Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

In a fast-paced world where we’re often told to live life our own way and prioritize our happiness, it’s easy to get swept up in the pursuit of success, comfort, and control. We find ourselves sticking to what feels comfortable, often neglecting the profound richness that comes from living in God’s kingdom. As Christians, we are called to step away from the world’s standards and align our lives with the values of the Kingdom.
The scriptures remind us of this essential truth. In Luke 17:20-21, Jesus tells us, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” This powerful statement illustrates that the Kingdom of God is not merely a distant reality we await to enter; it exists within us right now.

As we navigate our daily lives, we must remember that our choices are guided by our beliefs as followers of Christ. Our actions reflect the values of the Kingdom, which promotes true freedom, unconditional love, profound peace, and overflowing joy. These values shape every aspect of our lives, including how we treat others and how we approach our work and interactions.

Jesus proclaimed in Matthew 4:17, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” This call to repentance is foundational. Repentance is about turning away from our sins and acknowledging our need for God’s grace. It’s a process of coming into agreement with God about what separates us from His will. This step is crucial for stepping into the full experience of God’s kingdom here and now. We often settle for the idea that the Kingdom of God is a someday promise, but the reality is that Jesus came so we might have life to the fullest (John 10:10) — and that promise is for today.

Additionally, Romans 14:17 tells us, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” This passage reinforces that living in God’s kingdom is about a lifestyle characterized by the Holy Spirit. It is about righteousness — living right before God and others — joy — an unshakeable gift that persists even in trials — and peace — a calm assurance that God is in control.

To cultivate a Kingdom mindset, we must shift our focus from worldly distractions to divine priorities. Each day, we are called to dedicate our time to the Father. This involves actively taking up our cross, denying ourselves, and following Him. It is a commitment to live moment by moment, guided by the Holy Spirit.

In conclusion, living in God’s kingdom is not a distant aspiration but a present reality that shapes how we engage with the world around us. By embracing God’s values of love, peace, joy, and righteousness, we reflect His character in our daily lives. Let’s choose to live in alignment with the Kingdom now — not just waiting for a future promise but experiencing His kingdom today. In doing so, we allow the light of Christ to shine through us, drawing others into the life changing power of God’s love.