow us to always trust you no matter the circumstance. Help us to glorify your name every time we trust you for your intervention in our life. Complete your work in us; help us to participate with you in your Story for mankind. Amen

Yours In Christ,