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Written by Dallas Willard (1935-2013), an American philosopher known for his writings on Christian spiritual formation. This is an excerpt from his book “The Divine Conspiracy.”

 Contrary to a popular idea, the kingdom of God is not primarily something that is ‘in the hearts of men.’ That kingdom may be there, and it may govern human beings through their faith and allegiance to Christ. At the present time it governs them only through their hearts, if at all. But his kingdom is not something confined to their hearts or to the ‘inner’ world of human consciousness. It is not some matter of inner attitude or faith that might be totally disconnected from the public, behavioral, visible world. It always pervades and governs the whole of the physical universe—parts of planet earth occupied by humans and other personal being ….So when Jesus directs us to pray, ‘The kingdom come,’ he does not mean that we should pray for it to come into existence. Rather, we pray for it to take over at all points in the personal, social, and political order where it is now excluded: ‘On earth as it is in heaven.’ With this prayer, we are invoking it, as in faith we are acting it, into the real world of our daily existence.

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit [Romans 14:17]

Written by Gerrit Scott Dawson, a contemporary pastor and author, This is an excerpt from the book “Companions in Christ.”

Each of us has a unique combination of personality traits and gifts.  When we are able to put into practice the design that God has put within us, we find high levels of energy, fulfillment, and purpose. Ideally, what we are to do as Christians is to live in loving service to God in the world, according to the way we were created.  We share in the ministry of Jesus who gave himself completely for us.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.[1 Corinthians 12:4]

Written by John S. Mogabgab (1946-2014), founding  editor of Weavings: A Journal of the Spiritual Life.

The kingdom of God is near, but how near? It is not easy to perceive this realm of light and life I a world so tortured by suffering. John’s Prologue offers a clue: The kingdom becomes flesh in the life of Jesus and in the lives of his followers. The story is told of a seeker who met a wise woman on the road. The seeker asked, “How do I find my way into the Kingdom?” The wise woman responded, “It’s just up the hill.” “What hill?” questioned the seeker. “The hill of your longing,” said the wise woman. “But how far is this hill?” pressed the seeker. Her reply: “How far is your heart?”

“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” [Mark 1:15]

Written by Kwasi Kena, a contemporary professor and author. This is an excerpt from his book “The Africana Worship Book.”

An altar, a pew, a seat on the bus, a kitchen table: Today, in this holy place, God meets us, hears us and forgives us. In this holy place, God empowers us with genuine love to share with a hurting world. Be for God, a holy, loving people.

Honor the Lord! You are his special people. No one who honors the Lord will ever be in need. [Psalm 34:9]

Written by William Temple (1881-1944), an Anglican priest and Archbishop of Canterbury.

There is the first thing—the bringing of the inner life under the control of the Holy Spirit by the perpetual discipline which brings us back, day by day, to the remembrance and companionship of Jesus Christ. Upon that everything else depends, for if the inward life is not sound you cannot do much with the outer.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you [Acts 1:8]

Written by Max Lucado, a contemporary pastor and author.  This is an excerpt from his book “In the Footsteps of the Savior.”

Be aware of your strengths. When you teach, do people listen? When you lead, do people follow? When you administer, do things improve?  Where are you most productive? Identify your strengths, and then—this is important—major in them. Take a few irons out of the fire so this one can get hot. Failing to focus on our strengths may prevent us from accomplishing the unique tasks God has called us to do.

Have a sane estimate of your capabilities. [Romans 12:3]

Written by Arthur  Pierson (1837-1911), an American Presbyterian pastor, Christian leader, missionary, and writer.

There is what is called the “cushion of the sea.” Down beneath the surface that is agitated by storms, and driven about with winds, there is a part of the sea that is never stirred. When we dredge the bottom and bring up the remains of animal and vegetable life we find that they give evidence of not having been disturbed in the least, for hundreds and thousands of years. The peace of God is that eternal calm which, like the cushion of the sea, lies far too deep down to be reached by any external trouble and disturbance; and he who enters into the presence of God, becomes partaker of that undisturbed and undisturbable calm.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [Philippians 4:7]

Written by Anthony of Padua (1195-1231), a priest and doctor.

O God, send forth your Holy Spirit into my heart that I may perceive,  into my mind that I may remember, and into my soul that I may meditate. Inspire me to speak with piety, holiness, tenderness, and mercy. Teach, guide, and direct my thoughts and senses from the beginning to the end. May your grace ever help and correct me, and may I be strengthened now with wisdom from on high, for the sake of your infinite mercy. Amen

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. [Romans 15:13]

Written by Lynette Kittle, a contemporary writer.

All we have to do is look around at creation and be amazed. If this is the fallen version of God’s creation, what must the pre-Adam fall have looked like? And not just how it looked visually but the aromas, fragrances, and freshness of every living plant and tree. It’s hard for us to imagine, but in looking at what is still here, even in its fallen condition, God’s creation is spectacular and reveals His presence.  

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.  [Romans 1:20]

Written by Mother Teresa (1910-1997], a Catholic nun, missionary, author, and founder of Missionaries of Charity in India. This is an excerpt from her book “Spread Love.”

When you feel lonely, when you feel unwanted, when you feel sick and forgotten, remember you are precious to Him. He loves you. And show that love for one another, for this is all that Jesus came to teach us. I never forgot the opportunity I had in visiting a home where they had all these old parents of sons and daughters who had just put them in an institution and forgotten them. I went there, and I saw in that home they had everything, beautiful things, but everybody was looking toward the door. And I did not see a single one with a smile on their face. And I turned to the sister and I said, “How is that? How is it that these people who have everything here, why are they all looking toward the door? Why are they not smiling?” I am so used to seeing smiles on our people; even the dying ones smile. She said, “This happens nearly every day. They are expecting, they are hoping that a son or a daughter will come to visit them.” They are hurt because they are forgotten. And see — this is where love comes. That poverty comes right into our own home, we even neglect to love. Maybe in our own family we have somebody who is feeling lonely, who is feeling sick, who is feeling worried, and these are difficult days for everybody. Are we there? Are we there to receive them?

 Even if a mother could forget her child, I will not forget you. I have carved you on the palm of my hand. [Isaiah 49:15–16]