Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ~Matthew 6:33

I want to take the next few days and talk about something God has been teaching me and stirring up in my heart over the past year – Becoming Kingdom minded.

We live in a world that has everyone (including Christians) trying to build their own kingdoms, instead of Gods. Think about it – we’re constantly trying to build our reputations through Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, serving in the church, etc.. (anyone else guilty of this other than me?)

A year ago I came on staff at Victory. I was serving both in the youth as well as 19 North. I remember when I got hired Zack having a conversation with me that I’d no longer be able to serve at 19 North because I needed to focus on youth. (Zack’s decision ultimately changed my life for the better.) I was upset. How dare someone tell me whether or not I can serve! So I went home and had a few words with God. The conversation went something like this:

Me: God, what the heck! Why can’t I serve at 19 North?
God: Why do you want to serve at 19 North?
Me: To serve You of course!!
God: No, you want to serve there to be seen by people so you get “glory” for it
Me: (Speechless)

Brad Cooper had a great quote on something God spoke to him in this arena that lined up with what God spoke to my heart:

“Stop working to build your kingdom when you could have mine!”

That was just the beginning of God taking me through this journey of becoming Kingdom minded. I hope over the next few days we can journey together through this concept of becoming Kingdom minded.

I am inviting you to be a part of the conversation – along the way, I would love to hear things God has taught you along these lines.

Marilyn Hickey was a guest speaker at church this weekend and changed my life. Here were the life changing things she shared:

• God thinks you can do anything!
• Expect God to do extra ordinary things in and through your life

Zack Blair changed my life with his message this weekend. It’s been such a privilege to have him as a friend and see God plant a vision for 19 North in his heart. He is one of the most humble people I’ve ever met and I am so excited to see the work that God does at 19 North. You Must listen to this message (8.23.08) Podcast.

4:12 Dinner – We took our summer “interns” out to dinner to celebrate their summer of service. I’ll post on this late this week, but they’ve changed my life and I am so thankful for all of them and their friendship!!

Vanessa taught me that God speaks through fortune cookies (it’s a joke… don’t start a doctrine!) . . . Thanks Vanessa!

I love my life, I love God, I love people… I can’t even describe what is going on in my heart right now… man… God is so good . . . it literally brings tears to my eyes…good night world.