Between Two Kingdoms
Did you know we are living between two kingdoms?
The kingdom of God is anywhere God has rule and reign over His people. Prior to having a relationship with Jesus, all of us lived within the darkness, or as Colossians 1:13 says, “the dominion of darkness.” We all were captive to our previous way of life—a life marked by wrongdoing.
When Jesus came to earth, He brought a new kingdom which included a new way of life. This means that rather than being held captive to darkness, we can walk in the light. We are made new by the power of Jesus within our lives. Paul says that this new reality comes through believing in Jesus and the forgiveness of sins.
Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, He has opened up a way for us to have a relationship with Him, and experience this new life. Having been forgiven, we are now part of the kingdom of God—and this is something Colossians 1:13 confirms. But even though we are part of Jesus’ kingdom, we are still awaiting Jesus’ return when He will make all things new. This means we are living between two kingdoms: We are made new in the kingdom of God, and yet we are still living in an imperfect world.
In the meantime, our job is to expand the kingdom of God by telling others about Jesus. This is the mission that Jesus gave to His disciples in Matthew 28:18-20. As we tell others about the love of Jesus and point others toward a relationship with Jesus, we bring more people into the kingdom of Jesus and away from the kingdom of this world.
As members of God’s kingdom, we should always be thinking about the ways God wants to work within us. Have you considered your own role within God’s plan to bring the message of hope to those around you? You play an important role in God’s Kingdom. Think about how you can be bold in sharing that message with others.
Hold On to What's True
Hold On to What’s True
Reading Scripture is vital to our intimacy with God. God’s Word is our weapon. It’s alive, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). And when we hide Scripture in our heart, it helps us battle with the forces of evil. We have an enemy, and the last thing he wants us to do is trust God and His Word.
Our spiritual enemy wants to keep us in a place of doubt and insecurity. But when we know who we are, we can confidently demolish every lie that distracts us. Just like Jesus did, we can use Scripture to remind ourselves of the truth and fight back against the devil’s schemes.
Think through some of the lies you’ve believed. Maybe it's "I'm a failure, I'll never do anything right," or "God doesn't care about me, it's why these bad things happen." It’s easier to entertain lies when we allow them to become a part of us.
But once you recognize the lies you’ve internalized, you’re halfway to victory. God gave us His Word so that we could know the truth, and it’s His truth that sets us free.
Speaking Boldly About our Hope
Speaking Boldly About Our Hope
Picture this: Jesus had lived, died, and risen again. Some of His closest friends—Peter and John—were telling everyone about this miracle they had witnessed. They even performed some astonishing miracles in Christ’s name, like healing a beggar who’d been crippled from birth.
Thousands of people believed Peter and John’s testimonies about Jesus, but many of the religious leaders did not. In fact, in their eyes, such messages and miracles were dangerous, so they had Peter and John arrested.
But after they had served their sentences, Peter and John went back to the other believers, doing what was natural to them—praying bold prayers and trusting in God. Acts 4:31 tells us that “...when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.”
Peter and John were in the habit of gathering together with other believers, praying together with other believers, and speaking boldly about the Word of God. As they did these things, the Holy Spirit filled them with the supernatural power of God.
Like Peter and John, who faced tons of opposition for their faith, we can keep trusting in and walking with God. We can keep gathering together with like-minded believers. We can keep praying bold prayers that can’t be accomplished on our own. We can keep speaking boldly about the hope we have in Jesus.
And as we do that, God’s Spirit will fill us and guide us every step of the way.
How to Save Your Life...
How to Save Your Life
Jesus willingly sacrificed everything for the sake of the world—for you. He took the punishment of our sin so that we could know God intimately, forever. And when He rose from the dead, He made it possible for us to have a close relationship with Him.
Jesus made a way for us to know Him, but we have to choose whether or not we will follow Him.
“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.”
Mark 8:34-35 NLT
What does it mean to take up our cross?
For Jesus, the cross was a literal object upon which He suffered and died. It was a physical weight that also symbolizes the spiritual heaviness He bore. The cross also represents the suffering and surrender we all choose to endure for the sake of knowing and obeying Christ.
The apostles viewed suffering as an opportunity to get to know Jesus better, but our cultures tell us that suffering is an obstacle to immediate pleasure. Jesus said that surrendering our lives to Him was key because He is the way to eternal life, but our world tells us that self-care is the gateway to living abundantly.
Taking up our cross means giving up our right to live however we want. It means letting Jesus dictate the trajectory of our lives, and making Him the one thing we pursue above everything else.
The irony is, if we refuse to take up our cross and follow Jesus—we will still suffer. We will still experience hardships. But we will also end up surrendering the eternal gifts Jesus offers us in exchange for momentary pleasure and comfort.
Taking up our cross is an act that we do on this side of eternity. But one day, we will be resurrected and given new life—a life without sorrow, suffering, death, or pain. A life eternally spent in God’s presence. That is the promise Jesus makes us when He asks us to follow Him. That is the life we get to look forward to when we give up our lives for Jesus’ sake.
Desperate for Him...
Desperate for Him
It’s tempting to think we’re strong, we’re capable, and “we’ve got this.” But in reality, we are powerless on our own. We desperately need God—every moment of every day.
We wouldn’t be here if He didn’t create us. We wouldn’t live if He didn’t sustain us. We wouldn’t flourish if He didn’t guide, protect, and empower us.
The author of 1 Chronicles knew the importance of depending on God. He said:
“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!”
1 Chronicles 16:11 ESV
In a world that’s constantly focused on itself, it’s crucial to recognize our need to depend on God. We need His strength, we need His power, and—to put it simply—we just need Him!
If you’re feeling confident in your own self-sufficiency, ask yourself: Who made this world? Who created my body, my mind, and my soul? My eyes, my legs, my lungs? Who has the power to save—or to destroy? Who holds the keys to life?
Just as we continually need air, we need the power and presence of God to sustain our every move.
So how can we seek His strength and presence continually? By staying connected to Him: talking to Him throughout the day, prioritizing Him in the midst of busy schedules, humbly asking for His power.
God will never deny a heart that is genuinely seeking Him.
So come to Him with your weakness and He will give you strength. Come to Him with your questions, your needs, and your wants, and He will give you Himself. And that is the very best thing of all.
A Cup Overflowing with Blessings...
A Cup Overflowing with Blessings
As Psalm 23 comes to a close, the psalmist paints a scene that is both dynamic and ironic: a lavish banquet is prepared right in front of his enemies.
Imagine God laying out a feast before you in the presence of adversity and fear. God gives abundantly in the middle of hardship. “You anoint my head with oil,” the psalmist adds, “my cup overflows.”
Anointing with oil demonstrates divine favor and strength. It's like a warrior receiving a blessing before battle. Every obstacle and doubt are met with God's presence. The psalmist’s cup isn’t just full, it’s running over! In God, we have blessings that joyfully spill over into the lives of others.
The psalmist concludes with wholehearted trust:
"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
God's goodness and love are our constant companions, following us everywhere we go. God’s goodness and love surround us and lead to the perfect presence of our Shepherd, forever. There, we will live "in the house of the Lord." Now and forever, we are always welcome in His presence.
What Really Matters...
What Really Matters
God designed our hearts and our brains—our emotions and our intellect—to work together.
For example, when we love someone, we’re compelled to know them on a deeper level. And as we uncover their passions and their heartaches and what makes them tick, we are often compelled into an even deeper kind of love.
When the apostle Paul was writing to the believers in Philippi (a city in Greece) he gave them this charge:
“I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.”
Philippians 1:9-10 NLT
No one wants to waste their time, their energy, or their one precious life. But when we understand what’s important—knowing and loving God, knowing and loving people—we can choose to spend our lives on what matters most.
So what did Paul want for the Philippians?
Paul longed for their love to be evident while their knowledge continued to grow; for a life of love to be cultivated while understanding continued to flourish.
The Bible teaches that knowledge of God is true understanding (Proverbs 9:10) and that the most important commandment is to love God and love people (Matthew 22:37-40). And we gain insights about God’s character by studying His Word, learning from His creation, and living with love.
As we love God with our hearts and minds, lean into knowledge and faith, and embrace truth and grace, we can experience a more complete picture of God’s beautiful plan.
We can shine light into an increasingly dark world. We can add vision, clarity, and meaning to whatever circles we frequent. We can be known for loving our Creator and loving the people around us. We can live God-honoring lives until the day we meet our Savior face to face.
No Longer Slaves But Heirs...
No Longer Slaves But Heirs
Can you imagine inheriting lots of wealth or property—or maybe just receiving something really valuable for free? In Galatians 4:7, the Apostle Paul writes, “So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” According to Paul, children of God will receive a huge inheritance.
But this is no ordinary inheritance. Paul is talking about an inheritance far superior to what we usually think of as wealth.
God rescues us from our enslavement to the powers of this world, Paul says. And Jesus sets us free from sin, darkness, and death. In the Messiah, God adopts us into his family as his beloved children and heirs. And because of this, we inherit God’s unending life and receive honor, love, and a true home in a renewed creation.
What would change in your interactions and thoughts about fellow followers of Jesus if you were to see them as God’s children and beloved brothers and sisters—not your competition or opposition? Most people won’t receive huge inheritances of wealth or property, but God’s children will all receive—equally and without partiality—God’s endless love and eternal life.
Take a deep breath, pause, and consider your shared eternal inheritance with Jesus and others in the family of God.
Serving Jesus in Everyday Acts...
Serving Jesus in Everyday Acts
What does it mean to serve Jesus? Mathew 25:40 reveals an extraordinary truth: when we care for others, we are serving Him. Jesus says, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” This verse is part of a parable where Jesus explains how acts of kindness—no matter how small—reflect God’s love.
Think about it: offering a cup of water to someone thirsty, sharing a meal with someone hungry, or encouraging someone who feels invisible. These actions may seem ordinary, but they hold eternal significance. Through them, we participate in Jesus’ work of bridging despair to hope, poverty to provision, and brokenness to restoration.
Jesus invites us to see the people around us through His eyes. Who in your life might need compassion today? It could be someone discouraged, lonely, or struggling. Your small act of kindness can remind them that they are seen, loved, and valued—not just by you, but by God.
Serving others isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about letting God’s love flow through you in everyday moments. When we live this way, we bring His presence into tangible situation and reflect His heart to the world.
Your Inheritance Awaits...
Your Inheritance Awaits
In Matthew 25:34, Jesus describes a moment of profound invitation and joy: “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.’”
This verse highlights a central truth of the gospel: salvation is not something we earn, but a gift we receive. The word “inheritance” is key here. An inheritance is given because of a relationship, not because of works. Through Jesus, we are invited into God’s family, and as His children, we have a share in the kingdom he has prepared for us.
The imagery of a kingdom “prepared since the creation of the world” reminds us of God’s eternal plan. Before time began, God desired a relationship with us and made a way for that relationship to be restored through Jesus.
This inheritance is available not because of anything we can achieve but because of God’s grace, freely given to all who believe. How does knowing that salvation is a gift of grace, not works, change how you live today?
The Everlasting Love of God
The Everlasting Love of God
One of the greatest truths in Scripture is the fact that God loved you so much that He sent His only Son to earth to provide a way for you to have a relationship with Him. There is nothing that you can do to earn God’s love, because He gives it freely.
The God of the universe loves you and cares for you. That can almost seems too good to be true.
It is common for people to fear losing their salvation through disobedience or failing to follow God perfectly. But Scripture is clear that God’s grace and forgiveness is a free gift. Because there is nothing you did to earn it, there is nothing that can take it away from you.
The apostle Paul is very clear in the book of Romans—there is nothing that can separate you from the love of God. Death cannot separate you, because Jesus defeated death on the cross. Supernatural powers cannot separate you from God’s love, because Jesus is victorious over them.
There is nothing that can separate you from God’s love. Scripture is clear that Jesus’ death paid for all of your wrongdoing—past, present, and future. Not even your own mistakes could keep God from loving and forgiving you.
So take some time to consider how much God loves you. Let this truth soak in—nothing can separate you from the love of God. Rest in the assurance that God’s love will never leave you throughout your life.
A Life of Thanksgiving
A Life of Thanksgiving
How thankful are you when you talk to God? The world around us generally doesn’t encourage thankfulness. We’re taught to look after ourselves in order to get what we think we deserve.
And yet—Christians ought to be the most thankful people on earth because we have been given everything by God. James 1:17 reminds us that every good gift comes from Him. This implies that God is always acting in kindness toward us.
Not only has God given us life and breath, but He has also offered us the free gift of eternal life. God made a way for us to have a relationship with Him through the death and resurrection of Jesus. That alone is more than enough for us to live a life of gratitude toward God.
Because of what He's done for us, our hearts should be in a constant state of thanksgiving. And yet, we often find ourselves complaining because things don’t go the way we want. We grumble because we don’t have the things we think we deserve. And the more that we complain, the more our hearts grow critical and bitter.
Thankfully, Psalm 100 gives us the antidote for grumbling and complaining: thankfulness. Thanksgiving is a spiritual habit that we have to intentionally develop through continual practice. We can practice by taking time each day to talk with God, and to thank Him for all He has done. We can also practice thankfulness by telling others how grateful we are for them.
So the next time you find yourself complaining or grumbling, take a moment to think about the love and goodness of God in your life. Instead of complaining, express how thankful you are for who God is and what He has given you. Keep a list of things you’re grateful for and add to it throughout the week. Watch as your heart and mind begin to be transformed by the simple act of thanksgiving.
The Messengers of Good News
The Messengers of Good News
Pause for a moment and reflect on your role as a bearer of the good news. Are you actively sharing the love of Christ with those around you? Are you seeking to be a living testimony of His grace?
You might read Paul’s call to "preach" in Romans 10:14 and think this call is reserved for a pastor, priest, or teacher. But our homes, workplaces, and communities can serve as pulpits of influence when we live surrendered to Him. In these seemingly ordinary spaces, we can share the love of Christ through a listening ear that brings peace to a troubled mind, a helping hand that lifts burdens, or a word of encouragement that rekindles hope.
As a follower of Christ, you are qualified to share this hope and encourage others! What God desires is obedience and willingness to be a vessel of His Word. In the simplicity of everyday interactions, we become vessels of His love and messengers of the gospel.
As believers, we have an integral role in sharing the gospel message of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit equips you. God chooses and empowers you. And the seeds you sow, even the tiniest ones, have the power to take root and spread the message of salvation.
The Spirit of Truth
The Spirit of Truth
One of the major promises in the Old Testament is that one day the Spirit of God would dwell within the people of God. Previously, the people of God interacted with the presence of God within the temple.
In fulfillment of Scripture, Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort God’s people. This has big implications. It means that Christians have access to the presence of God by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. God’s Spirit is with us wherever we go.
Jesus mentions in John 16:13 that the Spirit of God will guide us into all truth. God desires to be part of our daily journey through life, helping us and guiding us towards what is right.
When we have questions about what direction in life to take, the Holy Spirit is there to help us. When we’re not sure what is right or wrong, the Holy Spirit is with us to bring light to our decision.
Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will speak to us in accordance with the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit will also reinforce and help us understand what we read in Scripture.
Throughout this week, make an effort to be mindful of the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life. Remind yourself that God is with you every day. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and illuminate your path in life, and spend time praying to be comforted and strengthened by God.
Deep Confidence in a Big God
Deep Confidence in a Big God
Before the telescope was invented, all that was known about the sky above was what could be seen with the naked eye.
Now, thanks to advances in modern technology, we are aware of far-off galaxies, stunning nebulas, and mysterious black holes. Now, we realize that our knowledge was (and still is) severely limited.
There’s something about staring up at a blanket of stars that beckons wonder. There’s something about a watercolor sunset that invites curiosity. There’s something about standing on top of a giant rock—that’s suspended on nothing in the middle of a massively complex universe—that invites worship.
We are merely discovering what God has put here in the first place. And the more we uncover, the more we are filled with awe.
Yes, the heavens remind us of God’s majesty; the skies remind us of His splendor. But they also remind us of how big He is and how small we are. They remind us of His vastness and our limitations, and of His independence and our utter dependence on Him.
So whenever you see a star-filled sky, are stopped in your tracks by a brilliant sunrise, or read about some extraordinary discovery on the fringes of space, don’t forget to praise the One who has created and sustained it all along.
A Rhythm of Rest
A Rhythm of Rest
Where did the idea of a seven-day week come from? Throughout history, cultures have experimented with varying the number of days in a week, but the most enduring pattern for human work and rest is woven into how the Creator made us.
When God first created the world, He finished all He wanted to do in six days. He could have moved on to the next project on His to-do list, but instead, God intentionally rests and enjoys His creation. This is the standard pattern of work and rest created for us from the beginning.
How we create and produce reflects how we are created in His image. Just like God, we make things and name them. We work and then rest. When we intentionally stop working to enjoy the blessing of just being in a relationship with God, one another, and His world, we reflect His image, too.
When God rests, that does not indicate laziness or exhaustion from work. From the beginning, God models a rhythm of work followed by rest and reflection. Rather than pausing out of tiredness or when we finally finish our long list of projects, God asks us to plan a time to rest every week.
When it comes to knowing when it’s time to take a break, choose the rhythms of our Maker over our exhaustion-driven routines.
A Longing for Home
A Longing for Home
Going Deeper: Near the end of a 70-year exile, the Prophet Zechariah recorded this book of stories, dreams, and visions for a weary nation of Israel—to challenge them to remain faithful to their Covenant with God and to inspire hope for the future Kingdom of God.
The longing for home is an internal pull, a tug at our hearts with relentless yearning. Home is more than the physicality of a place; it's the embodiment of comfort, familiarity, and a sense of belonging.
Zechariah 14:9 is an answer to this heartfelt yearning: "The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name."
Near the end of Israel’s 70 years in exile, the prophet Zechariah wrote to a weary nation to remind them of God’s goodness, to remain faithful to God, and to inspire hope for the coming Kingdom of God.
Imagine the weariness of a nation estranged from their homeland for 70 long years, facing doubt and uncertainty about their future. Zechariah’s words are not just a historical record; they are a lifeline, reminding a people worn by exile that their journey isn't without purpose or end. His words paint a picture of restoration—a glimpse into a future Kingdom where God's sovereignty reigns supreme.
Today, you may feel distanced from God’s purpose or promises for your life. If you’re longing for the comfort and belonging, Zechariah's encouragement holds true, even today. God's unwavering goodness and faithfulness never cease, and God has promised His followers that He will bring them home one day to a restored Kingdom (Revelation 21).
We can trust in a future Kingdom to come. Home is not that far off.
Someone Greater
Someone Greater
There’s a battle happening all around us—a battle for your heart, your mind, and your soul. A battle that’s not only physical, but also spiritual. A battle with literal enemies who impact the seen and unseen world.
John wrote:
“But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.”
1 John 4:4 NLT
Yes, we are in a real battle.
Yes, we have a real enemy.
Yes, the kingdom of darkness is constantly fighting against the kingdom of light.
But for those who are trusting in the finished work of Christ, greater is the One living inside of us than the one who is living in this world.
We have a real Savior.
This story isn’t close to over.
The kingdom of darkness will never prevail against the kingdom of light.
Our enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. To pervert, manipulate, and confuse, distract, divide, and disable.
But God is greater than the doubts that clutter your mind, the enemies that frustrate your plans, the heart-wrenching and even soul-crushing situation that’s currently consuming your thoughts.
You can fight from a place of victory because the battle has already been won.
Jesus has already conquered death. And now, while we wait for others to come to salvation and for God to bring all things to completion under Christ’s authority, we can fight with a confident hope.
There’s a battle happening all around us—a battle for your heart, for your mind, for your soul. But greater is the One living inside of you than the one who is living in this world.
Do Not Fear
Do Not Fear
In Isaiah 43:1, God speaks to His people with a message of hope and encouragement:
"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine."
These words are not just a reassurance—they are a reminder of who we are, and whose we are.
God is both our Creator and Redeemer. He is the one who formed us, knitting us together in our mother's womb (Psalm 139:13), and He is the one who redeemed us, bringing us back into relationship with Himself through Jesus.
We can rest in peace and confidence knowing are not forgotten or abandoned, but intimately known and cared for by the God of the universe.
When God says, “Do not fear,” He is not ignoring the challenges you face. He is acknowledging the reality of fear and offering comfort in His presence. Fear often arises from feeling alone or uncertain, but God’s promise is clear: He has called us by name, and we belong to Him. We are His, no matter what we face.
Whether you are walking through a season of uncertainty, facing personal challenges, or carrying burdens that weigh heavy on your heart, this verse invites you to rest in the truth that you are redeemed, known, and loved.
God’s call on your life is unshakeable. Today, stand in that assurance and walk forward with courage, knowing you are never alone and always held in His loving care.
Don't Overthink It...
Don’t Overthink It
How much time do you spend thinking about what to eat or worrying about what to wear? Do you obsess over having—or being—enough?
While there’s nothing wrong with meal planning for the weeks ahead or creating an annual budget, Jesus explains that worrying doesn’t help:
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?”
Matthew 6:25 NIV
Jesus never said not to think about your basic needs. He did say not to worry about them.
God knows what you need before you do. God knows your prayers before you pray them.
Recognizing your physical needs can remind you of your spiritual needs—an invitation to trust your ultimate Provider.
Later in the same chapter, Jesus reminds His disciples that if God provides for the birds and the flowers, He will provide for His people that much more. Then He adds, “but seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
Life is more than the food we eat, the drinks we consume, and the clothes we wear. In fact, Jesus is life. He is “the way, the truth, and the life,” to be exact (John 14:6).
So, let’s seek Him first. Let’s do the work entrusted to us while trusting in Him for provision. And let’s not waste another second overthinking it.