My kingdom doesn't exist
February 3rd, 2018
I don't have a kingdom; I serve in the kingdom of God. But to ask an honest question, what does that even mean?
Truth is, i've been a Christian since 2013, and just recently had an encounter with the Lord that allowed me to discover the answer to that question.
Psalms 115:1 " Not to us, O Lord, not to us But to Your name give glory..." (NASB)
For the past 5 years of my life, I have spent countless hours in search for opportunities that would publicize my name. I was featured in newspapers, magazines, online websites, and various social medias. All I longed for was fame. A way to put myself out there to impact people. That would allow me to be known by millions and millions all around the world with my message, "Beyond Capable."
Notice I said, "my message," because after all that's exactly what it was. And to say the least, I received an anonymous message saying, " Your videos literally saved my life. Thank you for making them because I do not know where I would be without them. You're such an inspiration! Now I feel as though I am beyond capable." Truth is, that made me feel good, but not good enough. See, I saved a life, but I was so caught up in the idea of fame that I refused to feel successful until the number of followers I had, increased. I really had yet to be satisfied.
Psalms 63: 1 "...my soul thirst for You, my flesh yearns for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water."
In other words, God alone, can satisfy our deepest longings. and until God within us is enough...nothing will ever be...enough. Although I knew my calling into ministry at 13 years old, I was blind to my true purpose. I was ignorant in my walk with the Lord.
It took me five years to hear from God. "Neil, are you trying to glorify your own name? or Mine?"
Now that encounter really had an impact on my life. At this point, I wasted 5 years of my life trying to glorify my name. My calling was ministry, by I got so caught up in the idea of fame that I neglected to focus on the race set before me.
So I began to shift my focus. I began to discipline myself into reading my bible every night. Spending countless hours in prayer. Meditating in worship. I came across 1 Timothy 6:11 "But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness."
Our discipline and obedience define our contribution to the kingdom of God.
I realized we must honor God and center out desires on him. 1 Timothy 6:6 "godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment."
Until I put my focus on God, and His calling on my life, doors just kept slamming in my face. But when I accepted that fact His plans were much bigger than mine, the door opened to the biggest opportunity I ever hoped for. God alone can satisfy our deepest longing.
I'll be hosting and speaking at The Reach Conference this June with some extraordinary people. I learned that the fame doesn't matter. Those opportunities would've led me to destruction. I learned to put my focus on God's plan for my life.
I don't have a kingdom. I serve in the kingdom of God.
Truth is, i've been a Christian since 2013, and just recently had an encounter with the Lord that allowed me to discover the answer to that question.
Psalms 115:1 " Not to us, O Lord, not to us But to Your name give glory..." (NASB)
For the past 5 years of my life, I have spent countless hours in search for opportunities that would publicize my name. I was featured in newspapers, magazines, online websites, and various social medias. All I longed for was fame. A way to put myself out there to impact people. That would allow me to be known by millions and millions all around the world with my message, "Beyond Capable."
Notice I said, "my message," because after all that's exactly what it was. And to say the least, I received an anonymous message saying, " Your videos literally saved my life. Thank you for making them because I do not know where I would be without them. You're such an inspiration! Now I feel as though I am beyond capable." Truth is, that made me feel good, but not good enough. See, I saved a life, but I was so caught up in the idea of fame that I refused to feel successful until the number of followers I had, increased. I really had yet to be satisfied.
Psalms 63: 1 "...my soul thirst for You, my flesh yearns for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water."
In other words, God alone, can satisfy our deepest longings. and until God within us is enough...nothing will ever be...enough. Although I knew my calling into ministry at 13 years old, I was blind to my true purpose. I was ignorant in my walk with the Lord.
It took me five years to hear from God. "Neil, are you trying to glorify your own name? or Mine?"
Now that encounter really had an impact on my life. At this point, I wasted 5 years of my life trying to glorify my name. My calling was ministry, by I got so caught up in the idea of fame that I neglected to focus on the race set before me.
So I began to shift my focus. I began to discipline myself into reading my bible every night. Spending countless hours in prayer. Meditating in worship. I came across 1 Timothy 6:11 "But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness."
Our discipline and obedience define our contribution to the kingdom of God.
I realized we must honor God and center out desires on him. 1 Timothy 6:6 "godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment."
Until I put my focus on God, and His calling on my life, doors just kept slamming in my face. But when I accepted that fact His plans were much bigger than mine, the door opened to the biggest opportunity I ever hoped for. God alone can satisfy our deepest longing.
I'll be hosting and speaking at The Reach Conference this June with some extraordinary people. I learned that the fame doesn't matter. Those opportunities would've led me to destruction. I learned to put my focus on God's plan for my life.
I don't have a kingdom. I serve in the kingdom of God.
