Kingdom of God?

-by Micah-

A good friend poised a hypothetical question, in response to the previous post:

"Is the Kingdom of God an organization or a church? [W]e don't belong to a church and don't really feel connected to any church from our past. On top of that we are not all that familiar with many ministries that we could give it to...What is the Kingdom of God?"

He brings up two important issues: what composes the "Kingdom of God"? And, what does someone do if they don't have a "home-church" and have no true heartstrings attached to any given ministry? (As a side note, I would encourage anyone in this situation to pray for God's leading towards a home-church; important stuff.)

I will not try to sound like I have all the answers, but this I know: God's Kingdom is everywhere. It's the scruffy beggar, the orphan, your neighbor, the widow (poor or rich), your spouse, the massive Presbyterian church on the corner, any ministry that is organized in Jesus' name, the non-denominational church that meets in the elementary school gym, me and you, etc. etc. etc. (as some bald headed king once said.)

In regards to not feeling connected and not being familiar with specific ministries: a wise author wrote, "Your heart will follow your money." And it's so true. Just pick a ministry and give. It's that simple.

-Compassion International
-the Voice of the Martyrs
-Love146
-Focus on the Family
-Focus Action
-International Justice Mission (IJM)

The list goes on, but these are some ministries and organizations that are doing POWERFUL work for the Kingdom. These are places we give and our hearts have grown heavy for their missions: Children in Ethiopia, Martyrs in Saudi Arabia, 11 year old girls sold as sex slaves, the American family, conservative politics, human trafficking.

There are hundreds of organizations that are giving everything for the Kingdom. We are called to give everything too; we are going to be held accountable for what we do with our resources: our prayers, our money, our time, our blood, our tears, our sweat, our lives.

There is SO much joy that comes in giving (and NOT just money, although that is the place to start). Please don't let any excuse stand in your way.