The Graeco-Roman world into which Jesus was born hardly knew what to do with the narrow strip of land on the eastern Mediterranean which was then known as Palestine.  When Romans built a gymnasium and baths at Caesarea, the Jews revolted. Eventually Caesar sent his legions, who subdued the rebellion.  Then politicians discreetly forged alliances with Jewish leaders whose loyalty to Rome was unquestioned.

When Jesus told the disciples that they were to seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness, He used a strong word, one which means to earnestly seek something, something worthy of the time and effort it takes to reach that goal.

While Disneyland calls its playground "The Enchanted Kingdom," there is another kingdom, one which I think of as "The Invisible Kingdom."  Jesus referred to it as "the Kingdom of God."  It's an invisible kingdom with no boundaries, no police force, no border control, and no laws except the law of love.  But wherever you find God's people, you will find evidence of this invisible kingdom in the lives of its subjects.

Some 600 miles south of Cairo, on the banks of the ancient Nile, stands the ancient temple of Karnak, one of the most splendid structures of the ancient world. Across the river is the majestic valley of the Kings and the awesome tombs which were monuments to the egos of the pharaohs.

The picture is vivid:  A little girl stands at the edge of the window in a burning building. It's the second floor, and to the child, the ground seems like a long way down. Below is a fireman--a big guy, standing there in his yellow garb, big hat, and black boots. With outstretched arms, he reaches for the child and yells, "It's OK to jump. I'll catch you! You'll be OK. Come on, kiddo. Jump!"

A friend who has a real hunger for God struggles with the fear that her search for God will only result in ultimate disappointment. As I read her heart cry, I thought of the words of A. W. Tozer, who wrote, "In this hour of all-but-universal darkness one cheering gleam appears: …there are to be found increasing numbers of person whose religious lives are marked by a growing hunger after God Himself."

If you were being really honest, would you say that most of your prayers sound something like this: “God, please let me have my own way.  Please give me an easy life, with not too many challenges, one that I can handle just fine with a few encouraging Bible verses thrown in!”

Facing the Knesset, or the Israeli Parliament, in Jerusalem is a beautiful menorah, a gift from Britain to Israel.  It was created by the famed sculptor Benno Elkan and is covered with images, telling the story of Israel's long and colorful history.  A menorah, which is a seven-branched candelabrum, is significant, representing the fullness of God.

Do the old questions never really go away? Almost every time I talk with someone who has had something happen which he didn't like, I am asked, "How could a loving God do this?" Or, "I can't understand why God didn't step in and do something.  After all, if He is as powerful as He is supposed to be, why didn't He stop this from happening?"

In November of 1833, a great star shower took place that frightened thousands of men and women in the Western Hemisphere.  The stars fell like snowflakes.  Although scientists had predicted such an occurrence, frightened people thought that the end of the world was about to occur.