kingdom character Archives

Kingdom Character: Purpose in Suffering

Cindy2019-03-10T17:41:44+00:00

To wrap up this series, let’s talk about suffering and why God allows it. Notice that I didn’t say that God causes suffering; He allows it. There is a huge difference. And here’s some good news: there is a purpose in suffering. Here is the main verse that we’ve been studying throughout this series: Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only [...]

Kingdom Character: Purpose in SufferingCindy2019-03-10T17:41:44+00:00

Kingdom Character: Growing in Joy

Cindy2019-03-10T17:38:33+00:00

Joy is something that everyone wants, but most never find true, deep joy. Joy is not only a fruit of the Spirit; it’s also a spiritual power with a force behind it. It’s more than “happiness” (which is fleeting). The true joy of the Lord is sustaining; we find this to be true especially when our circumstances are not ideal, and we can still have joy. Joy in the Kingdom of God Romans 14:17 tells us, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Let’s break [...]

Kingdom Character: Growing in JoyCindy2019-03-10T17:38:33+00:00

Kingdom Character: Growing in Self-Control

Cindy2019-03-10T17:36:44+00:00

God wants us to mature in our character to become more like Christ, and self-control is an area that people can get the wrong idea about. When you hear the words, “self-control,” don’t hear, “You have to do it all on your own.” That’s not true. We can’t do everything by our own self-will. The key to self-control is having the will to submit and be surrendered to the Spirit of God. Self-Control in the Bible The Bible mentions self-control often and even shares stories of people who either had or lacked the characteristic. In Titus 1:6-9, being self-controlled and temperate [...]

Kingdom Character: Growing in Self-ControlCindy2019-03-10T17:36:44+00:00

Kingdom Character: Growing in Patience

Cindy2019-03-14T17:03:33+00:00

When you have to stand in line, what is your attitude like? Be honest! If you’re like me, you probably struggle a bit with keeping a patient attitude. And the truth is, none of us ever chooses to stand in the longest line at the grocery store! Likewise, have you ever had someone tell you, “Don’t pray for patience because then the trial will come”? But we do want the characteristic of patience displayed in us because our Father is so patient with us. Let’s take a close look at how to cultivate more patience in our lives. Patience is Related [...]

Kingdom Character: Growing in PatienceCindy2019-03-14T17:03:33+00:00

Kingdom Character: Growing in Honesty (Part 2)

Cindy2019-03-14T17:03:59+00:00

In Kingdom Character: Growing in Honesty Part 1, we discussed the importance of living a life of authenticity – being true to who we really are and rejecting deception or falsehood. We also talked about how important it is, to be honest with others, even when it may not be what they want to hear. In Part 2 of Growing in Honesty, I’d like to discuss some practical ways, to be honest in tactful, kind, loving ways. Develop Relationship This is almost a no-brainer. The better you know someone, the more open they will be to your speaking truth to them. [...]

Kingdom Character: Growing in Honesty (Part 2)Cindy2019-03-14T17:03:59+00:00

Kingdom Character: Growing in Generosity (Part 1)

Cindy2019-03-14T17:08:33+00:00

Growing in generosity isn’t just about giving more; it’s about the condition of our hearts as we give. We may think that we are generous because we give to the poor, help the needy, or drop a donation in a bucket outside the grocery store. But generosity is about much more than just money. God expects us to be generous in every aspect of our lives, and this requires the development of our character. God is Generous Because God is generous, we should strive to be generous too – we should want to be like our Father. It’s all about thinking [...]

Kingdom Character: Growing in Generosity (Part 1)Cindy2019-03-14T17:08:33+00:00

Kingdom Character: Growing in Humility (Part 2)

Cindy2019-03-14T17:10:17+00:00

As we grow in character, humility is one of the things that we definitely want to display more and more. We understand that our model, Jesus Christ, had a gentle and humble heart (Matthew 11:29), and He demonstrated it wherever He went. No matter the circumstances, He never lacked humility, and with his help, that’s what we need to strive for too. Understand the Dangers of Pride I think it’s important to understand some of the dangers of pride. God takes pride seriously – seriously enough to kick one of His archangels (Lucifer/Satan) out of His presence because of it! Remember, [...]

Kingdom Character: Growing in Humility (Part 2)Cindy2019-03-14T17:10:17+00:00