The Kingdom of Self vs. The Kingdom of God

I love the Kingdom of Self. I hate to admit it, but I do. I am in charge, make the decisions, determine the priorities and manage the schedule. It works great. Well, at least most of the time. Or maybe sometimes. Ok – rarely…if ever.

David Benner in Desiring God’s Will compares the two kingdoms and describes the kingdom of self as a dark room, and the kingdom of God a place of freshness and vitality. I would agree.

Kingdom of Self	Kingdom of God
Ruled by self-interest	Ruled by love
Grasping	Releasing
Achievement	Gift
Effort	Interdependence
Willful	Willing
Clenched fist	Open hands
Closed heart	Open heart
Hard and brittle	Soft and malleable
Determination	Transformation

The truth is my spirit is willing but my flesh is weak; so I find myself wandering back to the kingdom of self more than I care to admit. I need community, truth, and hope if I am to remain a resident of the kingdom of God. Ok, I know in reality I am already a resident, thanks to what God has done.

It’s just that I take too many side trips to the kingdom of self. After all, the travel brochure looks so good on the cover. But it costs so much to travel there, and the trip home reminds me what a waste of time, money and effort it has been.

I am grateful today for those who walk with me on the journey, reminding us all that there really is no place like home…in the kingdom of God.

Source: The Kingdom of Self vs. The Kingdom of God

From America to Africa and Back…Thank YOU

To those gracious and generous souls who supported Timothy and me on our trip… thank you!  Your prayers and connections through Facebook and emails greatly encouraged us and our team while we were in Africa.  And I can’t help but wonder how differently our trip would have felt and progressed without your prayers?!  After all, our flight to Liberia was to take only two days.  Instead, it took six!  I truly believe our team was under attack as time after time our progress was delayed or halted altogether.  But the enemy can only bring what the Lord permits and in the end we did arrive and do what we felt God had called us to do. 

Once in country, our shortened trip took us directly to the Bush (jungle area).  When we arrived at the small jungle village, we were greeted in the dark of night by over 50 pastors and teachers, many which had come from miles away for the training we would lead.  Amidst dancing and singing, a welcoming ceremony unfolded in a little church where only a few years ago people had never even heard the Good News of Jesus Christ.  Now, pastors were assembling to learn how to better handle God’s Word.  I’m a bit emotional and greatly humbled to think I had the opportunity to minister amongst them. 

There were 22 “hopeful” and “hungry” pastors in all, some of whom had walked several hours just to attend.  “Hopeful” that amidst the persecution they face in this area –  that the blinders would be removed from the hearts of those with whom they share Jesus.  “Hungry” that more materials, more Bibles, and more training would come to their obscure little part of the world. 

Kerry Buttram, Robby Wisnewski, and myself spent hours teaching through II Timothy (we only made it up to chapter 3!) and parts of Acts.  The pastors themselves had many questions, some dealing with various passages and some dealing with practical issues facing the African Church. “What is the sin unto death?” and “What should we do with a man who has four wives and becomes a believer?” were just two examples.  Just everyday, run-of-the-mill questions…

…I was seeing what it is like for pastors, many of whom were just young Christians themselves – who live in hostile environments – gulp down whatever spiritual water was shared with them and they still wanted more.  Some of these “pastors” had taken the role because out of the few believers in their area, they may be the only one who could read.  And so they try to faithfully follow the Savior, relying on the Spirit and the knowledge that only Jesus satisfies.  Their parting words to us:  “Please come again.  Come again with MORE.”  So, as I write, I’m asking the Lord to make that a reality.

As we were greeted by the Elders of the town, we heard them say, “we are glad you have come.  You’ve even brought your children to meet our children.  Thank you.”  God is definitely up to something!  Please pray for the pastors in this area.  The opportunity is there, but because of the established religion in the area, my heart tells me that the persecution is going to grow.

After three nights in the jungle, our team did return to the capital city, Monrovia, on Thursday the 16th.  After three days of “bucket baths” in the jungle, we were able to enjoy a shower with running water!  Oh the comforts I take for granted!  But it felt sooooo good.  Later that night, we also went to a restaurant and enjoyed a nice meal.  

On Friday, we were greeted by 57 teachers from 4 different Christian Schools on the campus of E.L.W.A. Christian Academy.  Rob Marks, Karen Rigsby, Lisa Romines, and myself taught on a variety of topics … everything from assessment to worldviews.  The teachers were separated into two groups:  preschool – 1^st grade, and then all the other grades above them.  The teachers received our seminars gladly and readily.  It is humbling to be used as an encourager to men and women who are being used by God to repair the lives of a city that has been crushed and destroyed by a war that went on for 14 years… most of those years without education. 

I don’t think our team ever met anyone who hadn’t experienced loss, who hadn’t had their lives turned upside down.  There is still no electricity in homes or businesses unless there is a generator to run things.  Poverty is rampant.  Traffic is chaotic.  Pollution is suffocating.  And yet, God is working, moving, unfazed by a lack of technology and commerce.  These things will come and indeed are coming back even today.  And so is Jesus and the church He is building there. 

Pray for Liberia.  Pray for Samaritan’s Purse.  They have HUGE opportunities to affect this country for Christ.   So does Water of Life, another organization that we partner with in Liberia.  The wells and clean water they are bringing to people in Jesus’ name is showing Christ’s love in very powerful and practical ways. 

Thank you again for your prayers.  And for those of you who gave financially – Timothy and I are so appreciative.  May the Lord richly repay you for your kindness.

P.S.  There is some intentional vagueness on my part related to locations and religions.  If you want more information, get in contact with me.  🙂