Yes, I’m on vacation. No, I’m not going anywhere…well lots of trips around the beautiful state of Colorado are in the plans. We are hoping to see some gorgeous fall colors in the mountains. My brother and his lovely bride are coming for a visit. That is vacation enough for me folks!

This coming week, I’ll be sharing some older posts. I pray that God will bless you abundantly this week.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

The Kingdom of the Grasshopppers

I’m sure you have no idea that I live in the kingdom of the grasshoppers. In fact, I’m sure you didn’t know that I am royalty.

As we were driving to my home a week or so ago, I was informed by my granddaughter Joy that we were getting close. I asked how she knew. She replied, “Because as we get closer to your house, there are more and more grasshoppers.”

Grasshoppers. Of course! Why didn’t I think of that?

Just in case you don’t know, “grasshoppers” are the natural gas or oil pumps that line the horizon. Joy was right. As we get closer to my house from her house, “grasshoppers” appear in abundance. There are actually two within my neighborhood.

It was only natural that I immediately became the queen of the kingdom of the grasshoppers. An elaborate story began to form around this kingdom. Our collaborative, creative minds made the rest of the trip fly by. We were home in no time.

Royalty. Queenship. It was all rather fun. Until the real implications of lordship step into the real storyline.

We sang the hymn “I’d Rather Have Jesus” yesterday at church. It has been one of my favorite hymns through the years and it was once again a good reminder of what I should be willing to give up for Jesus. Here are some of the lyrics.

I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand

Refrain:
Than to be the king of a vast domain
And be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.[i]

What am I willing to give up so that Jesus might be the Lord of my life? According to this song and to Scripture, I must give up the queenship of my kingdom. Not just my worldly possessions or the items that I am the “queen” over, but also the kingdom of my heart.

You see, the only kingdom that I have any control over is the kingdom of my heart. I can give it away or I can hold onto it. As I loosen my grip on this kingdom and allow Jesus to reign, my heart becomes His. He becomes the King of my heart. My queenship is overthrown.

Peter mentioned Lordship as he penned the words of First Peter. “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.” (1 Peter 3:15a – NIV) Clearly, Jesus is to be placed in high prominence. He is to be Lord of the kingdom of our hearts.

As we read the Book of Ephesians, we come to a better understanding of this idea. “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” (Ephesians 3:16-17 – NIV)

You see, as we offer our heart kingdom to Jesus, He gives abundantly. Riches, strength, and power.

We also receive peace when we allow Christ to rule our hearts. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15 – NIV)

And there is encouragement. “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 – NIV) Encouragement to continue good doing and speaking.

We receive much more when we offer Jesus His rightful place on the throne of our hearts. He asks us to be His people, but the benefits are weighted heavily on our part.

Romans 6:17 (NIV) speaks to whom our allegiance should be focused. “But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance.”

When our hearts are in line with God’s teaching, we know exactly where our allegiance lies. We know who rules over our hearts.

“Than to be the king of a vast domain…” My vast domain is encapsulated within my heart.

Luke’s words appear to be speaking to me. “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45 – NIV)

What is stored in my heart? Good? Or evil? The more I offer my heart to Jesus, the less evil will be stored there.

Mark’s words also speak to me. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart…” (Mark 12:30a – NIV) There can be no mistake with this command. Loving God with our whole heart leaves no room for evil. Complete and total Lordship. That must be our goal.

So, how is the kingdom of your heart? Who is the Lord and King of your heart? What are you willing to give up in order for Jesus to sit on the throne of your heart?

“What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36 – NIV) Jesus’ question is just as relevant today as it was when He spoke it.

Why not allow Jesus full access to your heart today? Give it over to Him. Nothing in this world is worth losing your soul over. Nothing.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

[i] I’d Rather Have Jesus, Rhea F. Miller, 1922