Kingdom Tension Part 1 Devotionals
Day 1: The Kingdom Within
Devotional When we think of a kingdom, we often picture castles, crowns, and geographical boundaries. However, God’s kingdom operates differently. It’s not marked by physical borders or grand palaces, but by His active presence and authority in our lives. This kingdom was set in motion when Jesus walked among us, and continues to expand through those who follow Him. Just as a seed grows silently beneath the soil before bursting forth with new life, God’s kingdom grows in and through us, often in ways we can’t immediately see.
Bible Verse
‘But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.’ – 1 Peter 2:9
Reflection Question
In what specific ways have you seen God’s kingdom authority manifesting in your daily life this past week?
Quote The kingdom of God is the rule and the reign of God. The kingdom of God isn’t a place, it’s the rule and reign of God. The kingdom of God, it was inaugurated when Jesus came the first time.
Prayer
Father, help me recognize Your kingdom’s presence in my life today. Open my eyes to see where You are working and give me the courage to participate in Your kingdom purposes. Amen.
Day 2: Living in the Now and Not Yet
Devotional Have you ever experienced the anticipation of waiting for something wonderful? That’s similar to our current spiritual reality. We live in an extraordinary time – a period where we can experience God’s presence through His Spirit, while still awaiting the fullness of His kingdom. This creates a beautiful tension that shapes our daily walk. We’re like travelers with one foot in our earthly journey and another in our heavenly citizenship. This unique position gives us both the privilege of experiencing God’s power now and the hope of something even greater to come.
Bible Verse
‘Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?’ – 1 Corinthians 6:19
Reflection Question
How does understanding this ‘now and not yet’ tension change the way you view your current circumstances?
Quote We live in this tension, this kingdom tension, this time in between of Jesus first arrival and when Jesus comes back. We live in this time period called the now and the not yet.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your presence with me today. Help me live faithfully in this present moment while holding onto the hope of Your future promises. Amen.
Day 3: God’s Portable Presence
Devotional Imagine being entrusted with carrying something incredibly precious. That’s exactly what God has done with us! As believers, we don’t just attend church – we are the church. Wherever we go, we carry God’s presence with us. Whether we’re at work, school, the grocery store, or home, we represent God’s presence in that space. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about being available and willing to let God work through us in everyday moments.
Bible Verse
‘For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.’ – 2 Corinthians 5:21
Reflection Question
How might your daily interactions change if you consistently remembered that you carry God’s presence wherever you go?
Quote As Christians, when we follow Jesus, when we have Holy Spirit in us, the local church, corporately, that’s us, right? People individually, that’s you and me as we follow Jesus. We are the portable presence of God.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, thank You for making Your home in me. Help me be more aware of Your presence and let Your light shine through me today. Amen.
Day 4: Your Divine Purpose
Devotional Sometimes we can feel lost in the crowd, wondering if we really matter in God’s grand plan. The beautiful truth is that every single person in God’s family has a unique and vital purpose. Your presence in this world isn’t an accident – you’re here for a specific reason. God has equipped you with particular gifts, experiences, and relationships that position you perfectly for His mission. This mission is beautifully simple yet profound: to help bring one more person into relationship with their heavenly Father.
Bible Verse
‘And they sang a new song, saying: “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”‘ – Revelation 5:9
Reflection Question
What unique qualities and experiences has God given you that could help draw others to Him?
Quote Everyone in the church has a purpose. You have a purpose. You have a mission. You have a reason to be here. Every single one of us does. Our mission is one more. That’s to bring one more lost child back to dad.
Prayer
Father, thank You for creating me with purpose. Show me how to use my unique gifts to draw others closer to You. Give me courage to fulfill the mission You’ve given me. Amen.
Day 5: Shining Your Light
Devotional Light has one simple yet powerful purpose – to illuminate darkness. As believers, we’re called to be light in a world that often feels dark. This isn’t about drawing attention to ourselves, but rather pointing others to the source of our light – Jesus. When we live authentically, serve others, and share God’s love, we naturally shine. Even in difficult times, our perseverance and faith can illuminate the path for others seeking hope.
Bible Verse
‘You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.’ – Matthew 5:13-16
Reflection Question
In what specific ways can you let your light shine brighter in your current circumstances?
Quote Let your light shine so that others can know how good the Lord is. That’s our call as royal priests. That’s how we live as new creation people in this time of the now and the not yet.
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for being the true Light. Help me reflect Your light clearly to those around me, especially in challenging times. Use my life to draw others to Your goodness. Amen.
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