Be Open to God’s Kingdom
Linda Booth of Lee’s Summit, MO, USA
Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. -John 3:5
The kingdom of God that Jesus announced is present in life’s joys and challenges. On April 6, 2015, I received a call from my doctor as I was driving home from work. He said, “I have good and bad news. The bad news is that you have endometrial cancer. The good news is that I think we’ve caught it early.” I drove home in shock. My husband, Doug, was in the kitchen. I took his hands in mine, and for the first time said, “I have cancer.” Those words were surreal and terrifying.
That was on Monday. On Friday morning, I flew to Florida for a mission center conference to set apart new mission center leaders, preach, teach, and ordain four people. It was hard preparing for that weekend because I kept thinking about surgery, possible treatments, and what cancer might mean for my future and our family. My mind was in a tumultuous fog.
At the Kansas City airport, a woman approached me and said, “You don’t know me, but you know my mother. Her cancer has returned. If I call her, will you pray for her?” “Of course,” I said. I felt the kingdom as I provided words of blessing for the woman on the phone.
In the Dallas airport as I was running to make my connecting flight, I suddenly stopped as a warm bubble seemed to encase my body. I felt the kingdom as I realized that whether I lived or died, God’s grace was sufficient for me and my family. I was able to bring the ministry needed that weekend.
Following surgery and test results, the doctor shared that I was cancer free. That sense of being encased in the kingdom continues to bless me no matter what the future holds.
Prayer Phrase
Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?
Lenten Spiritual Practices
Moving Toward the Peaceful One
As Jesus was nearing the final days of his life, he wept over the city and proclaimed, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace” (Luke 19:41-42).What are the things that make for peace in our lives, communities, and around the world? During the Lenten season, spend time in silent refection or journaling each day to notice: Am I moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One? Pay attention to your attitudes, actions, and relationships this day. When did you most embody the peaceful One in your daily living? When were your thoughts or actions contrary to the peace of Jesus Christ? How might Jesus, the peaceful One, who is always near to you, be inviting you to draw nearer to him through your daily living?
Fasting and Giving-$40 in 40 Days
A Lenten fast gives us an opportunity to make space in our lives so that God can live in and through us. It’s a time to evaluate what we hunger for most and what we consume. This year, we’ve been invited to tithe as a spiritual practice by setting aside $40 during the 40 days of Lent. If you are participating, pay attention today to the dollar you have given. What might you have done with that dollar otherwise? How does Lenten generosity invite you to reflect on what is “enough” in your life? Who might you invite to join you in this practice? How might your gift be magnified by the many others responding to the same call?
You can make your $40 offering anytime during the Lenten season online or through your offering envelope for Worldwide Mission Tithes.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
