On this, the 5th day of a 7-day fast, I've been moving about in the ordinary activities of the day. Thoughts like these have risen and ruminated inside me . . .

Don't be cautious. Let down your guard in the Lord's presence, that the words I write may land in the deepest places of your spirit and soul. These are a calling-to-mind for your good, from someone who wishes that alone.

Do you recall the day some years back when the earnest conviction to serve and please the King moved you to be baptized in the presence of your friends and loved ones? To yield yourself wholly to one Master? You may even have sworn such allegiance to God before the eyes of your beloved wife, with and through whom you've begun your legacy to many generations on the earth. This was solemn and sincere.

What I tell you today is barely known and rarely mentioned, but none-the-less true: the whole world is presently under the rule of the evil one. The spirits of the age are intent to destroy in every conceivable way. The satanic kingdom cares not how the destruction occurs; whether by distraction to one who is healthy, wealthy and wise in his own eyes, or ravaged by disease, or blown to pieces by bombs. Diverting God's children from the mercy of new life in the Son is all that matters. Whether by evil, rebellion or simply ignorance one misses Christ, they are all alike, destroyed.

In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Cor 4:4

You, however, are hidden with Christ in God. You are chosen of God and dearly loved. You have a unique privilege and fearsome assignment. You must so yield to the Lord that you may construct and manifest and impart His kingdom in the middle of the family God has blessed you with. You are building their destinies. Setting the course and span of their temporal and eternal mission.

The world's kingdom is the default - it's everywhere we turn. It's impossible to avoid its influence, but by this: We, as sons of God and fathers of children, must present God's invisible Kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. It must be so desired, pursued and actualized that it becomes palpable to your household. Moreover, it must be loved with all our heart.

We cannot do this apart from a relationship with Jesus that exceeds even the intimacy of marriage. It's important to associate with like-minded men and families of faith. Being born again does not insulate men from being conformed to this world. The breathing, pulsating, continuous life of the Holy Spirit, does. Your single-minded intention to step into and walk resolutely in this calling will make way for God Himself to be your family's fortress, provision and very own dwelling place.

This Kingdom we carry is superior in every way to that of the world, the flesh and the devil. The very authority of Christ is given into you. We must abide in Him in teachable humility, and in unswerving boldness of faith. This will not get done casually. No man is charged with a higher challenge. No other pursuit can match its rewards. The 'all' that Jesus demands befits the deepest yearnings of your own heart.

If you once yielded to the King and heard His call, then at some level, you’ve always had this passionate stream running inside of you. It’s yearning to break out, to overflow to each one in your care and even far beyond. The days keep passing. There’s a staccato urgency in and around us crying: Time’s up. Believe!

I so want each of our families to brave the adventure of bringing the Kingdom to every place the soles of our feet step. You are the privileged of the Lord for this colossal, momentous task. He will not do it without you, and you cannot do it solo. Arise and join Him today.

Believing for good,

A Friend