JESUS’ KINGDOM
Today’s Reading: John 17-18
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
A majestic view of the Church of All Nations that is built over the traditional place where Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night of His arrest.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.
Key Verse: John 18:36a
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world…”
The kingdom of Saul, David and others was a small geographic entity known as Israel. At the time of our reading, Israel was known as Palestine, and was a province of the Empire ruled over by the Roman Caesar. But Jesus declares the fact that His Kingdom is the entire planet and beyond to the entire universe. Jesus’ responded to the representatives of an earthly political and religious entity with the words, “I AM HE,” when they said that they were seeking Jesus of Nazareth; He demonstrated His total authority when He spoke that Name given to Moses from the burning bush. The detachment of troops and officers from the chief priests fell backward on the ground at His Name!!!
Let’s back up to chapter 17. This is Jesus’ powerful prayer to His Father. This prayer was answered with a resounding “YES!” His followers did maintain unity most of the time, and as a result, over two billion people on earth today claim to be Christians. When the world sees that we are one, as Jesus prayed, they believe that the Father sent His Son. Please read again John 17:20-26.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, I pray that I, as one who seeks to follow Your Son and my Saviour, Jesus Christ, will be one with my brothers and sisters as You and Your Son, Jesus, are One. I’m totally confident that as the world around me sees that love in me and the unity that I have with my fellow believers, more and more will believe that You sent Jesus. In His Name, Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
The Internet connects in a way which is important, but not really personally in a close friendship where I can put my arm around someone who is weeping or dance with someone who is rejoicing. This happens when believers come together in person. This “coming together” is “ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL.” As a leader of an international ministry with a good sized full-time team and many volunteers, I would bring together the core team to establish the budget. We would go over everything that we were doing and ask the team to categorize all our commitments under three headings: (1) Necessary (2) Essential (3) ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL. Then if funds were not available we would eliminate the necessary and the essential, keeping in the budget only the ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL!!! The teaching of Jesus on UNITY in today’s reading is the ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL for the cause of bringing lost precious people to Him. Without the unity for which He prayed, we fail miserably in the call He has placed on our lives. The Father is answering Jesus’ prayer 24/7 with our new Crossroads Team led by Dr. John Hull.
Yours for the Father’s answer in all of our lives,
David
P.S. Tonight is Halloween, originally “Holy Evening.” The evening before All Saints Day, believers would come to church in centuries past to be prayed for to make sure that no unclean or evil spirits were controlling their thoughts and lives. The next day at church they joined all the saints, past present and future in their celebration of God’s provision for holiness. Come to think of it, it might be a good idea to resurrect this practice.
Touched by today’s prayer, David. Your love for our Heavenly Father and unity with fellow believers glows for all to see and be drawn to. Thank You dear Jesus for being the torch of Holy light in our world. Blessings dear saints.
… and, Amen
I am touched by your prayer as well and make it my own
In Jesus Name
Amen
God bless you and everyone on our blog today
Lianne Hogg
we prefer tp think on Oct.31 as Reformation Day Martin Luther putting on his commemts on the door in Wittenberg Germany rather than Halloween
As we read today about the painful trial, crucifixion and death of our redeeming Christ, may we find peace, hope and comfort knowing our souls are eternal and safe. May His strength and blessings guide your hearts and minds this day!
Amen.
Can’t help but think of Peter’s dilema every time I read this part of the bible.
Great pic of the church Reynold. Thanks.
Will have a brand new grandson on Nov. 10th and hope to teach him the true meaning of Halloween when he is old enough to understand. Candy is a delight but knowledge is power:-)
Blessings dear saints on this chilly day in Alberta.
This is a write-
up about Mr. Cook, CEO of Apple. Jim Denison makes a good point.
http://www.denisonforum.org/morality/1218-tim-cook-is-being-gay-a-gift-of-god
Enjoy dear saints!
http://player.vimeo.com/video/58611141?autoplay=1
See in John 17 the love that the Son of God has for for His Father and the love He has given us. Prayed your prayer David. Good to hear from you Beverlee. Blessings everyone.
Blessings to all as we live in The Light, Jesus. He is our strength and deliverer and I praise His Holy Name.
Thank you Pastor David for your prayer today. I read it out loud and claim it as mine too!!
Perhaps we should resurrect the practice of meeting in the church as you suggest.
Agreed, Catherine!
Thank you Reynold for your beautiful picture; the way in which you captured the beauty of its architect an colours.
What a comfort to know, that Jesus prayed to the Father for us prior to His death and is still praying for us in heaven!! Thank you Father, Thank you Jesus, Thank you Holy Spirit…for Your Great Love for us, for me!!!
Pastor David I joined in your prayer…prayer for Unity and love in the body of Christ. Also, I come in agreement with your P.S. That fellowship and prayer is very much needed within the midst of The Church of Jesus.
Thank you for sharing your testimony…and wisdom you gained in your walk in the Lord.
Amen!!!!
Amen and amen!!!
I have always considered this the “Lord’s Prayer”. The other one we call “The Lord’s Prayer”, “Our Father…, is one taught to the disciples(us).
But I still draw strength and uplifting.
Thank you dear saints for your prayers. I was transferred to St. Mary’s on the Lake. God has opened every door and is in control. His blessings are everywhere to see. When we feel lost and fear sets in, from pain beyond control, let us rest and return to the Word of the Lord, for He shall rekindle our soul.
Beverlee …I pray you continue to be strengthened as you rest in the ARMS of the GREATEST HEALER of our soul and body…JESUS!
AMEN to the P.S.
I’m all for the churches to do something meaningful on Halloween evening…gathering together to pray is a wonderful idea, when I was young family members celebrated Reformation with a celebration service. I sure don’t like the way things are going with so much emphasis on costumes and candy ……I guess I am old fashioned that way….I believe many Christians do not understand Reformartion and what it means…..so gald people are feeeling better and that God is leading the way…..blessings to all
I’m beginning to realize that the time zones affect our replies….it shows 2:31 a.m when it is about ll:40 p.m. ……where I live, in British Columbia…..