Kingdom Tension Part 7 Devotionals
Day 1: More Than Bricks and Mortar
Devotional When you hear the word ‘church,’ what comes to mind? Perhaps a building with stained glass windows or a steeple reaching toward the sky. Yet God’s vision of church is far grander and more beautiful than any physical structure. The church is a living, breathing community of believers spanning all of time and space, united by our faith in Jesus Christ. You are part of something truly extraordinary – a family that transcends geographical boundaries and generational gaps. This identity gives profound meaning to our daily lives and relationships.
Bible Verse
And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. – Ephesians 1:22-23
Reflection Question
How does understanding that you’re part of this vast, eternal family of believers change the way you view your role in God’s kingdom?
Quote If you are a follower of Christ, you are a part of the body of Christ, the church. And it’s just so amazing when we think about the thought of that we’re a part of a group of all Christians who follow Jesus that have ever lived. That is a really big church.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for including me in Your global family of believers. Help me grasp the magnitude of what it means to be part of Your church. Guide me to live worthy of this calling today. Amen.
Day 2: God’s Wisdom Through the Cross
Devotional In a world that often prizes complexity and intellectual sophistication, God’s greatest wisdom comes through what appears foolish to many – the cross of Christ. This profound paradox reveals God’s heart and power. Through Jesus’s sacrifice, God made a way for humanity to be reconciled to Him. When we embrace this truth, we become living testimonies to God’s wisdom. Our lives demonstrate that true power lies not in human strength or wisdom, but in humble surrender to Christ.
Bible Verse
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. – 1 Corinthians 1:18-24
Reflection Question
In what ways has the ‘foolishness’ of the cross proven to be wisdom in your own life journey?
Quote This mystery that we’ve read about is this, that it’s God, the wisdom of God on the cross. It’s the wisdom of God is that on the cross. Jesus made a way not just for eternal life, but for people who believe in Him.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the wisdom of the cross. Help me embrace its power in my life and share its truth with others. May I never be ashamed of this beautiful mystery. Amen.
Day 3: Created for Good Works
Devotional Have you ever wondered about your purpose? God has already thought about this! You weren’t created by accident – you were intentionally crafted as God’s masterpiece with specific good works in mind. These aren’t just random acts of kindness, but divine appointments prepared in advance for you to fulfill. Each day presents opportunities to live out this purpose, making a difference in ways both big and small. Your life has profound meaning in God’s grand design.
Bible Verse
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – Ephesians 2:10
Reflection Question
What good works has God placed in your path today that you might have overlooked?
Quote You were created to do good things for the kingdom of God. That is one of your missions of life. Know that you were created to do good for the kingdom of God.
Prayer
Dear God, open my eyes to see the good works You’ve prepared for me today. Give me courage to step into these opportunities with faith and joy. Amen.
Day 4: Contentment in Every Season
Devotional Life’s circumstances can change dramatically – from abundance to scarcity, from joy to challenge. Yet through Christ, we can find contentment in every season. This isn’t about passive acceptance but active trust in God’s presence and provision. When we keep God in the equation of our lives, we discover a strength that transcends our circumstances. This contentment becomes a powerful testimony to others of God’s faithfulness.
Bible Verse
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:12-13
Reflection Question
What situation in your life right now needs to be viewed through the lens of God’s presence and provision?
Quote Always keep God in the equation. You know, always keep God in the equation. No matter the situation, whether it’s yours or someone else’s, always keep God in the equation.
Prayer
Lord, teach me the secret of contentment in all circumstances. Help me trust Your presence and provision in every season of life. Amen.
Day 5: Armed for Battle
Devotional Each day, we’re engaged in a spiritual battle that requires spiritual preparation. This isn’t about physical conflict but about standing firm in faith against forces that would pull us away from God’s truth and purpose. By putting on God’s armor – truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and His Word – we’re equipped to face whatever challenges come our way. Remember, you’re not fighting alone; you’re part of God’s army, supported by His strength and your fellow believers.
Bible Verse
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. – Ephesians 6:12
Reflection Question
Which piece of God’s armor do you most need to strengthen in your life right now?
Quote The armor of God is something that we need to prepare us for these battles that we face. We have this opportunity to arm ourselves fully in the suit of armor that God gives us when we pray, and we make that a part of our lives.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me put on Your full armor today. Strengthen me for the spiritual battles I face, and help me stand firm in Your truth and power. Amen.
Join us at Keys Vineyard Church in person or online or connect with our Bible Institute for more sermons, courses, etc.