Christian Writers Circle

Manifest Kingdom Identity
by Judy Hitson

Luke 17:21 NKJV nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”

The Real You, Believing Your True Identity by Linda Breitman is a Bible study I completed the day I sat down to write this devotional. It helped to take time to contemplate important aspects of the study for personal spiritual application. Glancing through the book, I was deeply touched by the words I had written down, “Manifest Kingdom Identity.” It was like these words came off the page as the title to write about for the kingdom. Those words were written under an illustration of a woman with her arms lifted to the heavens.  It presented a visual understanding that what goes on inside us through Christ by His Spirit should manifest on the outside with our hands lifted to the heavens like this woman. Heaven is where our help comes from,
Psalm 121:1-2.

The following questions came to mind for us to ponder:

Do others see Jesus in me?

As Christians, for others to see Jesus in us, will we not manifest Christ likeness?

If the kingdom of God is within us, how should we live?

What is different about us from any other person walking down the street?

In simplicity, I hear, the answer is Jesus Christ who lives within us by His Spirit.
Think about these verses:

John 6:63 NASB It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.

2 Corinthians 3:6 NASB who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills but the Spirit gives life.

Let us seek the Lord for fresh revelation and understanding that we manifest God’s Kingdom on earth. Then consider with the Lord the fruit our lives produce from the flesh and the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:16-24.

When people look at us who are in a love relationship with Jesus Christ, they should see us as those who have been with Jesus, like Peter and John manifested kingdom identity in Acts 4:13.

Prayer: Come Holy Spirit with personal revelation and understanding for me. Give me life to manifest kingdom identity through Jesus Christ and be victorious over the enemies of the flesh, world and devil. Amen.

Hastening God’s Kingdom
by Judy Hitson

2 Peter 3:12 NASB looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat!

At this writing, North Korea threatens to attack the United States. Iran continues to head towards having nuclear capabilities. I’ve been wondering about this word in Peter which looks like the end will be nuclear war. We can see God’s timeless word with current threats.

What is going on Lord in the spirit world from Your throne to the second heaven and here on earth?

This verse caught my eye. Ps.103:19 AMPC The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all.

What is our part in the body of Christ to hasten the coming of the day of God by Your Spirit?

I look to You Lord, with anticipation that this day is near. 2 Peter 3:12 implies we have a part with You. You reveal a word of exhortation for us to heed, 2 Peter 3:14 Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless,………………….17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

As Christians, is it not our goal to mature in Christ?

Think about 2 Peter 3:10-11 NASB But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. 11 Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,

Consider God’s word in Hosea 6:2 NASB “He will revive us after two days; He will raise us up on the third day, That we may live before Him.

 Lord, Is the third day imminent?

We read in 2 Tim. 3:1 NASB But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.

In Jude 18 NASB…..“In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.”……. 20 But you, beloved building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.

I sense this is a now word for this season in history. Let us prepare for His coming as a ready bride. And for this I pray Father, in Jesus name by Your Spirit. Amen.

Words of Encouragement
by Brenda D. Flowers

I stared at the white page. Attempting to write but not yet feeling the freedom, I waited. Time passed and more time. Then I realized, the message I wanted to express today was to share the sweet words that had come to me several weeks ago. . .  words of encouragement to share with the body of Christ.

As I type these words, I am filled with expectancy. I linger long. . . absorbing the truth of the words. They are familiar words, not necessarily new words but they are definitely now words.

This message is in answer to my daily prayer, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” Matthew 6:10 KJV

God is answering this prayer for me and all who pray this prayer.

I hear these words and record them:

Love well. Let not your heart be troubled. Seek what is good. Be not wise in your own eyes. Acknowledge Me in all things and seek My face. My now moments of refreshing are yours as you trust Me with your life. I am here now and I am in the preparation process.

Be aware of the little things I am doing as you take the sure guided steps upward into My victorious presence. I have you on My life line and falling is not an option. I am pulling you upward and placing your feet on the firm path. No more dangling in doubt and despair. See the climb as a joyous time of clear viewed direction, looking with hopeful glances to the city of righteous living I have prepared.

There are relationships coming with liquid love to be poured out. Trust Me in the matters of the heart’s restoration process. Give what I give you. Be anticipating the new words I have for you to share, My encouragement to the body.

The hurting disjointed members need to come back in alignment with My purposeful plan of saving souls. Align yourself with others in a spirit of love and reconciliation. Connect in prayer and in time of celebration. Anticipate joyful connections of life celebrations. . .singing, dancing, and rejoicing, announcing to the world that satan is defeated.

Satan is a liar and his lies are being revealed.

The Truth of My Word Stands!

Two Kingdoms
by Judy Hitson

Colossians 1:13 NLT For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son,

Do you know when or if you were transferred to the Kingdom of God’s Son?

Without a shadow of a doubt, on October 25, 1979, I was rescued from the kingdom of darkness and transferred into the Kingdom of God’s Son. It was a dramatic conversion that morning as I was driving to work in my car. While listening to Christian radio, I told the Lord, “I feel like my prayers are not getting further than the ceiling.” When the music stopped, the radio announcer said, “That’s right folks. All you need to do is ask Jesus Christ to come into your heart.” I had asked Him many times in my life but this time my heart was desperate to surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ. In an instant, I knew I received the Holy Spirit. He instructed me to veer off the road. Instead I drove toward the intersection where I ended up in a car accident. In time, I understood what had happened. I was filled with the Holy Spirit. My testimony verse is Ephesians 5:18 NLT Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit. This verse disturbed me until I experienced it. I knew what it was to be drunk with wine, but being filled with the Holy Spirit was a new beginning for me.

Where do you stand in regard to the two kingdoms? Are you walking in the light as He is in the light by His Spirit who gives life?

The contrast of the two kingdoms is stark, from darkness to light and from death to life. Consider the following verses before the Lord.

John 8:12 NLT…….Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.

Acts 26:18 NLT to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.’

John 5:24 NLT “I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.

Romans 8:6 NLT So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.

 Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, help me be active in the kingdom work You have for me by Your Spirit and finish well. Amen.

Kingdom of God
by Judy Hitson

Mark 4:11 NASB And He was saying to them, “To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but those who are outside get everything in parables,

“Unsolved Mysteries” was the title of an old television program which comes to mind. Our family enjoyed seeing the mysteries solved week by week.

Looking at the mystery of the kingdom of God, I am no longer perplexed. Since receiving the Holy Spirit I continue to learn the simplicity and depth of this mystery. It is found in the person of Jesus Christ. For clarification, capture the revelation by the Spirit to understand the mystery of the kingdom of God through the following NASB verses:

Ephesians 5:32 This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.

Colossians 1:26-27 that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Colossians 2:2 that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself.

Colossians 4:3 praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned;

It may seem like a lot to digest but as we keep it simple to think about Jesus Christ, He will make clear to us the mystery of the kingdom of God. Note Jesus is talking to insiders, those who follow Him, who have received the Holy Spirit who gives life. Outsiders cannot understand (Mark 4:11-12).

As we read the Bible on the kingdom of God, we discover it for the present as well as the future.
For example,

Present
John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Think about it. When we are born of the Spirit we enter the kingdom of God. Alleluia! What a Savior. Alleluia! What a God. Have you experienced the second birth of the Spirit? If so, you understand this basic truth about the kingdom of God, ‘You must be born again.’ (John 3:7)

Future
Mark 14:25 Truly I say to you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

Consider these words of Jesus to the disciples at the last supper. They couldn’t fully understand His words at that time. But the Holy Spirit came after Jesus left the earth and now we can understand the word of the Lord by the Spirit.

There is more I’d like to say as I recall John 6 when Jesus said we should eat His body and drink His blood. By His Spirit we can. The kingdom of God is all about Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Father in heaven help us believe and receive all You have to reveal to us by Your Spirit regarding the mystery of Your kingdom. In Jesus name. Amen.

Kingdom of Heaven
by Judy Hitson

Matthew 19:14 EXPANDED BIBLE (EXP) but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop[hinder] them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people who are like these children [meaning humble and dependent].”

Are you humble and dependent on Jesus?

This question came to mind after reading this verse in the Expanded Bible.  We need God’s help to be humble and dependent on Him. I thought about the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God through Scripture, assuming they were parallel phrases with the same meaning. In my  search to understand any distinction, I found an excellent article. It is titled, The Kingdom of Heaven contributed by http://www.walvoard.com if you are interested in reading a well written, Biblically informative piece on the topic. He distinguishes the sphere of profession and the sphere of salvation for the kingdom of heaven and kingdom of God through Scripture. It’s like an invitation for us to dig deeper to understand God’s kingdom. May we have and keep a child-like faith, humble and dependent on Jesus to learn our part in His kingdom and live it out by His Spirit who gives life. (John 6:63; 2Cor.3:6)

Another Bible passage caught my attention that I’d like to share with you. Matthew 18:1-5 NASB At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me;

Previously I wrote about the following words that came to mind, “Kingdom of God Principles, starting with forgiveness.” Today, I see kingdom of heaven principles of humility and dependence on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Father in heaven bless us to be humble and dependent on Jesus Christ and rely on His Holy Spirit in daily living. Amen.

Forgiveness
by Judy Hitson

Matthew 18:23 NKJV Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts  with his servants.

“Kingdom of God Principles, starting with forgiveness.” These words came to mind as I prayed for inspiration to write and believe this is the word of the Lord to share. May your heart be impacted as much as mine. Through a Google search, I found the following definitions for the word principle significant for us to consider:

principle – 1. a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning. “the basic principles of Christianity”

Merriam-Webster on principle – a moral rule or belief that helps you know what is right and wrong and that influences your actions………..

In relation to forgiveness, the parable of the unforgiving servant deeply affects me by the Holy Spirit, Matthew 18:21-35. Through this passage of Scripture, there was a time the Spirit of God convicted me of being like the unforgiving servant.  It brought me to my knees to repent of this sin. He taught me how vital forgiveness is as a principle of God’s Kingdom and set me free from the bondage of unforgiveness and bitterness.

Matthew 6:9-13, the Lord’s Prayer, is a beautiful prayer I was required to memorize as a child. It was a religious ritual without a personal communication with God. Though I prayed, Our Father who art in heaven, there was no sense of relationship with Him at that time. Yet I struggled when I prayed, “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” To ask God to forgive me as I forgive was scary. The conviction of sin was like a flashing red light but I was not able to contend with it on my own.

After receiving the life of the Holy Spirit, I remember going to a church in desperation for help, tormented in my mind. That is when the Lord revealed the reality of my experience as an unforgiving servant, Matthew 18:34-35 NKJV 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. 35 “So My heavenly Father will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”

It wasn’t until forgiveness flowed from my heart that I fully understood the parable of the unforgiving servant. It is essential to forgive from the heart.

Prayer: God I lift praise and thanksgiving to You for grace and mercy, for Your salvation through Jesus Christ and life by Your Spirit to learn to forgive as You forgive. Amen.

by Judy Hitson

Matthew 6:10 KJV Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Father in heaven, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. What is my part today in Christ as a kingdom worker by Your Spirit?

I quiet down, focus on You Jesus, tune to spontaneity and journal.

Be still and know that I am God. Draw close to Me and I will draw close to you. Have clean hands and a pure heart to ascend My hill. Seek My face. I am here.

Yes Lord. Search me O Lord and know my heart. Try me and know my anxious thoughts. Show me if there is any hurtful, offensive or wicked way in me and lead me in the everlasting way. I believe Lord, help Thou my unbelief. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Thank You for Your words of life. Thank You for this intimate relationship with You, my Father in heaven,  my Lord and my God, Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit for giving me life. I rest in You and wait patiently LORD. How do I partner with You today?

Be still and know that I am God. Rest in Me and move out of that rest with Me to go about your day with heaven on earth with you. Impart My loving presence wherever you go. I am with you My child. Be assured of My presence with you always. I will guide you by My Spirit. Be assured,  I say. I am here always. Bask in My presence and be at peace with God and man. No weapon formed against you shall prosper. This is My word to you this morning as you try to write, Thy Kingdom Come.  I have come by My Spirit to guide you in the way you are to go with Me. You know your call and gifts in the Spirit. Follow Me.  I am here with you always. Be holy as I am holy. Walk in the Spirit and walk in My love, peace and joy. Manifest the fruit of My Spirit by My Spirit in you as you go about your days. This way My kingdom is in operation in and through you as I lead you day by day and you willingly follow Me. Stay close to Me in intimate love relationship manifesting the presence of the living God with you. I will draw all men to Myself that they too may know and follow Me with My kingdom in earth as it is in heaven. You have all you need in Me. Be fulfilled in our covenant relationship personally and corporately.

Thank You Lord.

Note: This is a practice I learned from 4 Keys to Hearing God’s Voice by Mark Virkler and Patti Virkler and share from this personal experience.

by Judy Hitson

Matthew 6:33 NKJV But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Are you seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness?

That is what the Lord prompted me to do years ago as I read this verse.

Matt. 6:19-34 came alive as a word of exhortation and reproof as I struggled with frustration and worry in prayer. I asked the Lord for earthly things, He was pursuing me to seek His kingdom and way of living.

Leaving a career to stay home as a mother was not easy. God revealed self pity, pride and selfishness. The praise of men puffed me with pride at work. Doing menial household tasks, changing dirty diapers, the baby crying or sibling rivalry was humbling. Doubts and fears caused me to think I made the wrong decision. This seemed a thankless position with the loss of salary, benefits and adult interaction. Yet  of greater value was learning to walk in sacrificial love through Christ by His Spirit and the work God ordained for me as a wife and mother. Children experience growing pains and so did I as a child of God.

What does it mean to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness?

Matthew 6:19-34 has specific points the Lord revealed and brought personal understanding:
Not to lay up treasures on earth
To lay up treasures in heaven
Not to worry about what we will eat or wear
Watch the birds of the air
Consider the lilies of the field

As I heeded the Lord’s promptings, I discovered anew God’s provisions. It confirmed my heavenly Father knew what I needed. My husband had a good career that provided food, shelter and clothing for our family. What was my problem?

“For where your treasure is there will your heart be also, Matt.6:21. Crying out to the Lord for earthly things exposed my treasures were earthly. My heart needed to be changed.  Matt.6:24b You cannot serve God and mammon. I thought mammon referred to money until a former pastor said it also referred to the flesh. That brought a new perspective of serving self rather than serving God. Lord change me, I prayed. Little by little, He did. No longer do I worry about tomorrow; today has enough trouble of its own, v34.

God taught me facets of kingdom living during this transition of my life to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Disciplines I learned at that time continue to help me live Christ by the Spirit. Quiet times alone with the Lord in prayer and the word, a local church family, Bible study, fellowship with women in the faith and times of confession and repentance to turn from my ways to God’s ways.

Prayer: Thank You Holy Spirit as my Helper to convict worldliness in me of sin, righteousness and judgment, teaching me Kingdom living and transforming me to grow to the full measure of Christ. Amen.
( John 16:8; Col.1:13; 2Cor.5:17; Rom.12:2; Eph.4:13.)

After seeking the Lord for the topic to write in 2017, Christian Writers Circle agreed to write on the Kingdom of God and our part in relation to His Kingdom. In Scripture a parallel phrase to the kingdom of God is the kingdom of heaven.

God bless you to read our blog posts. Join us in taking and doing our part in the body of Christ as kingdom workers.