Comparing ourselves with those around us, whether we see ourselves as better or not as good, is an inward self-focused perspective. When we look to the Creator of all things, we begin to see ourselves rightly. Only then can we humble ourselves before Him and find who we are truly meant to be.

A simple question, 'when is the kingdom coming?', has sparked all kinds of debate and confusion. Jesus addressed two different groups as he answered this question; the pharisees and his followers. At the heart of his response we see the same message to both: don't miss the kingdom of God by building your own.

Long thought of by many as a depiction of the afterlife, Jesus once told a fictional story that had much more to do with how God's people were living their current lives on earth, and how they were treating others made in God's image. The call of God's people has always been to use their blessings to be a blessing to others, inviting all into the loving community and kingdom of God. The main audience for this story Jesus was telling had lost that calling. What about us? How are we living out this call?

What does prodigal mean? The reckless and extravagant use of resources.
Jesus once told a story of two brothers; the younger who ran away from home and squandered his father’s inheritance, the older who stayed home and squandered his father’s presence. But the story is really about the father, who lavishly spent all of his resources to bring both of his sons into his loving arms.

At Jesus’ table is invitation and expectation. All are invited and welcome around his table, yet few will come to eat. What does your table look like? Who has been sitting in your home lately?

The Kingdom of God is growing inward, outward, and pointing us upward. How can we enter into this kingdom which transforms everything? There is only one entrance, one way in, one narrow door. His name is Jesus.

But on the first day of the week...

All hope seemed to have been lost. They were confused, frightened, perhaps angry, and devastated. But Sunday morning, something happened that changed not only their lives, but everything everywhere, for all of time.

On Palm Sunday Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem as a triumphal king. He wept over the city knowing in 5 short days they would reject him for not being the king they expected. Do you welcome Jesus as the true King he is, or try to make him into a king who served your desires?

The Good King provides for His kingdom. As we dwell in the tension of the good kingdom come and the remnants of the broken kingdom we’ve built in rebellion, which will you fix your eyes on? One will fill you with despair, anxiety, and worry, while the other one will satisfy your soul.

What is the Kingdom of God about? Luke seems to think Jesus was breaking it down very simply for us: love God, love people, be with the King Jesus. In chapter 11, Jesus teaches us how to pray for the way of the kingdom, and at the heart of the prayer is a reshaping of our own hearts toward loving God, loving people, and being with the King.