Like and Love in the Kingdom (and a song about it)

When we say ‘I Do’. We are committing, promising, and covenanting to love that other person for the rest of their or our life. This is what a marriage covenant is founded upon, it is each individual, making a decision at the beginning of the journey that no matter how hard it gets, they won’t leave or turn their back on the other. Love is like the parameters, or borders that we agree to put in place to keep us together. It is also like a foundation that we are then able to build upon.

All of this is no different in the Kingdom. It is God’s covenant that He made with us to enter into a relationship that does not end and will continue forever. It is the foundation for our journey with Him and it is His promise to never leave or turn His back on us. He is committed to keeping His promise to us even if we spend a lifetime as a contentious Bride. Even if we never pursue a deeper relationship with Him, He still holds to His covenant of love.

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stephen santos
The Promise that Restores Hope

There is a promise in the Bible that I would consider one of the most powerful in my journey with Jesus.  Disappointments, trials and pain will attempt to knock us off the trail that God has been trying to lead us on.  But this promise has time and time again restored me back to the confidence that even when I feel like all is lost there exists a plan that was set in stone before the beginning of my time.

It is this: I am sure that the good work God began in you will continue until he completes it on the day when Jesus Christ comes again. (Philippians 1:6 ERV)

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stephen santos
Where do we begin? (A small story with a big purpose.)

“No, I’m telling you Henry, this has to work. It will work,” John says with a fire in his eyes.

“That’s great John, but you can’t control the outcomes.  Especially not with how your dad set things up.”

“How ‘We’ set things up Henry.  Don’t forget that I was just as much a part of this at the beginning.”

“Yeah, I know.  I just don’t see things turning around.  I mean listen.  We have poured everything into this and nothing is changing.  At what point do you just say enough is enough?  I mean, honestly, there’s other markets out there, and some of them seem a little bit easier to work with.”

“I can’t believe you just said that?  Henry, this is like asking me to disown my family.  I can’t walk away.  Look at what we’ve been gaining in the Eastern markets.  All of our products are viable and the sales are unprecedented.”

“Yeah, but at what cost.  We’ve taken hit after hit over there.  And, might I remind you that our products weren’t created to withstand that type of abuse.”

“Are you serious, Henry?  Yes, they were.  Actually our products, when unmodified, will withstand even more than they’ve been put through.  And on top of that.  Our numbers have gone through the roof with all of the adverse treatment.”

“Ok, well then what about the western markets?”  He said, knowing this was really the sticking point for all of his arguments.

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stephen santos