Experiencing God's Presence #360

Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever.

Isaiah 9:7, NKJV

From the days of Jesus until now, the Kingdom of God has been expanding. And it will continue to expand forever. Though many believe it’s shrinking, it isn’t. They don’t have eyes to see what God is really doing around the world. The truth is that Jesus is growing His Kingdom in numerous hearts, even in many whole communities and societies in behind-the-scenes ways. The small mustard seed is growing; the little bit of yeast is leavening the dough. The government of the Prince of Peace will never come to an end.

Where is the Kingdom of God? Wherever He rules, and it’s an inside-out kingdom. That means it begins in the deep recesses of our hearts and works its way outward. There’s no limit to its impact other than the limits we impose. If we live freely as children of the King, the Kingdom within us will transform the kingdoms around us. And that’s our goal—for the Kingdom to always be expanding within us and around us in our spheres of influence. Our families, workplaces, communities, and churches are to be impacted by what God has done in us.

Let Jesus rule with fairness and justice in your spheres of influence. Carefully cultivate what He is doing in you, knowing that it will work its way outward. As a vessel of the Presence, you are a carrier of the Kingdom. And as a carrier, there is governmental authority to demonstrate fairness, justice, and all the characteristics of God wherever you are. Such demonstrations are never without impact, no matter what little fruit you see at the time. The Kingdom not only expands through Jesus; it expands through you.

Jesus, what can I do to grow Your Kingdom? Help me do more than tell Your story; help me display Your character, demonstrate Your ways, and impact my environment everywhere I set my foot. Expand Your Kingdom in me and through me.

From the book