Mindset: Everything the King Has Is Mine
“Asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He (Jesus) replied to them by saying, ‘The kingdom of God does not come with signs to be observed or with visible display. Nor will people say, Look! Here [it is] or, See, [it is] there! For behold, the kingdom of God is within you [in your hearts] and among you [surrounding you]’” (Luke 17:20–21 AMP).
God has given us everything we need. He has given us His Kingdom! The problem is, we don’t manifest this Kingdom until we have a personal revelation of it.
But when we seek the Kingdom and get revelation of it, we begin to “experience” it. (The things that pertain to God’s Kingdom are attracted to us and become manifest in us.) Then we are able to share this kingdom with others, freely and easily!
Such was the case at Costco when my friend Lisa and I decided to “randomly” select some people with whom to “share” God’s Kingdom—in hopes that they, too, would “see” it, “seek” it, and then allow it to become established and personal to them!
In the form of a “blessing,” we decided to delineate very specifically what it is God establishes in the hearts of people who call Him “Father” and “King.” Beforehand, we prayed that our Spirit-inspired words would be interpreted as “Wow, God must really love me, He knows me, He wants to bless me!”
The following is a description of one of these Costco “blessings.” (It is an excerpt from my book, Invite Jesus into Your Traumatic Memories).
Struck by God’s Kingdom
Lisa sidled up to the Costco display stand where there was a promotion for a new brand of chips. She exchanged a few pleasantries with the lady distributing them, took a small handful and proceeded to nibble. I lagged behind, scoping out the small group of customers munching down on their chips in front of the stand. I wasn’t interested in eating anything and I’m pretty sure Lisa wasn’t either. But her style was more “organic.” She preferred “blending in” and appearing to be really shopping. Which we were shopping. Sort of.
“So, how are they?” I asked the guy standing closest to me. He looked to be about mid to late 50’s, nicely dressed. By this time Lisa had joined in with her two cents worth.
I could tell immediately that this guy wasn’t the shy type. So while we had him somewhat engaged, I said, “Hey, I’m Emily and this is my friend, Lisa. Believe it or not we decided to bless some people today while we’re here shopping.”
I spoke calmly and smiled and acted like this was a standard thing people do from time to time. (I did sell encyclopedias door-to-door in college; so maybe I have a knack for this kind of thing, I dunno.) I continued, instinctively, “Do you need one—a blessing?” I said it with a somewhat serious tone and then broke into an almost impish grin.
I guess you could say this guy, Mark, seemed somewhat surprised by my question. Most people are, at first. But he didn’t indicate he was the least bit irritated by it. In fact, his whole face lit up. Then he blurted, “Well, what I really need is a girlfriend!” Lisa and I looked at each other and chuckled, assuring him we were both taken—but that we were very serious about the blessing part. So, with a little hesitation, but still an agreeable air about him, he said, “Ok, but I’ll warn you. I’m a heathen!”
Knowing Him Intimately and Hearing His Voice
Mark’s eyes told me he wasn’t going to resist. So I said, “Mark, do you mind if I touch your arm while I bless you?” So funny-guy Mark nodded “Ok” and braced himself. His lips were slightly pursed, but his cheeks and eyes were grinning.
My eyes were open, observing, while Mark looked straight ahead, still grinning in almost disbelief that this was really happening at the chip stand in Costco.
“Mark, I bless you, in the name of God, our Father. Who loves you so much. And He wants to bless you—with so many things.” I spoke like I always do, slowly and calmly, emphasizing the key words. Now his eyes were concentrating. His silly grin diminished.
I continued, “Mark, He wants to give you an ability to know Him intimately, so you can hear His voice—and feel His passion.”
“And He wants you to see yourself as He sees you, one dearly loved. And He wants you to be successful and prosperous in all things—especially in your relationships.” I stopped. Then I added, “You know like with your mother and your sister.” That’s what I heard, so I said it.
Now Mark’s face was serious. His eyes were slightly squinted, pensive. I was certain he didn’t want to miss a word I was saying.
Experiencing Redemption, Peace, and Comfort
“And He wants to heal all your bad memories, your sicknesses, and your addictions. And He wants to help you fulfill your destiny. I bless you, Mark, in His Name.
“And I bless you in the name of Jesus, His Son, who is the Redeemer of all your losses. That means He can take all the dark things you hand over to Him,” I explained, “and He will give you back the opposite thing, in return. Like if you give Him all your heaviness, He will give you back His joy.
“And I bless you in the name of the Holy Spirit. Who is your Comforter. Your Legal Aid! Your Helper. Your Peace.”
“And I speak all these things to you, Mark, in Jesus’s Name.”
That was it. I was finished, but Mark continued looking straight ahead. His stance had been perfectly still the whole time, like a soldier. He hadn’t missed one detail.
Lisa and I withdrew, standing back a tad. He finally relaxed. I didn’t say anything else. He needed a second to adjust to what must have been a very strange encounter, from his perspective.
“Humph,” he uttered. “That was really nice. Thank you for that.”
Lisa and I thanked him for his time. We didn’t really want to say much more unless there were questions. Our objective for the day had been very simply to “bless” people with Holy Spirit-directed “Kingdom thoughts,” God’s words. We wanted to let the Holy Spirit do the rest.
We said good-bye to our new friend and departed for the check-out line. Moments later, as we were walking across the parking lot, we saw him again, from a distance, raising his arm high and waving enthusiastically from side to side, yelling “Good-bye, ladies, and thanks again!”
Privileged to Carry the Kingdom
As I recall the story of Mark at Costco, so many things come to mind. One: In some strange and supernatural way I “carry” God’s Kingdom (that is, His knowledge, intimacy, redemption, comfort, peace, authority, etc.). Two: It is a “privilege” to “carry” the Kingdom.
Three: It is “critical” that people come into alignment with the reality of this Kingdom. Four: It is “critical” that I be open to sharing this reality with others.
Why me? Why you? Because so many humans all around us are fighting forces within and without that are diametrically opposed to the Kingdom (such as fear, guilt, shame, hate). And these forces are preventing the Kingdom’s function in them, therefore keeping them stuck and devoid of true purpose.
Typically, these are the folks who don’t feel loved. Sometimes they are confused about gender and/or sexuality. Most often they are “victims” (meaning their mindsets cause them to believe their problem is everyone else’s fault). And many are “orphans” (that is, they suffer from abandonment issues and therefore have difficulty trusting their heavenly Father’s love).
These are the people at Costco, at home, even at church. Maybe you are among them.
The world we live in doesn’t help matters. An example of what I am talking about is the constant talk in the news about “Critical” Race Theory and “white” privilege. According to this theory, people of color are “victimized and disadvantaged.” White people are “evil and privileged.” Those who promote this theory say that people should view themselves according to one or the other of these, depending on their skin color.
As far as God is concerned, I’m sure He doesn’t share these views. He “sees” us all as we really are—“equally” created, “equally” loved. And He wants us to see ourselves and others in this same manner. Every one of us has been created to carry His life, His light, His love, His purposes—His Kingdom. Regardless of skin color, socioeconomic status, or creed!
In other words, from the King’s point of view, we are all privileged. Because we are all created from the same heavenly mold, His image—an image designed to “carry” His Kingdom.
Growing Up into the Right Mindset
Certainly, to function as heirs of God’s Kingdom, we must first come to Him as little children, and then grow up into the mindset that we are His beloved sons.
Mark said, “I am a heathen.” This is how he viewed himself, as far as his status with God was concerned.
In the prodigal son story (Luke Chapter 15), both the younger, “prodigal” son, and the jealous, elder brother were confused where it came to their individual identities.
The younger son didn’t think he would ever again deserve sonship after wasting his life and his father’s resources. He had an “orphan” mentality. But he knew his father’s servants were treated better than what he was experiencing, so he went home thinking he would just be a servant in the household. When the Father ran to greet him, lavished him in love, and presented him with all the accoutrements of an heir, the prodigal didn’t know what to think.
Nor did the elder, “perfect” son know what to think. He was jealous that his “undeserving” brother had received the very things that he didn’t know he already had. This young man had a “victim” mentality. Seemingly, his issues were the “fault” of the father and the younger brother. Likely, the father’s words to this son fell on deaf ears when he said,
“‘My son, you are always with me by my side. Everything I have is yours to enjoy. It’s only right to celebrate like this and be overjoyed, because this brother of yours was once dead and gone, but now he is alive and back with us again. He was lost but now he is found!” (Luke 15:31–32 TPT).
The Kingdom Mindset Is Expanding Within Us
The Bible teaches us that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Christ, the Anointed One, the Resurrected One, sits on a throne in the heavenly realm. (Ephesians 2:6) And “this means that God has left nothing outside the control of his Son, even if presently we have yet to see this accomplished” (Hebrews 2:8b TPT).
Further, the writer of Hebrews tells us in Chapter 10:8 that He, this same King of kings and Lord of lords, is “waiting until all his whispering enemies are subdued and turn into his footstool”!
And why must this King wait, an inquiring mind might ask?
I believe He is waiting for Kingdom “mindsets” to manifest and “expand” in and through each one of us. This happens as we grow in our revelation of His authority in heaven—and, by extension, our authority on earth (meaning our continued work as His kings and priests).
Jesus is King of the heavens; and He wants to be King over the earth, through us, His people. This will happen as greater numbers of individual believers within the church at large come into full alignment with the mindset of the Holy Spirit. This is already happening! The Kingdom on earth is advancing!
Same as I related to Mark at Costco, here are the Holy Spirit-directed, Kingdom-mindset principles I believe God intends for each of us to manifest as His sons:
Knowing Him intimately
Hearing His voice
Feeling His passion
Seeing ourselves through His eyes
Seeing others, especially those who seem unlovely or undeserving, through His eyes
Becoming aware of our union with the Holy Spirit, so we can serve Him effectively
Being successful and prosperous in all things, especially our relationships
Being healed in our spirit, soul, and body (our memories, sicknesses, and addictions)
Fulfilling our destinies
Emily Gardner Foppe consults with people who are trapped in fear, guilt, and shame, and a host of other wrong mindsets. She helps them understand how to get out of those traps—joining their spirit to His in the kingdom realm, receiving His mindset, and then walking in freedom. Inviting Jesus into traumatic memories is a practical way to engage with Him along these lines. To consult with her click here.
To donate to Emily’s ministry click here. Donations are needed and appreciated!
Related Scripture Verses:
“Jesus said, ‘The Holy Spirit is the one who gives life, that which is of the natural realm is of no help. The words I speak to you are spirit and life. But there are still some of you who won’t believe’” (John 6:63 TPT).
“I am the sprouting vine and you’re my branches. As you live in union with me as your source, fruitfulness will stream from within you—but when you live separated from me you are powerless” (John 15:5 TPT).
“They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings! Those who are with him will also conquer them, and they are called ‘chosen ones’ and ‘faithful ones’” (Revelation 17:14 TPT).
“But the Scriptures affirm: ‘What is man that you would even think about him, or care bout Adams’s race. You made him lower than the angels for a little while. You placed your glory and honor upon his head as a crown. And you have given him dominion over the works of your hands. For you have placed everything under his authority.’ This means that God has left nothing outside the control of his Son, even if presently we have yet to see this accomplished” (Hebrews 2:6–8 TPT).
“But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and all these things taken together will be given you besides (Matthew 6:33 AMP).
“Jesus replied, ‘While you were ministering, I watched Satan topple until he fell suddenly from heaven like lightning to the ground. Now you understand that I have imparted to you all my authority to trample over his kingdom. You will trample upon every demon before you and overcome every power Satan possesses. Absolutely nothing will be able to harm you as you walk in this authority. However, your real source of joy isn’t merely that these spirits submit to your authority, but that your names are written in the journals of heaven and that you belong to God’s kingdom. This is the true source of your authority’” (Luke 10:19 TPT).
“Clouds both dark and mysterious now surround him. His throne of glory rests upon a foundation of righteousness and justice” (Psalm 97:2 TPT).
“But the saints of the Most high [God] shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever” (Daniel 7:18 AMP).
“O Lord, to us belong confusion and shame of face—to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers—because we have sinned against You” (Daniel 9:8 AMP).
“And the teachers and those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness (to uprightness and right standing with God) [shall give forth light] like the stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:3 AMP).