My early childhood was spent in Florida, surrounded by palm trees, sunny beaches, and yes, the occasional suburban alligator sighting. No, I don’t mean those crazy Florida Gator football fans, though they are equally as unappealing (Go Dawgs!). For us, being aware of an alligator out and about in a neighborhood pond or waterway was as normal as watching out for bees or spiders—just add a rather large reptile to that list! I think it’s having this background alligator radar that’s led to a recurring nightmare I’ve had since childhood; in the dream, I’m in a dark, foggy forest, and I’m chased by a larger-than-life alligator.
So like our friend King Nebuchadnezzar, you could say I know a thing or two about bad dreams.
While I’m glad Nebuchadnezzar didn’t have to race a reptile in his dream, his vision is nonetheless a terrifying and foreboding one. Daniel’s interpretation doesn’t exactly help mitigate all the doom and gloom, as he sees earthly kingdoms completely crushing one another, brittle kingdoms that can’t be trusted, and devastating division among the people living in those kingdoms.
It’s actually what we learn about God’s kingdom through Nebuchadnezzar’s dream that stood out to me. Daniel says, “The God of the heavens has given you sovereignty, power, strength, and glory. Wherever people live—or wild animals, or birds of the sky—he has handed them over to you” (Daniel 2:37–38). Standing before the ruler that had conquered and oppressed Daniel’s own people, Daniel reminded Nebuchadnezzar who, ultimately, placed the crown on Nebuchadnezzar’s head. God is the one who gave all of this to Nebuchadnezzar, and even if Nebuchadnezzar never acknowledged or gave glory to God, His authority remains the same. And if God gave those things to an earthly king to steward, how much more true are they of God’s own kingdom—that sovereignty, power, strength, and glory are defining attributes of the kingdom God Himself reigns over.
In verse 44, we read just how God’s kingdom will come to be: “In the days of those kings, the God of the heavens will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, and this kingdom will not be left to another people.” Little did Daniel or Nebuchadnezzar know, that kingdom would come hundreds of years later through the birth of a little baby boy in a humble stable. I love the second half of that verse specifically—“this kingdom will not be left to another people”—because it reminds me of how complete and secure our belonging is in God’s kingdom. I will never swear allegiance to another God or to another kingdom because the One to whom my heart belongs will reign forever (Revelation 11:15).
This is how I will rejoice in Jesus coming today: I will celebrate and thank Him for the kind of kingdom He brought with His life and ministry. It is a kingdom that is powerful, and it uses that power to lift up the brokenhearted. It is strong, and it leverages its strength for the weak. It provides an open-invitation to whoever wants to belong, and each citizen is relentlessly committed to the praise and glory of the one true God. What a joy to celebrate a Savior such as this!
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110 thoughts on "We Rejoice in God’s Kingdom"
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“ and HE shall reign.. FOREVER AND EVER “ amen!!
Amen
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An open invitation for anyone who wants to belong
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I know this may be a silly thing to post here, but from the devotional reading, I too grew up in Florida and also had running from alligator dreams! Crazy!! Grateful for a deliverer from both silly dreams and sin!
Hello, I’m new here and enjoyed today’s reading and am looking forward to more studies. It is so comforting to read and be reminded that God is all powerful. I too enjoyed the second reading in Daniel.
Welcome Helen S.!!!!
I love the second reading from Daniel… goosebumps!
Amen!! Thank you for your untouchable kingdom Father God!!
Funny, I was just reading Daniel this morning, and here I read it again. Never a coincidence when it comes to His word.
A kingdom that will never end. With Jesus! Woo! Something to rejoice in for sure!❤️
I want to remember a true Christian President, who walked the walk and lived and shared his faith. May he rest in peace!
They were both such sweet, humble people and to think he continued to teach Sunday School after his term ended; that’s inspiring.
What joy (Golden, without a doubt) Laura!
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Matthew 6:21 came to mind when I read your word for the New Year..
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For your heart will always be where your riches/treasures are.
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What Joy, wonderment and rejoicing in 2025 for You!!
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I’m so glad we can rely on God’s kingdom in our lives. It is a kingdom that will never pass away. I pray that I would put my hope in that kingdom.
Wonderful news for us all.
Gayle, lovely to see you here. Hoping life is being kind to you and thst your Festive season has been fantabulous..
Happiest of New years, dear sister!❤️❤️❤️
Dear Shes
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel has come to us!
Not in a “brown paper package tied up in string”.
But in a blessed babe, lying in a manger in Bethlehem.
Joy! Joy! The joy of the Lord is our strength!
Not through our clenched fists & gritted teeth,
but by His own sake for our salvation.
Sovereign. Sure. Indestructible.
Everlasting. Enthroned. Empowering.
My Lord, may I learn, with Your help, to live
attentive & accepting & appreciative of Your Kingdom come,
starting now.
Not simply on the first day,
of another year.
“Rejoice always,
pray continually,
give thanks in everything;
for this is God’s will
for you,
in Christ Jesus”.
(Thessalonians 5:16-18)
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OK..ok…I NEED to get up earlier….Since I’m on break I’ve been trying to get up by 6:00 am, but can’t get UP! This morning was closer to 6:30. LOVE this morning devotion. WE were all broken in need of a Savior! Thank you JESUS for YOUR open invitation, freely given! I can’t and I won’t do life without my JESUS! LOVE you all so much! Need to run errands today and coming back to read the rest of the comments later. YEP…I set up an appointment today and later coffee time with a sweet friend.
So thankful for God’s open invitation to be a part of His eternal kingdom.
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May I live a a true citizen of it!
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MELANI – how is Antonio doing after his surgery?
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Continuing to pray for those effected by school shooting in Wisconsin.
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Also remembering those still in recovery mode from the hurricanes this year.
“This is how I will rejoice in Jesus coming today: I will celebrate and thank Him for the kind of kingdom He brought with His life and ministry. It is a kingdom that is powerful, and it uses that power to lift up the brokenhearted. It is strong, and it leverages its strength for the weak. It provides an open-invitation to whoever wants to belong, and each citizen is relentlessly committed to the praise and glory of the one true God. What a joy to celebrate a Savior such as this!”
Yes, Kayla, and Amen!
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A song that is stuck in my head as I read these verses: Bringing in the Sheaves. I watched an old TV show a few nights ago and heard it sung. It’s been decades since I last sang it in church.That song is all about working for our Master – sowing and reaping – and REJOICING at the harvest (the lost souls who are saved). My paraphrase of a great article on Bible Study Tools, since I could not copy and paste.
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Happy Monday – last one of 2024! ❤
Amen ❤️
Loving all of your comments!! Tina, beautifully said!! It is done!
He upholds the universe by the word of His cb power!
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I was thinking that today we were starting a new study – what a pleasant surprise to see it continue!
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A kingdom within a kingdom – this is what I thought of after this reading. Our kingdom, the one of the believers – is not of this world. Yet, we live in this worldly kingdom & will continue to until He comes again or takes us home.
Our kingdom is one of joy, hope, peace & love in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in. It is a kingdom where Jesus reigns in our hearts, a place of light amidst all the darkness that surrounds us.
One day we will for sure, reside in that everlasting kingdom that awaits us! Oh what a day of rejoicing that will be! Until then we are to shine the light of Jesus wherever we go, spreading his love & the gospel of peace.
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Rejoicing in Christ my Savior during this Christmastide!
Blessings to all my SRT sisters in this rainy New England day! ❤️
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Thankful that it is finally sunny here after days of clouds and rain!
What joy (Golden, without a doubt) Laura!
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Matthew 6:21 came to mind when I read your word for the New Year..
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For your heart will always be where your riches/treasures are.
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What Joy, wonderment and rejoicing in 2025 for You!!
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Don’t know what’s going on here, but my comment is travelling through the comment boxes..lol.
Sorry Sharon.., but sending you love, love, love.. ❤️
How many kingdoms have come and gone in all of history!? So, so many..! Come and go…so many millions of people come and go. Our time is really short when we think of how time has marched on through the beginning, and our time is most likely less than 100 years. Seems long in our early years and speeds up exponentially as we age! I live in my present kingdom, while awaiting the beautiful, ever-lasting one of Jesus Christ reigning. So, what do I do with this is the question, and a life -altering one at that. It changes everything when we believe that Jesus is the King of kings, and Lord of Lord’s, Ruler of all rulers, and the Reigning Master of all. Our life is different; it is hope and faith, light shining, feet and hands doing, voice lifting, hugs embracing, and toes tapping to the rhythm of the angels.
We have been watching the last season of The Chosen, where it is all coming to a head….Lazarus raised, the last big miracle witnessed by many, and now time to head to Jerusalem. But Jesus has many feelings- sadness, dread, hope. He longs for his disciples to grasp the impact- what was, what is, what is coming- and they are all so confused with all saying different things–it really hits home of all that still happens right now. Between the “kingdom” now and the kingdom to come. They had Jesus right there with them for 3 years, and it couldn’t all be understood until after. It was a great episode, that I have watched twice, season 4, episode 7. Look it up on YouTube!
Thank you Lord, for your Word, that we can read and study, and be enlightened by your Spirit that reveals, when we ask we receive, the scales lift little by little. We earnestly seek and find, by your Holy guidance. We want your bread to feed us, your living water to give us life, and our roots to keep growing secure. Thank you Jesus, for the sacrifice and the Kingdom that is ours in return for our yes. Amen.
Thanks for the rec! ❤
I did some research recently, and wondered what they were gonna do for three more seasons. I know there are many more areas of interest, for sure. But I love. Love. LOVE watching and knowing the “rest of the story”. And I think the casting has been phenomenal. I know some artistic license has been taken here and there, but I definitely think The Chosen is a “must see”, dear sisters.
God’s kingdom is available to all who accept His free gift. There is such solace knowing the kingdoms of this present world are temporary and the kingdom of God is eternal and available to those who believe. On hard days I wish for it to come now, but remind myself God’s timing and plan is perfect!
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Well, my sisters in Christ, God was right about my mom. He came and ushered her home to her eternal reward on Saturday December 28th. I wish I had a window to see what is going on up there due to her arrival. Many tributes have been pouring in to my family about my mom – and the one thing that stands strong and true is her unwavering faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What a legacy to leave behind. She was so full of grace and kindness, always giving, always ready to sacrifice for the betterment of others. Dementia stole her from us four years ago, and it was most difficult to watch her deteriorate one day at a time. I am rejoicing that she is now free from the limitation of this earth, but so saddened that her presence is now gone. My three siblings and I appreciate your prayers for peace amongst us as we plan her service and make many decisions about her estate. Pray that we are as gracious as our mother would want us to be with each other.
My condolences and prayers to you Kris. What a legacy to leave…the one thing that matters, that I pray all my acquaintances know and say about me and tell my family!
It must be a great comfort know she is in the glorious KINGDOM of God now!
God bless you and your family, sister. Will be praying for you all. ❤️
Yes, what a legacy!
I pray for you and your family to receive comfort knowing she is with the Savior and no longer struggling here on earth. Prayers that your pain of loss is eased by His comfort.
Hugs to you ❤️
Kris, I am so sorry your mom has passed, but pray as you requested that you and your siblings will honor her memory by working peacefully together to resolve every issue ahead. What a comfort her legacy is. Big hugs! .❤
May her memory be a blessing
Kris, sorry for your loss. Agreeing in prayerfor peace and untiy to reign as your family navigates the grief and estate settlement
I am so sorry for your loss Kris, but may you continue to be comforted in knowing that she is with Jesus and completely healed. Prayers for you & your siblings. ❤️
Sympathies and peace. May beautiful memories of your mom comfort you all.️
Kris, I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing but praising God that she is in His presence and not suffering from the horrible disease dementia any longer. Praying for you and your siblings as you plan a service to honor her and for a peaceful resolution of her estate. Love you, sweet sister! ❤️
What a wonderful legacy your mom left! I’m so sorry for your loss and thankful she is now healed and worshiping in person! Praying for wisdom, guidance and grace as things are sorted out. ❤️
My sincere condolences Kris to you and your family. Even though loss leaves a void in our hearts, we rejoice that she is no longer suffering and is at peace with our Jesus. Prayers for you and your siblings as you deal with all the details. God bless you all. ❤️
Praying for God’s comfort and strength over your family in this time.
Kris, I am sorry for your loss. I pray peace reigns in your heart and that knowing that mom is with her Lord is a comfort..
We are here, Kris, holding you close in prayer and sending hugs..
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Much love..❤️
So sorry for your loss, Kris. Praying for you and your siblings and giving thanks for your mum’s life.
Oh Kris. I’m sorry for your loss. But what a gain for her! The renewing of her mind! Praying for peace and comfort for you and your siblings while you make some decisions. ❤️
I am so sorry for your loss, Kris. ❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss.
May comfort, peace and strength uphold you and your family ❤️
So sorry for your loss Kris,but praise God for the wonderful legacy she has left behind!
So sorry for your loss. What a legacy she has left and rejoicing in heaven. Prayers for your family! ❤️
I’m back in Florida and hope to never see an alligator. I see plenty of other things. Especially snakes. Which makes me think of “serpent”. How they sliver and sneak up on you so quietly. I pray for protection to surround me every single day. My heart is His.
Enjoy your time in Florida Traci – prayers for no alligator sightings! ❤️
“Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:3-4
This is the perfect, eternal kingdom our hearts long for. And we rejoice because God’s plan was to let us dwell in His kingdom of grace here on earth which He made possible through our precious Lord Jesus. To taste the riches of His generosity, to know His mercies each day, to be enveloped in His love, to see prayers answered, to be comforted in hardship and grief, to receive an open invitation to cast our burdens on Him, to experience joy and the peace that passes all understanding. Our cups are are full to overflowing in tasting His kingdom here on earth! Thank you Jesus! Rejoice Sisters rejoice!
Every other Kingdom is weak! His is strong! My King Jesus! I love you!
Hallelujah!!!
Reading today’s scriptures, all I can think of is the song by Crystal Lewis:
Lord, I’m ready now
I’m waiting for Your triumphant return
You’re coming so soon
This world has nothing for me
I find my peace and joy solely in You (only in You)
I want the world to see
That You’re alive and living well in me
Let me be a part of the harvest
For the days are few
You’re coming soon
chorus:
So people get ready Jesus is coming
Soon we’ll be going home
People get ready, Jesus is coming
To take from the world his own
People get ready, Jesus is coming
Soon we’ll be going home
People get ready, Jesus is coming
Soon we’ll be going home (we’ll be going home)
There’s a day that comes
When we will be divided right and left
For those who know Him and those that do not know
And those who know Him well, will meet Him in the air
Hallelujah, God is with us
And those that do not know, they will hear “Depart I knew you not.”
For my friends you see
There will be a day when we’ll be counted
So know Him well, know Him well
I REMEMBER this song!! Going to listen to it as well this morning!! LOVE it!
“But there is a God…” This God that gives power to leaders, to us. Even in the face of unbelief, it doesn’t change the fact that there is a God in Heaven bestowing power AND using His power to raise up the powerless. What a beautiful God!
As I reflect on 2024 and look ahead to 2025, it is so comforting for my heart that I belong to God’s Kingdom. Knowing that I can trust the One in charge of this Kingdom takes away any fear I have for the future. I just celebrated Christmas with all of my kids yesterday. It has been 7 years since we were together like this, and add in a little grandchild, well, my heart was so full! Every Christmas for the past 7 years has been so hard with my daughter estranged from us. And every New Year I would choose a word that reflected my hope and longing for our reconciliation: hope, anticipation, trust, surrender. But this year I choose TREASURE because like Mary, I want to treasure the good things God is doing in our family. I want to treasure the answered prayer, the movement forward. I don’t want to get bogged down in the sadness of lost years together, the disappointments in prayers not YET answered, the uncertainty of the final outcome. What I have prayed for has not YET been fully answered. My daughter (and son) do not profess a belief in Jesus. They are still very far from their faith. BUT I want to treasure what God has done and IS doing. To rejoice in the movement that has happened and wait expectantly for what will still come. Having all family members as part of God’s Kingdom, what a happy day that will some day be!
❤ Treasure. This is so precious, Laura. I love this. May your heart of treasure be blessed and to overflow this coming year. Amen
Laura my heart is full for you! I pray that you will see your daughter and son both come back to their faith.
Amen. ❤️
Thank you for sharing this Laura! Treasure! I love it! What a way to honor God! And how amazing to see how God is at work in your family!
What an awesome Christmas present, Laura. Treasure this time, love on them and let God do the rest. They know where you stand!
Treasure!
How perfect! To treasure what God has done and is doing! I love your heart.
I am so happy for you Laura that you had all your family together for Christmas – praise God! ❤️
(Heart!!)
What a feeling that must have been yesterday—basking in the Joy and TREASURE of them all together! And yet the longing to want them to choose the Savior! A curious question with your daughter…she has ended with her partner, does she still choose the lifestyle? Praying you all will be able to have delicate conversations in this area, and the prodigal daughter returns! (and your son!)
Hi Rhonda J. We haven’t approached this topic with her yet. When she was with her partner, she said she was “bi” and now she has a serious boyfriend who is definitely not part of the homosexual scene, but knew her when she was in this relationship, so we are not sure. We are assuming that this was a phase, as we always assumed it was. It is interesting to me though, that whenever this partner is mentioned, there is no doubt in our daughter’s mind that she was a “he.” So in her mind she was always with a boy (even though we all know “he” was a girl) It is sad to me for both of them because Satan has deceived their minds so much! We are still waiting on the Lord to open doors for us to talk about the past. We haven’t gone there yet, but she has opened up a bit to our son-in-law. Thank you for your continued prayers for her and for us. There is lots of healing needed but we know that God is good and will bring it about in His timing.
Your comments brought me to tears this morning. I too have children who are not following Jesus and I resonate with the word treasure. I love them so deeply and see how their choices have made their life more difficult and messy. I have surrendered them to Jesus and rest in this verse found in Psalm 127:1. “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” I can only pray and let the Holy Spirit move in my kids. There is rest in knowing God is in control and loves them so much more than I do. Praying for all of you with kids whom we long to come back to Jesus.
Yes, Amen!
Rejoicing with all our SRT sisters here Laura! This is BEAUTIFUL!!
So happy for your Laura! Your heart must have been about to burst with peace and happiness. God is good. Continue to treasure those moments in your heart. Trust that God is working all things for good. ❤️
Oh, Laura, how WONDERFUL! We were reunited on Christmas Eve with one of our two estranged daughters as well. All glory to God as we TREASURE these blessings in our hearts just as Mary did in giving birth to our Savior.
What joy (Golden, without a doubt) Laura!
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Matthew 6:21 came to mind when I read your word for the New Year..
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For your heart will always be where your riches/TREASURES are.
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What Joy, wonderment and rejoicing in 2025 for You!!
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What a great joy and treasure answered prayer is. Praise the Lord!❤️
Your kingdom come, your will be done.
I look forward to your responses each day, TINA! What an encouragement your words are from across the pond. Jesus sat down….He was done. It was complete. Praise God for His love and never-changing Word! How grateful I am that I know Him!
Jesus’ Kingdom is secure and will stand forever! What an amazing promise! Hallelujah, thank You Jesus!
The verses from Daniel 7 grabbed my attention today, He came! And He is coming again!
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praying for the lost.
Isaiah 55:6-7
6 Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
7 Let the wicked forsake his way,
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
Let him return to the Lord,
And He will have mercy on him;
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon.
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Reminded of the Bill Gaither song, Let’s Just Praise The Lord –
Chorus:
Let’s just praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
Let’s just lift our hands to heaven and praise the Lord;
Let’s just praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
Let’s just lift our hands to heaven and praise the Lord!
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LYNNE FROM AL -praying, sister.
And for other caregivers here as well, LINDA IN NC, NANCY S, GRAMSIESUE and others.
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MARTHA HIX and FOSTER MAMA – good to see y’all
Great verse, great song! One cannot sing that song without smiling! ❤
Sweet Searching, I love that song! I haven’t heard it or even thought of it in years but will look it up and listen today! Thank you for your continued prayers! ❤️
Tucked in amongst the verses to read was this from Hebrews 1:3
It says..
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..After making purification for sins, He sat down.. ”
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Job done!
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Mission complete!.
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Made good on!
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All sewn up!
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Nailed it!
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This last one, though its something we say when we get things right, is the
actual truth of the matter!
Jesus, was nailed to a cross, so we would, without a doubt, know, how complete and very secure our belonging is in God’s Kingdom!
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Living in the United kingdom, I am a tad knowing about kingdoms.. And how they were gained. Fought, won, stolen..
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BUT GOD..
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The Kingdom mentioned here, however, Gods Kingdom, does not belong to anyone race, colour, or creed… BUT belongs to ALL whose hearts are pointed to God..
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Definitely, and totally thankful for Jesus and His gift of belonging, security, and life complete in Gods Kingdom..
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The song, People get ready came to mind..
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People get ready, there’s a train a-coming,(there is Hope a-coming)
You don’t need no baggage, (leave it all behind, leave it at the cross) you just get on board..
All you need is faith to hear the diesels humming..(hear The Fathers calling, my improvisation)..
… Just thank the Lord..
Verse 3,
There ain’t no room for the hopeless sinner,
Who would hurt all mankind, just to save his own,
Believe me now..
Have pity on those whose chances grow thinner, for there’s no hiding place against the Kingdoms throne..
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People, Sisters, let’s get ready, and as we do.. Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice, for the kingdom of God is near.. Always..
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Oops, there goes the feet, joyfully tapping!!
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Happy joy-filled Monday, my people, covered in much rejoicing and prayers wrapped in love..❤
Tapping along with you, sister! Don’t know that song but will be searching soon :)
Another good one, TINA. A saying/phrase that came to mind while reading your words – hit it out of the park, home run … running toward Him, toward our heavenly home.
Love you! And yesterday’s rejoicing – thank you!!
Look up Eva Cassidy’s version. She had such a beautiful voice. Sadly cancer took her life at a young age of around 30.
It is a beautiful version and she had a beautiful voice!
Thank you Traci, I looked it up to listen to it later after my devotions.
❤️ You got that right Tina! God surely uses you to help others see the glory of His kingdom!
Wising you and our fellow sister a blessed day!
Sweet Tina, I just love this. It’s making me smile!
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Oh, the smile on my face!
You have me rejoicing!
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❤ looking up that song!
Taking that wrapped love and prayers as I’m still in my cozy blanket near the Christmas tree on this chilly California morning! Love you lots Tina!! Never heard of the song but going to listen to it later.
Precious Tina, I think that is called “happy feet!” Music about my precious Lord and Savior gives me happy feet all the time! I’m going to look up that song today. Thank you for always blessing all of us! ❤️
Hey Tina
You got soul, sister!
I remember that song;
Curtis Mayfield & the Impressions.
Oh yes!
That’s the ticket!
Lighten up, loved ones.
Leave the troublesome, worrisome, needling behind.
Board the Truth train.
By His Grace, bound for Glory!
Christ, our Conductor.
Thank You Father for Your kingdom come, Hour will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. Amen
Oh how we long for this kind of kingdom – “a kingdom that is powerful, and it uses that power to lift up the brokenhearted. It is strong, and it leverages its strength for the weak. It provides an open-invitation to whoever wants to belong”! It’s almost hard to imagine because it’s so contrary to what we live in right now. Father, help us keep our eyes on Your Kingdom that’s coming and share that w/others who need encouragement today!
May I enjoy the peace of Twixmas and rejoice in the new beginnings that are to come both in Jesus and what he has in store for me in 2025. Lord, lead my steps today, amen x
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