We’re doing a short series on The Kingdom of God. And thanks everyone for participating in yesterday’s quiz.

So far…
Part 1. The Kingdom of God: An Introduction.
Part 2. The Kingdom of God: A Quiz.

In the introduction, I showed you that, in simple terms, the Kingdom of God refers to how God does things; His preferred style of doing things; what to expect whenever He is allowed to be completely in control.

For instance, God could have spoken the entire universe into existence in a second. But He didn’t. Instead, in the scriptures we see a six day process. This is a very significant clue to God’s pattern.

Exodus 20:11 NIV
For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

When you carefully observe nature, you’ll notice that ‘instantly’ is not exactly God’s style. Nature tends to move slowly; very slowly. And in nature we see God’s style; His pattern; His preference.

Romans 1:20 NIV
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

God is revealed in nature.

How long God took to create the universe -the slow pace of nature- is not a measure of His ability. It rather clues us in to His preferred style of doing things; or, how His Kingdom works.

Jesus describes this in one of His many Kingdom of God parables.

Mark 4:26-29 NIV
26 He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”

God’s style. A process. Not instant.

God could have spoken the entire universe into existence in a second. But that’s not His style. He prefers to move things through a process of time. And this is why if you are a very impatient person, you would never have peace with God; your relationship with Him would neither be fruitful nor pleasurable. Hasty feet miss the way!

Proverbs 19:2 NIV
Desire without knowledge is not good—
how much more will hasty feet miss the way!

Haste makes waste.

You could foolishly choose to waste your time resisting God’s style; complaining about it. Then life becomes frustrating and miserable. Or you could wisely choose to fall in line with it; to get in tune with the Maker’s rhythm and let it work in your favour.

Ecclesiastes 7:13 LB
See the way God does things and fall into line. Don’t fight the facts of nature. Who can straighten what he has made crooked?

Nature moves slowly; very slowly. God designed it like that; a hint that He prefers to have things happen over a process, instead of instantly. Thus, to walk with Him we need patience; lots and lots of it. May the Holy Spirit continue to bear His fruit of patience in us. In Jesus name.

Today is Financial Favour Friday!

Every Financial Favour Friday offering is a Love Gift to the Holy Spirit.
So, give blissfully and generously!