Fruit, Suit, and a Royal Crown

Ephesians 6:13-17
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Moms and daughters circled the fire.

Photo courtesy of Woodland Lakes

I was honored to be asked to speak at mother/daughter camp at Woodland Lakes Christian Camp. I joined my daughter, Sara, who led the music and granddaughter Ella Cate. With the theme “Daughters of the King,” I wanted to concrete the idea God created us to be part of his kingdom. 

In the evening, we gathered around a campfire in a circle created by porch swings. I loved the cozy family feeling the swings added to the gathering. As I introduced the idea of being a princess in God’s kingdom, I considered the girls impression of a princess. Most, if not all, knew many of the Disney princesses. You know—the ones with the big, bright eyes, gorgeous gowns, and long flowing hair. While those stories are fun, I wanted the girls to understand the verse in 1 Samuel 16:7—"The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

God created “royal fruit” to fill the hearts of his princes and princesses. Galatians 5:22-23—"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” God’s guidance for the heart was only one element of royalty. He also gave us a suit of armor—the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God

With the fruit, suit, and a royal crown, I deemed each mom and daughter a warrior princess who stands and fights in honor of her kingdom.

God doesn’t want his princes and princesses to sit on thrones and look handsome and pretty, he wants us to raise our swords and fight the battles against the enemy.

We can be warriors who raise prayers, sing to fight battles, protect the innocent, show love and kindness, encourage the weary, discipline ourselves to be the best we can be for God, and fuel ourselves on God’s word.

Fill your heart with the Spirit’s fruit, cover yourself with God’s armor, and wear the crown of Jesus’ righteousness.

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Like a Baseball Team

1 Peter 4:10-11
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. 

My grandson, Zeke, stood on the pitcher's mound. At eight years old his excitement for the game of baseball shined. As the inning progressed Zeke and the first baseman made a great play to get the runner out. All the young men on the team filled different positions throughout the game. As they ran and hit and caught the ball their skills increased. I witnessed them finding their potential and strengths.

My other grandson on the team, Eli, shows the gift of encouragement. He cheered Zeke on as he pitched. Another young man, A.J., shows compassion for his teammates. The boys are not only learning the game of baseball, they are realizing their gifts.

Watching Zeke and Eli on the field reminds me of God's plan for people. Everyone of us has God-given gifts. Some are speaking, serving, being hospitable, and so many more. Each one of us has a reason for being, a purpose. One of my gifts is encouragement, which led me to write my blog. Through that gift I reach out beyond myself, follow God's heart, and give a bit of joy and hope to anyone who reads the words.

God creates each of us with our own passions and he gives us the tools to pursue them. If we pray, read God's word, listen, and pay attention, God reveals to us how to use the gifts he's filled us with. Then like a baseball team, we work together for God's kingdom—each of us in our position, ready to commit to the team. Are you on God's team?

What's your gift? I'd love to know.

Inherit the Kingdom of Light

Colossians 1:9-12
We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.

My friend, Joi, published a fictional account of her grandparents lives intertwined with the story of a young couple facing the struggles of life. In the story, she included the actual letters her grandpa wrote to his young wife during WW II. She explained to me that those precious letters are her inheritance from them. By reading and archiving the letters, she received a blessing that is priceless.

Often when I hear about an inheritance, the circumstances involve money or property. Things that are valuable on earth. But, as a follower of Christ, I have a greater prize waiting for me. The apostle Paul prayed for the church in Colossia and encouraged them to understand why God sent Jesus. He wanted them to know that he lived, died and rose from the grave, so that they could be part of his kingdom. I share this prayer of Paul and ask “God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives…”

What do you think of when you hear the word inheritance?