Guiding Principle: Jesus reoriented disciples to God’s kingdom priorities.

Scriptures

John 8:31.

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.

Luke 9:23–25.

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?

Matthew 6:33.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Romans 12:2.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what the will of God is, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

John 8:12.

Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

James 1:2-3.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

Prayer

• Thank God for allowing us to be knowledgeable about our participation in His kingdom, by giving us His Word that helps us to understand Kingdom values so we can be His true disciples.
• Ask God to forgive us because sometimes we fail to seek His kingdom first, but choose to chase after worldly things first instead of His kingdom. Pray that our thoughts, words, and actions will be shaped by God’s Word, not by the shifting values of the world. Pray that God will give us discernment to know truth from deception.
• Pray that God will grant us the courage to stand for righteousness even when it is unpopular. Pray that our lives will be a testimony of God’s truth and love.
• Pray that the Holy Spirit will transform our minds so that we see life through the lens of the Kingdom. Pray that God will remove every mindset that contradicts His will.
• Pray that God will make us a light in our communities, workplaces, and families. Pray that God will strengthen us to resist the temptation to conform to ungodly patterns and help us to choose integrity over acceptance. Pray that our conduct will inspire others to embrace Kingdom values.
• Pray that God will help us to uphold Kingdom values with love, not pride. Pray that, when we face opposition for living by God’s standards, He will give us patience and joy, knowing our reward is in Him.

Declaration:

• We declare that we will not conform to the world's values at the expense of God’s kingdom values.