Kingdom Talk with Pastor Carlos A. Morales

Scripture: "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." - Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NKJV)

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing."

Devotional:

In these verses, Paul emphasizes the supremacy of love. He highlights that even the greatest spiritual gifts and acts of self-sacrifice are meaningless without love. Love is the foundation upon which all our actions and abilities find their true purpose and meaning.

"For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come." - 1 Timothy 4:8 (NKJV)

In this verse, Paul draws a sharp contrast between physical exercise and spiritual exercise. While physical exercise is beneficial for our bodies, its benefits are limited to this life. On the other hand, godliness—the pursuit of a life dedicated to God—yields benefits that extend far beyond the temporal realm. It promises not only the blessings of this life but also the hope of eternal life with God.

In our lives today, we often face situations that bring sorrow or uncertainty. We may encounter departures, transitions, or changes that leave us feeling unsettled. However, just as Jesus assured His disciples, these moments are often part of a greater divine plan. Just as Jesus promised to return to His disciples, we can trust in God's promises for our lives. Even when circumstances seem difficult to understand, we can find comfort in the knowledge that God's plans are always for our ultimate good.

Nearly everyone, at some point or another, has been subject to intrusive thoughts. These involuntary, unwanted images, phrases, or impulses are extremely common. Spontaneous and intrusive thoughts of violence to children or animals, inappropriate sexual contact, and blasphemy can be extremely disturbing and even cause some to question their salvation. But are they even sin?

Matthew 6:25-34 (NKJV)

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

When I say, “I am a Christian”

I’m not shouting, “I’ve been saved!”

I’m whispering, “I get lost sometimes

That’s why I chose this way”

When I say, “I am a Christian”

I don’t speak with human pride

I’m confessing that I stumble –

needing God to be my guide

When I say, “I am a Christian”

I’m not trying to be strong

I’m professing that I’m weak

and pray for strength to carry on

When I say, “I am a Christian”

I’m not bragging of success

I’m admitting that I’ve failed

and cannot ever pay the debt

When I say, “I am a Christian”

I don’t think I know it all

I submit to my confusion

asking humbly to be taught

When I say, “I am a Christian”

I’m not claiming to be perfect

My flaws are far too visible

but God believes I’m worth it

When I say, “I am a Christian”

I still feel the sting of pain

I have my share of heartache

which is why I seek God’s name

When I say, “I am a Christian”

I do not wish to judge

I have no authority

I only know I’m loved

Scripture Focus: "Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is."

Reflection:

1 John 3:2 invites us into a profound mystery and promise. As believers, we are already children of God, a status that brings with it an inherent dignity and worth. Yet, there's an element of the unknown, a future glory that awaits us. This verse assures us that our ultimate destiny is to be transformed into the likeness of Christ Himself. This transformation will be complete when we see Jesus face to face, in His full glory. Until then, we live in this tension of the 'already' and the 'not yet.'

Fixing Our Eyes on the UnseenVerse: 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV) - "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

Verse: Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV)

"Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers."

Devotional:

Good morning, beloved! As we start our day, let us reflect on the timeless wisdom found in Psalm 1:1-3. This passage paints a vivid picture of a blessed life, drawing a powerful analogy between the righteous and a tree planted by streams of water.

Scripture: Hebrews 13:15 (NKJV)

"Therefore, by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name."

Devotional:

Good morning, beloved! Today, let's dive into the beautiful message found in Hebrews 13:15. This verse reminds us of the profound act of offering a sacrifice of praise to God. What does it mean to offer such a sacrifice, and why is it significant in our daily walk with the Lord?

Scripture: Psalm 145:1-3 (NKJV)

"I will extol You, my God, O King; and I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable."

Psalm 27:1 (NKJV)

The Lord is my light and my salvation;

Whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the strength of my life;

Of whom shall I be afraid?

In the quiet hush of the morning, as the sun's first rays begin to paint the sky with their gentle warmth, let us turn our hearts and minds to the comforting words of Psalm 27:1. This verse is a powerful reminder of God's presence in our lives and the security we find in Him.

Scripture: Romans 8:31 (NKJV)

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"

ARMED WITH THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD

Scripture: Ephesians 6:11-18 (NIV)

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the [a]wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of [b]the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints

Devotional:

Good morning, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. As we begin our day, let us turn our hearts and minds to the powerful and timeless wisdom found in Ephesians 6:11-18. This passage reminds us of the spiritual battle we face daily and the importance of equipping ourselves with the armor of God.

The apostle Paul uses vivid imagery to describe this spiritual armor. Each piece represents a vital aspect of our faith and walk with Christ. As we reflect on these elements, may we be inspired to put on the full armor of God daily

Scripture: Psalm 37:4-5 (NKJV)

"Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass."

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:13 (NKJV)

"You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart."

EMBRACING HUMILITY AND FAITH -

Romans 12:3 NKJV

Verse:

"For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith." - Romans 12:3 (NKJV)

Scripture: Psalm 132:4-5 (NKJV)

"I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob."

Scripture: Psalm 56:8 (NKJV)

"You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book?"

Scripture: Luke 4:18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free."

Devotional:

Good morning, beloved! As we begin this new day, let's draw inspiration from Luke 4:18, where Jesus declares the purpose of His ministry. In this verse, Jesus reveals His divine mission, and His words are not limited to the time and place in which He spoke them; they have profound implications for us today.

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Devotional:

Good morning, beloved! As we begin this new day, let's take a moment to reflect on the profound truth found in Hebrews 11:1. This verse beautifully encapsulates the essence of faith, offering us a powerful reminder of what it means to live a life of faith in God.

Verse: Psalm 59:16 (NKJV)

"But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense And refuge in the day of my trouble."

Devotional:

Good morning, beloved. As we start this new day, let us reflect on the words of Psalm 59:16 and draw inspiration from David's profound faith and trust in the Lord. In the midst of challenges and troubles, David found solace and strength in God's power and mercy, which carried him through each day.

Dear Beloved,

As we embark on a new day, let us draw inspiration and guidance from the timeless words of Jeremiah 29:12-14 (NKJV):

"Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity."

Morning Devotional on Luke 8:23-25 (NKJV)

Luke 8:23-25 (NKJV)

"But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, 'Master, Master, we are perishing!' Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. But He said to them, 'Where is your faith?' And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, 'Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!'"

"Be still and know I am God" is a phrase that comes from the Bible, specifically from Psalm 46:10. It is often interpreted as an invitation to find peace and calmness in the presence of God. The full verse reads, "Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." 

The phrase encourages believers to stop worrying, cease striving, and find rest in the knowledge that God is in control. It reminds us that even in the midst of chaos, God is sovereign and powerful, and we can trust in him to provide for their needs and guide them through difficult times. 

The verse is often used as a source of comfort and strength in times of stress or uncertainty, encouraging us to take a moment to quiet our minds and focus on God's presence and power. It is also sometimes used as a reminder to be humble and acknowledge God's greatness and authority. 

vision of the sealing of the 144,000 and the great multitude that no one can number. In this study, we

will examine each of these chapters, seeking to understand their significance and application for our

lives today.

1. Revelation 4:1-11 - The Vision of the Throne Room of God

• What does John see in his vision of the throne room of God (vv. 2-6)?

• What is the significance of the creatures and elders worshiping around the throne (vv. 8-11)?

• How can we apply this vision of the throne room of God to our lives today?

2. Revelation 5:1-14 - The Vision of the Lamb Who Was Slain

• What is the significance of the scroll with seven seals (v. 1)?

• Who is worthy to open the scroll (v. 5)?

• What is the response of the creatures and elders to the Lamb who was slain (vv. 8-14)?

• How can we apply this vision of the Lamb who was slain to our lives today?

3. Revelation 6:1-17 - The Opening of the Seals

• What are the events that take place when the first four seals are opened (vv. 2-8)?

• What are the events that take place when the fifth seal is opened (vv. 9-11)?

• What are the events that take place when the sixth seal is opened (vv. 12-17)?

• How can we apply this vision of the opening of the seals to our lives today?

4. Revelation 7:1-8 - The Sealing of the 144,000

• Who are the 144,000 that are sealed (v. 4)?

• What is the significance of the sealing of the 144,000 (vv. 2-3, 9-10)?

• How can we apply this vision of the sealing of the 144,000 to our lives today?

5. Revelation 7:9-17 - The Great Multitude

• Who is the great multitude that John sees (vv. 9-10)?

• What is the significance of the great multitude (vv. 13-17)?

• How can we apply this vision of the great multitude to our lives today?

Conclusion:

The visions in Chapters 4-7 of Revelation provide a glimpse into the end times and the events that will

take place. They remind us of the majesty and power of God, the sacrificial work of the Lamb who was

slain, and the hope that we have in Him. As we seek to apply these visions to our lives today, may we be

encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty, to live in readiness for His return, and to share the good news

of salvation with others.

1 I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.

I grew up hearing that old adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me.”

What a lie! The kids in school always made fun of me because I was from the country. They made fun of me because I didn’t know how to speak English at the time. Sometimes, my nickname was “A racial slur.”

 Many times as Christians, we believe we should be “stronger than that.” Often from past teaching or from a lack of understanding, we are convinced that, as Christians, we should not come under the attack of depression or hopelessness. On the other hand, unbelievers sometimes feel as if they deserve to be in darkness because they don’t believe in a higher power or they are not “living right.” Sometimes we are embarrassed to talk about our feelings of sadness and despair and deep, deep depression. And to make matters worse, some of our Christian counterparts accuse us of not seeking God enough or of having sin in our life. 

I remember the night that I literally gave up. I had been doing much better with the depression and my wrecked life. I assumed I was okay, but I was not. That night, I lost the desire to fight. Curling down into a fetal position, I felt the darkness sinking in. Tears spilled over each eyelid and fiercely rolled down my cheeks and neck. I felt tight in my chest like something heavy was pressing against it. “It’s too much,” I thought to myself. “It’s too much.” It seemed as if I was no longer breathing, and why should I try? It was better this way. Someone would find me in the morning. I would die a natural death, depressed and alone.

Mental disorders are both common and disabling worldwide. They affect beliefs, emotions, identity, and relationships in such a way as to impact the very essence of the human experience. They are associated with stigma and prejudice, and they disproportionately affect those who are poor and those who belong to marginalized groups within society. Increasing attention has been given in recent years to the importance of spirituality for mental health, but in research, it is impossible to distinguish between spirituality and the psychological variables that it purports to influence. Those things that are identified as being the concerns of mental health professionals overlap significantly with the concerns of religion. This overlap is examined here in relationship to the Synoptic Gospel accounts of the mission, ministry, and teaching of Jesus. It is proposed that Jesus’ teaching on the kingdom of God was centrally concerned with things that we now consider to be the domain of mental health. For Christians, mental health may be understood as the ability to fulfill a vocation within the kingdom of God. A more critical theological understanding of mental health is needed to better inform the mission of the Church

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3