Thy Kingdom Come

Summer is slowly but surely passing by. While it has gone by fast, what a sweet summer it has been. I looked at a calendar a couple of days ago and was blown away when I noticed that this is my last full week of summer. My heart stopped a little bit when I realized I may need to start thinking about school again. I will miss summertime, but I can't help but feel real excited when I think about seeing both new and old little friends at school. 

Each school year has and will always be different but I will choose to believe the most positive things for the upcoming year. "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1Thessalonians5:16-18) Father, let this be a constant prayer of my heart not only for school but in all aspects of life. It is a choice to rejoice in having a job that embodies a new adventure every day, to pray His Kingdom comes and blessings are shown throughout school, and to be thankful for each and every day no matter the struggles or difficulties that may arise. This is God's will, this is what He wants. To open and change our worldly, selfish perspective, to one that is focused and centered on Christ Jesus. Let it be.

Recently, I have been watching testimonies of famous stars and athletes from the website, I Am Second. If you've never heard of the website, it rocks. The people in the films are real, raw, and purely surrendered to God. Each person tells their story on how they came to know and call on Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and ends with the statement, "...I am second." 

Three powerful words. I. Am. Second. 

When I think about those three words I think about the culture we live in as Americans. Our culture tells us and reiterates a mindset of success, control, money, and selfish pursuit, the "American dream". The "American Dream" says, "I am first"and it's all about me. It's all about being successful, working hard for my success, starting a family, making sure my children are successful, and then retiring in a nice, comfortable place. 

Yet, Kingdom living says, "I am second". Kingdom living says this...

"But seek his kingdom, and all these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." 

Luke 12:31-33

"But seek first his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." 

Matthew 6:33-34

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Mark 10:45

Kingdom living is more meaningful, more satisfying, more gratifying, than the "American Dream". It almost doesn't make sense. It seems upside down and counter-cultural because as Americans we are used to pursuing all things for "me, myself, and I". Yet, Kingdom living pursues all things for our Father in Heaven, Abba, God, Lord of Lords, and King of Kings. 

To seek first his kingdom means laying down our desires, our wants, our needs for His. Lord, what do YOU want me to do? How can I serve YOU today? This life is not my own, to YOU I belong. 

I. Am. Second.

You came to serve and give Your life as a ransom. Lord, let my life be a life of servanthood, a life of sharing Your Gospel with others, a life that is not about me. 

I. Am. Second.

Father, let these three words be a constant prayer of my heart as I begin a new school year. My life is YOURS. I ask for Your perspective, Your eyes, Your heart, as I walk into school each day this year. Break my heart for what breaks Yours. Build me up as Your servant, laying down my life for Yours. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be down, on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Amen.