The "Godzone".........

Good morning! I hope all had a blessed Memorial day weekend. We were very busy. Some of the youth, Joslyn, and I went to a Memorial Service yesterday morning at Oak Grove Cemetery. One of our youth spoke and did a great job. We are very proud of her. I am proud of all of our youth they are awesome. Well, let's dig into some of the good stuff. I want to talk about "The Godzone" or The Kingdom of God. When Jesus described the kingdom of God he used a series of stories and/or parables. Jesus was very passionate about helping us understand that the kingdom of God or the "Godzone" is different than we might expect. Now, when Jesus started teaching and healing, His explanation for what he was doing is in today's scripture. Today's devotion will be a little long. Hang in there and let's dig it.......

Bible Verse: Mark 1:14-15 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Jesus is trying to let everyone know that the kingdom of God is at hand or is near. He say's it again in Luke 10:9. Then , in Luke 17:20-21 He say's that the kingdom of God is in you. Guy's so many people are searching for the magical place. That "Godzone". Those who have eyes to see it can find it. The Godzone isn't anywhere in particular, really. Instead it's everywhere. It's anywhere you are! For so many people, when they can't see something it doesn't make sense to them. But, what's cool about the Godzone is that once you've entered into it. You can't believe you've missed it all these years. So many have asked what is the Godzone like. Well, in Jesus' life we can see what the Godzone looks like. All are welcome, made whole, and forgiven. The blind see and the deaf hear. Good news comes to the poor and justice to the wicked. This is what the Godzone is all about. Jesus taught more about it in many stories found in Matthew 13. One about the farmer sowing seeds, one about yeast, one about a mustard seed, and one about an expensive pearl.

Here is one helpful idea to help you understand the Godzone. It is upside down - opposite of what you would expect. Your worth is based on who you are, not what you do. Those who are persecuted are blessed. You die to find life. It is better to give than to receive. You let it go to find something and the last shall be first. Let's look at Matthew 5:1-12 and see the beatitudes - And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Guy's, when we can live in this upside down way. Suprise - Suprise! Joy and Life are found. Weird huh? Let's do our best to stay in the Godzone more and more every day and live upside down. Have a great day, I love you, and God bless!