One of my beloved mentors would encourage me to claim the presence of God wherever trouble seemed to be. At first, this practice seems a bit delusional. How can God be in the war, the devastation, the division, the loneliness, the uncertainty, the diagnosis, the disappointment, the heartbreak? Yet, that is precisely where God is—amid every situation at hand.
When we claim that the Kingdom of heaven is at hand, we create a powerful shift. We may not initially change our circumstances, but we change ourselves. When we claim the presence of God within and throughout, we change our perspectives. This change in our thinking changes the meanings we create, which changes the ways we feel, which changes our responses, which changes our words and our actions, which changes the unfoldings of our circumstances. Outcomes belong to God, but we most certainly have parts to play. Claim the Kingdom of heaven is at hand. Claim the presence of God, wherever trouble seems to be.

Thanks for the reminder, Kristin. Our God is near!

Amen. :)

When I am thinking about God I feel comer he helps me through things I am having a hard time dealing with thank you Lord for all you do for me in Jesus name I pray Amen Amen Amen

AMEN!

KristIn, thanks for your words today. "Claim the presence of God within and throughout", Amen !

Kristin very encouraging words for all in this weary world these days and in hard times. Thank you. I will continue to ask God to guide and protect us. Blessings to all the LFF, especially those with extra needs. Bill L. anything about your grandson friend? Holy Spirit fill the hearts of all to guide us to a more heavenly earth.

"When we claim the presence of God ... changes the unfoldings of our circumstances." So well written, what a wonderful thought to reflect on.

I went through an “am I deluded phase” but I’m out the far side of it, now I’m delighted, not deluded —— The circumstances I found myself in didn’t change. The change was in me, my attitude towards and the choices I made in dealing with "the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune". ——— I encourage you all to “taste and see that the Lord is good”. Don’t just know about it, read about it, think about it or listen to others stories. —— Commit, persevere and experience it for yourselves. —— Have you ever thought what it means to...
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Praise and thanks be to God for your message Kristen. When doing the works of live, when showing a stranger kindness, when listening to someone just diagnosed with an incurable disease, when we visit those in prison, sick, depressed and/or lonely with many other examples. The Kingdom of God is at work on this earth as it is done in heaven. May we do the work of Christ be loving to all people, be merciful to those who need to be forgiven (including ourselves) and bring the joy of Christ to all we meet and greet in Jesus’ name. Blessings...
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Amen
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I love the image of the domino effect described by Kristin! Everything starts with God ✝️ *** The first domino to touch/push/start is for me to declare/hear the Gospel in Matthew 10:7, “As you go, preach this message, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ *** Then the second domino will continue with my repenting and my believing in Mark 1:15, “The time has come,” he (John the Baptist) said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Turn away from your sins and believe the Good News (Gospel)!” *** The rest of the dominos will follow/fall as I seek Jesus...
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