This is Reality

Over the past few weeks I have been inspired by awesome worship and teaching from the International House of Prayer.  One song proclaims, "This is reality.  Jesus will reign on the earth.  And the increase of his government will never end."    As this song echoed in my mind, I wrote these words...

This is reality:  Jesus will reign on the earth, we will reign and rule with him, and the increase of His government will know no end.

This is reality:   How I live my life now has a direct impact on the quality of my eternal life. 

This is reality:  I must choose this day, and every day, whom I will serve.  Will I serve myself or The Lord?  How I serve Him is the most important decision.

This is reality:  The choices that I make today and every day will produce results – eternal rewards that I cannot even imagine right now.

This is reality:  Jesus is cheering me on and is excited for me to acquire more treasure and more eternal reward.  Part of my great reward will be a place closer to Him in eternity.  Picture a job in heaven where occasionally I am face to face with Jesus, and I am thrilled to have the privilege to encounter him in this way. 

This is reality:  I can do nothing on my own. Today I embrace my poverty of spirit. I am fully dependent on God for anything, everything.  My confidence is in His strength.

This is reality:  I must go low and be humble, fully realizing my weakness and utter dependence, my unworthiness, and at the same time I must embrace the truth that He has called me worthy to be with Him where He is.

This is reality:  Today is the day of treasure.  Today I must be with Him, must seek His face to find His will, and must be wholly available to do his will rather than my own.  Today I love in deeds, not just words.  Today I draw near to His presence and say “yes” all over again.  Today I let his love and joy and peace slosh over onto others. 

This is reality – Jesus is meek and merciful, and I must embrace this mercy and meekness to be great in His Kingdom.  I will have great opposition, and I must do so as Jesus would, with humility and acceptance, with love.   

Lord, help us to embrace this reality every single day until the end which is the greatest beginning imaginable.

For inspiration, visit http://www.ihopkc.org/watch/onething/   25,000 teens and my two teen daughters attended over New Years this year.  Amazing!