July 8, 2026
14th Week in Ordinary Time
Claim the Kingdom
As you go, make this proclamation: “The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Matthew 10:7

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.

- Kristin Armstrong

Hosea 10:1-3, 7-8, 12 ✚ Psalm 105:2-7 ✚ Matthew 10:1-7
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Comments

Salina (not in control)
July 8, 2026 at 12:44 PM

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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Salina (not in control)
July 8, 2026 at 12:49 PM

Claim the Kingdom of God and the presence of God wherever, whenever and whatever ❤️✝️❤️

Sarah
July 8, 2026 at 10:44 AM

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

freeter
July 8, 2026 at 09:53 AM

Amen. :)

CBR
July 8, 2026 at 09:21 AM

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

ADV
July 8, 2026 at 08:19 AM

AMEN!

Gary
July 8, 2026 at 08:17 AM

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

Stormi
July 8, 2026 at 08:14 AM

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.

Paul
July 8, 2026 at 07:49 AM

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

Patrick
July 8, 2026 at 07:34 AM

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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Scott
July 8, 2026 at 06:01 AM

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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Cheryl
July 8, 2026 at 05:54 AM

Amen

Mike
July 8, 2026 at 08:59 AM

Amen

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