Thy Kingdom Come Ministries Wishes You A Happy And Blessed New Year!

The Virtue of Patience

"I waited patiently for the Lord…" Psalm 40:1

If there is a quality and a characteristic that Christians need to make sure we emulate it is that of patience. Often there is not a lot of emphasis on patience, but it is a prerequisite to working with God and receiving His blessings. 

When we look at the life of Abraham, we often emphasize the extraordinary faith that he possessed. But rarely do we focus on the patience that he had to exhibit in order to receive the promises of God. Hebrews 6:12 says "...through faith and patience inherit the promises". The scripture goes on to say in reference to Abraham, "And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise" (Hebrews 6:15). 

Let us make sure as we submit our requests and supplications unto God that we are likewise cultivating the virtue of patience.

We Are Overcomers

The world has a way of making people feel defeated and hopeless. Tragedy, death, accidents...all of these things tend to make people feel helpless. However, as believers in Christ, we need to understand that in every situation and circumstance, we are Overcomers. 

When Jesus was raised from the dead after His death on Calvary's cross, He gained the ultimate victory over sin, death and Satan. Now that we are "in Christ" and the Spirit that raised Him abides in us, there is no situation that we cannot "rise above." Jesus said in the 11th chapter of the Gospel of St. John that "I Am the Resurrection and the Life."

No matter what you're going through, no matter what seems to be weighing you down, know that in Christ the Resurrection, you are an Overcomer.

The Kingdom and Righteousness

The sixth chapter of the Gospel of St. Matthew, verse 33, tells us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness. While many believers are in pursuit of the Kingdom, it's not clear if there is an equal pursuit of His Righteousness. 

One would think that if a person is seeking first the Kingdom of God that he is automatically seeking His Righteousness. Not necessarily so, because the two are not synonymous. The Kingdom refers to rule and authority; His Righteousness is in reference to application and submission. 

The Righteousness of God is the standard of the Kingdom of God. Holiness and Sanctification are the prerequisites to the manifestation of the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in Heaven. Let us make sure that we are in equal pursuit of His Kingdom as well as His Righteousness.

Complacent Christianity

One of the challenges for many Christians is the fight against the spirit of complacency. When a person is complacent, they begin to get satisfied and settled with where they are. 

There's no longer a drive for more, a quest for the best, a stretch beyond their current achievements. This is where a lot of Christians are. We've grown complacent in our current standing in God. But as we prepare to go into the New Year, God is ready to do a New Thing. And with the Newness that God is ready to release in the Earth and in His Church, a complacent spirit will not be tolerated. 

It is imperative that we learn to "press" into the Kingdom. There are higher heights, greater goals, that God has established for His people. It is up to us to reach beyond our selves, stretch our limits and press into what God has ordained for us in this New Season. We can no longer have a witness of a Complacent Christianity.

It's Time to Grow Up

One of the standards that God has established for His children is that we move into maturity. God does not want us to stay spiritual babes all of our lives. At some point in our relationship with Christ, we need to grow up. 

The reason that you don't see more born-again believers walk in spiritual maturity is because the old saying is true,"There is no growth without pain." 

In order to grow up into Christ you have to experience the growing pains of spiritual maturity:

• The pain of self-denial.
• The pain of bearing your cross. 
• The pain of crucifying the flesh. 
• The pain of loving and forgiving your enemies. 

None of these things are easy. But they are the marks of spiritual maturity in Christ Jesus. 

As we prepare for the New Year, let us make a commitment to maturity in Christ and recognize that it's time to grow up.

Happy Birthday Jesus!!!

Source: Jesus My Savior 

Today we celebrate the Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. 

As is typical in our culture, many people will exchange various gifts with loved ones and friends. 

Even though this is a beautiful gesture and definitely reflects the spirit of Christmas, for many of us, it is not our birthday. But it is in fact the day that we celebrate Jesus' Birthday. 

So what are you giving Jesus for His Birthday? We know what He has given us: His Life, HIs Blood, His Love, Eternal Life.

Can we give Jesus too much for His Birthday? Why not give Him your heart? Why not give Him the gift of sacrifice? 

Give Him the gift of surrender. Give Him the gift of submission and obedience. Give Him the gift of worship and praise. Generally people are asked what do they want for Christmas.

When you ask Jesus what He wants for His Birthday and the Spirit lets you know, give it to Him quickly and say, HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS! MERRY CHRISTMAS.