Devo, Lent

It’s Real

Day 11
ENGLISH
ENGLISH

Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”—Luke 17:20-21

In this life, we have a great understanding of things that we can see and touch. However, throughout the Gospels, Jesus is consistently pointing us to a complete understanding of how to understand life. He wants us to recognize a spiritual world, his spiritual plan, and of a spiritual existence, which is not seen with our eyes or touched with our hands. And he is trying to help us understand this spiritual world is more real and important than the present physical world.

When I was young, I remember having a great fascination with how things worked. Because of this, I loved taking things apart and putting them back together. I remember dismantling radios, phones, bikes, televisions, and watches to satisfy my curiosity. Sometimes I could reassemble them and sometimes not so much. Even today, I still have this deep longing to understand, and I still take things apart from time to time.

What I have discovered from this desire is that there is no end to learning. I believe that God has given us a desire to learn and grow so that we can know Him. And I believe He knows it will take us a lifetime to understand the meaning of the Kingdom of God.

Just consider Jesus’ interaction with the Pharisees in this text. After years of religious training, they still do not understand the kingdom or that the King of the kingdom is standing right in front of them. They have been trained for most of their lives in the scriptures and the ways of God, yet they miss knowing God personally.

Today don't miss God. In fact, that is what this celebration of lent is about—it's about giving attention in this natural life to what God did supernaturally for every one of us.

DO THIS: This week, we are focusing on the discipline of scripture.

Your Call To Act (C.T.A.) today is:

  • Identify: someone you need to pray for who struggles to know God.
  • Pray: for 5-minutes that this person would know Christ.
  • Share: below, the person's first name you are praying for.
SPANISH
AFRIKAANS
DUTCH
CHINESE

⚡ Share You Finished Today's Challenge ⚡

437 thoughts on “It’s Real”

  55. Patrick L Tyndall says:

    Praying for a guy named Stacey. Invited him to a revival service this coming Monday evening.

    Reply
  70. Gino says:

    Oh Patty…don’t let your failures or your physical disabilities talk you out of God’s Grace…..every seat at God’s table is reserved for His family…..

    Reply
    • Jim Kroyer says:

      Continuing to lift Patty up in prayer my brother in Christ. He will triumph in this very difficult situation and Patty will be confident of her relationship with Christ. She will one day worship at His throne pain free and perfect health. God bless you and your wife in your faithfulness to Patty even when things get really complicated and extraordinarily difficult for you guys.

      Reply
  99. Jeremy says:

    For my son Zayne, he is 6 today and want to pray that he has a great day! I also pray that he can find some calming peace, he has really large anger outbursts from time to time and is hard to control at those moments. I just want him to have a full and happy life, as we all do for our children.

    Reply
  111. Darin says:

    I pray that Ashley, Anna, Jessica, and Alyssa come to know God and realize He is always there for them. When they are weary or troubled, God will give them rest.

    Reply
  183. Eric says:

    I work in corrections. I use my position as sort of a mini ministry beat I can. I take the time to talk with, and listen, to my inmates. I see quite a few “on the outside” and many thank me for what I do, and some have stated they changed for the better. The ones that return joke about coming back just to see me. A good majority read the Bible and do their own form of Bible study. They look forward to me working so they can share what they’re studying, or just share what’s on their mind. They ask me why I do what I do. I explain to them that they are humans, and if I can make a difference in one person’s life, I have accomplished a great thing. I can not name all individual names, but I pray for them all.

    Reply
  188. Denny says:

    I had the following song in my head all morning before I did this devotional: “Even when you don’t see me, I’m working. Even when you don’t feel it, I’m working. I never stop, never stop working.” Today I lift up Tim and Greg in prayer.

    Reply
  193. Peter says:

    I can feel proud when I think I’m better than those foolish, self-justifying Pharisees, but passages like this remind me that I still don’t fully understand the mystery of the kingdom and my default is to fall back on trying to justify myself through my own works and righteousness. This morning was a good reminder to me to daily humble myself and trust in Christ alone as I follow Jesus today, empowered by His Spirit and for the glory of the Father.

    Reply
  194. Brad says:

    Evan, he has been my best friend since we were in grade school. I know that he is more agnostic than atheistic. I pray that God will reveal himself to him.

    Reply
  205. LAVON C LAMBERTY says:

    These verses seems to say Lent is an all year round event. Or a believer’s life time. If the Kingdom of God is in the life of a believer then his life should be a lenten season of worship and service. Verse 21 “…because the Kingdom of God is within you.”

    Reply
  212. Rex Wright says:

    I need to be forgiven by three people from my actions yesterday Wendy Alice and Jeff – may we all grow closer to Christ

    Reply
  230. Jeff says:

    I shared last night with an older gentleman, a fellow believer about folks who don’t know the Lord. It’s not like they haven’t heard about God or Jesus. But when we talk to them about that it’s like we are talking a completely different language!
    I pray today for my mom Phyllis.

    Reply
  232. Brian says:

    Brent – has built a successful life in this world and would consider himself a Christian. I’m praying that he realizes that we are living for so much more than this world

    Reply
  240. Jon Brady says:

    I pray for my brother Shawn to know God and claim Jesus as his Lord and Savior.
    I struggle with understanding the spiritual life. It seems so unnatural and difficult to sense.
    I can only rely on faith and the testimony of the Gospels as evidence.

    Reply
  241. Ron.M says:

    I pray for co-worker Jason to become a follower of Jesus and that his actions in life will become more like Jesus.

    Reply
  243. Paul says:

    Thank you Lord for so much we can learn – help me to be a good student of your word- praying for our neighbors Jen & Logan – may they seek you and not blame you – you are the answer especially in this time we are in

    Reply
  251. Eelco says:

    I can’t really think of a person right now, so I pray that God will place someone on my heart to pray for.

    Reply
  257. Joseph Outing says:

    This is such a blessing to me in these times. I am a missionary living in Honduras and it’s pretty crazy here even though we only have a few cases and NO ONE has died of the virus yet. The government has shut down EVERYTHING and the poor are desperate for food and water. The sad thing is that we can’t help them as we are quarantined and told to stay inside. God, help us through these troubled times!

    Reply
  263. Kevin says:

    Praying for Tanya! Help her. Help all of us see you in the every day things. In the little things as well as the grand things! TY Father God for always being here for us.

    Reply
  270. Seth says:

    Cam, he’s started taking steps towards mending his personal relationships and his relationship with God. I pray that he continues to take those steps and that he would find God.

    Reply
  277. Walter says:

    My son Stephen and his mom, my son in law Matt, my grandchildren and their mother. Lord, the list is long, longer than I want it to be. My prayer is for them to come to the throne of grace. Thank you

    Reply
  283. Jordan says:

    Today I am praying for my sister Stephanie . May she be open to the ideas of being apart of Gods kingdom /family ? I pray for my friend Katia that is struggling to see the light right now , may her heart be at ease & may she see The work God is doing in her life today ?

    Reply
  285. Charles A Culver says:

    NVHOH
    I operate supportive housing and supportive services program and many of our participants who may not know Christ, I’m going to share with them the goodness of Christ Jesus. I pray they accept Jesus into their lives.

    Reply
  288. John says:

    Like David, I pray for my children, & David’s daughter, to claim Jesus as thier personal Savior. They know who Jesus is. I pray for them to have a personal relationship with Christ & Holy Spirit to know the Kingdom life.

    Reply
  290. Dan says:

    It takes conscious effort to keep GOD in the forefront of my mind.
    Keeping my eyes open to the possibility of HIS presence and anticipating I will hear GOD’s voice at any time.
    And stopping in that moment of appreciation and praying Thanks be to GOD.

    Reply
  294. Dale Nerison says:

    Ross, Tim,
    The kingdom of God is in our midst. It is the spiritual realm that is more real than the physical realm. “Thy kingdom come.”? It is here. Let’s live like it!!

    Reply
  298. Stephen Donmoyer says:

    Hailee, my daughter who grew up in the church but due to circumstances in which she was pregnant before being married and had another child out of wedlock keeps her from coming back. I truly Believe this is due to an internal guilt in which she feels Judgment upon herself when entering the sanctuary. She tries to hide this by stating members of the congregation are judging her. Lord please be a Beacon in her life again in which to melt away all her inhibitions so she may walk with you.

    Reply
  301. Jacob Lamen says:

    Recognizing God is all around us can be difficult when are lives are filled with distractions, many of our own creation. Taking the time to disconnect and listen is important to acknowledge his presence.

    Reply
  305. Nick says:

    I pray for my girlfriend to lean closer to you lord. As she needs to see your miracles and feel your hope.

    Reply
  321. Duc says:

    My brothers Nam & Nhat. Lord- help my brothers to get to know Jesus, learn to understand the spiritual life- the invisible life, your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name!!!

    Reply
  322. ching says:

    I would like to pray for my Mom and Dad to see the glory of Kingdom of God, and accept that Jesus is son of God, who die for our sin.

    Reply
  323. Sheldon says:

    Sheldon jr, zack, charlie allan ryan greg lamon trevor chino, rohn deon josh robert,arther. There is just so many please help me pray for these brothers that God’s kingdom would rule in their lives

    Reply
  326. Eric M. says:

    I pray for my friends Amy and Audrey. I also pray for myself!!! I don’t mean to sound selfish but I need to strengthen MY faith too! Lord please lift all of us up to you and reinforce your love and words into our hearts.

    Reply
  327. Mike Sirignano says:

    I know many people that “I” struggle with to know Christ, but they are apathetic. I do know one person who speaks of God but does not have a clear understanding, so I will pray for him. His name is Kevin.

    Reply
  330. Lewis Thompson says:

    I’m praying for my son’s Lewis III and Brandon, they both need you Lord, back in their lives.

    Reply
  336. Eric says:

    After prayer and contemplation, me. I have too far to go before I can fully and impactfully proclaim to others.

    Reply
  340. Dave Benson says:

    With this devo I’m getting this picture of when we’re trying to point something out in a distance to someone like wildlife, etc. We can see it but they can’t. They want to see it as bad as we want them to see it so we have to bring them closer before it comes obvious or we have to encourage them to keep looking. Sometimes what we’re looking at has to move so we can see it. So today, I’m asking that God use me to compassionately and patiently show my friend Matt what it is that has my attention. I’m praying that he will walk closer or that God moves in his life to draw his attention.

    Reply
  341. Shawn Reitsma says:

    My Father-In-Law, Tom, and my Mother-In-Law, Betty. Praying and believing that God will make Himself known to them and bring them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Asking God to show my Wife, kids, and me the role He wants us to play in this process.

    Reply
  344. Eric Jensen says:

    Stan, to come to Christ and to experience the love, the forgiveness and the redemption that comes only from Him! I love my Dad!

    Reply
  345. Eric Jensen says:

    Praying for my Dad, Stan, to come to Christ and to experience the love, the forgiveness and the redemption that comes only from Him!

    Reply
  353. Dean Wendler says:

    I prayed for Val.
    Vince is right, finding the Kingdom of God takes a life time. I am looking forward to being with God and his revelation of who he is.

    Reply
  354. Darin Palmer says:

    My siblings 2 brothers and one sister. Heavenly Father, please touch Rick, Roger and Kim today. Make them feel your love and lovingly embrace today! Jesus bane amen!

    Reply
  360. Ricky D Brittain says:

    Jerry
    I pray that he accepts Jesus as his lord and savior. I try to tell him that the answers to his problems are through prayer and living a Christian life

    Reply
  372. Dan says:

    Im praying for my childhood best friend. We met in church and were the best man’s for each other at our weddings, but David has turned from God… and resents the time he spent trying to know God. I know he can’t be truly happy with his recent life choices, he seems to be over compensating by trying to convince others of how to find freedom FROM God, not through him. I loved this man like a brother, but our relationship has not been close for many years because of distance.
    I will continue to pray that God is able to reach David where he is at.
    Thank you Vince, for this journey. Its been such a blessing so far, and I continue to look forward to each day’s new message and challenge.

    Reply
  376. Stan says:

    Wow… This is a powerful reminder that God is standing right before me… I simply need to open my spiritual eyes and see Him… Praying for Elliot that God will restore the vision he once had and to not be derailed by his lifestyle choices….

    Reply
  381. Troy Theye says:

    I have to go with that “SuperNatural” thing, believing and having great Faith in Jesus so we can continuously experience the power of God’s work!!!!
    I pray for my friend Lynn, that God will always be walking with her on the voyage.

    Reply
  382. Randy says:

    Jessica, My daughter who’s a single mom. Praying she hears God’s voice calling her to a life of trusting Him in all things.

    Reply
  398. Michael says:

    The kingdom of God has begun, but not fully yet. Pray that Jesus returns soon and that the new heaves and earth will be our eternal dwelling place, where there will be no doubt who is King. I’m the meantime, Jesus is already our monarch and Savior, so let us live our our calling in obedience to Him

    Reply
  400. Charles says:

    Mary and Dennis my Wife’s parents. Dairy farmers who are faced with working through these challenging times. Living each day under God’s grace. May he continue to watch over them

    Reply
    • Jason says:

      The first responders and our military here and abroad that a mighty work be done in their lives through Jesus Christ the son of God who rose from the dead.

      Reply
  410. David C says:

    My entire family needs prayer for salvation — ie 89yo dad; 2 children; son-in-law;; 2 grandchildren; ex-wife (who suffers with BPD); sisters/brother in laws; aunts: uncles; cousins; nieces; nephews;…
    God knows their specific names & every individual hair on their heads. He wants none to perish !

    John 3:3; 3 John 4; Ezekiel 36:26; Ephesians 2:8-9; Proverbs 3:5-6

    Thank you for your prayers !
    Prayer makes a difference / Prayer changes things….

    Reply
    • Greg says:

      I personally understand the pain of living with one who has BPD. I have learned forgiveness to greater degrees, and also pray for them, as i will pray for yours. God bless, and you, enjoy His freedom

      Reply
    • Micky says:

      Annette – she has been “Saved” but has never come to the full spiritual realization of God’s constant presence in her life. My prayer is that she would let go of worry and trying to “fix” things herself and allow God to move.

      Reply
  412. Donny Lill says:

    Donavan and Jory…Lord may your love penetrate their hearts and pull them ever closer to you.

    Reply
  413. Walter says:

    Emily, worker at a local juice bar. Business is closing down, she’s losing her job all the while still in school. When I asked her if she had faith, her answer was no. So I told her I would pray for her. Then today this message, God’s timing is always right on time!

    Reply

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