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What’s the significance of praying about the kingdom?

The second phrase in Jesus’ model prayer is:

“…Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9-10

What exactly are we asking for when requesting His kingdom come? It’s an acknowledgement that He’s the central figure on the throne. It’s also prayerfully looking forward to something amazing…His kingdom fully implemented on earth.

The second half of the phrase, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” speaks of knowing how to respond to His commands. Since it’s His kingdom, He has the divine privilege to rule as He sees fit. The angels don’t question God’s motives or timing; they simply go and do what He says. They know He has the best judgment and sees the whole picture. His will is the best, and it’s in our best interest to seek it…every time.

Are you anxious for kingdom-related things to happen, or is the status-quo just fine?
Are you seeking His will today, or trying to make His fit yours?

What does it mean to “keep your word”? Is it sticking to a promise as long as the other person reciprocates, or is it more? When it comes to describing an event or recalling a conversation, what does “integrity of story” mean? Jesus narrowed it all down to simple terms. He said this:

“But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ be ‘No’.” – Matthew 5:37a NKJV

In the Jewish culture, invoking Heaven or Jerusalem as a signature to a statement was often used to identify it as true and binding. Jesus taught that our character should back up our word without the need for addendums. Our commitments or story-telling should be readily received as true, based on a previous track record. As a disciple, we represent Christ, and our words should reflect that. What are some of your commitments? Are they to a spouse? To your kids? To serve in a position at church? How about in your vocation? Are you known as a person of “word-integrity” or do you edit things to primarily benefit yourself?

Thankfully there is forgiveness for the times of “missing the mark” (which may also require making amends), but going forward today; “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ be ‘No’.”

Your heart is a private conference room. It’s where emotions and thoughts engage in personal deliberation. Sometimes the conversation is quick, sometimes it’s ongoing, or maybe no deliberation at all. Jesus spoke and taught much about the heart. It was at the very core of His preaching. Consider His words:

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” – Matthew 5:27-28 NKJV

What is the conversation inside your heart like and what are the resources in the room? Is the discussion dominated by a single voice? For example, does “reason” do all the talking? Or does “emotion” get so loud that others just submit to keep the peace? In the mix of debate, the Holy Spirit’s voice is the one to listen for. He isn’t obnoxious and loud, and the Bible is His “Book of Standards”.

Our flesh often wants to counter and debate, but His counsel is true, motivated by love, and always in our best interest. What’s happening in your heart today?

Light can be blinding, but also illuminating, guiding and healing. Jesus spoke of light when describing His followers:

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV

Throughout the scriptures, light is connected to God. At the beginning of creation, He brought it to be. In the Old Testament, the psalmist said:

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105 NKJV

John said of Jesus:

“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” – John 1:4 NKJV

Works glorifying God are the ones reflecting Him, because He’s ultimately the source of true light. They reveal the presence of the Holy Spirit at work. Where is the “lampstand” you’re placed on today? Is it among co-workers, customers, family, students? What works will they see in you? May His light shine bright though you today…

In the ancient world, salt was a valuable commodity and used in many daily tasks. Hundreds of heavily loaded camels in long caravans would traverse hostile territory to get the salt to market. It was such a necessary ingredient in the economy of the Roman Empire that soldiers were stationed at forts along the trade routes to protect the supply. So, while considering how the ancients viewed salt, hear these words:

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” – Matthew 5:12 NKJV

Salt is not only a vital part of our body’s function, it also cleanses, preserves and enhances flavor. Jesus said without those functions, it’s “good for nothing”. As kingdom salt you have great worth, but what will your level of “saltiness” be today? Will your words add flavor, or will they be too salty for consumption? Will they cleanse and heal, or just sting? Will they help preserve, or destroy? May our presence be the needed ingredient to bring Him glory today.

God created everything with order and purpose. Some things have obvious functionality, some have stunning beauty, and others are not easily understood. But there’s one creation with a special label attached saying, “Made in the image of God.” When Jesus’ treatment of people conflicted with the customs of the Jewish leaders, He was often criticized. One example is in Mark chapter 2 (regarding the disciples picking grain on the Sabbath to eat as they walked). Jesus responded to the accusations:

“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.” – Mark 2:27-28 NKJV

Next, He healed a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath (and was criticized), but He pointed out the value of kindness over Sabbath rigidity. The Jewish leaders had taken a gift (the institution of the Sabbath for rest and worship), and placed it above the recipients of the gift. The instructions given to Moses were designed for physical and spiritual benefit, (but they had been turned into a burden). Jesus’s ministry modeled many things, and one of the biggest was how He loved people. What does “Made in the image of God.” mean for you? And for those you will encounter today?

“Do you want to be made well?” was the question Jesus asked a man at the Pool of Bethesda who’d been sick for 38 years. When the man explained he was trying to get well by getting into the pool, Jesus said:

“Rise, take up your bed and walk.” – John 5:8 NKJV

It’s interesting how Jesus often healed, and gave instructions to go with it. For example, He didn’t just administer healing and leave him lying there to figure out, He gave three actions steps, “Rise”, “Take-up”, and “Walk”. Later, when He saw the man in the Temple, He gave him further instructions as well:

“See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worst thing come upon you.” – John 5:14 NKJV

Has Jesus made you well on the inside? If so, then consider His words of action today; “Rise”, “Take-up”, and “Walk.” Don’t just relax and think about it; get up, throw the old bed in the dumpster, and walk freely. When God does a work in us, it’s also an empowering to walk. May you walk in wellness today…