Elizabeth Mullins – Page 11

Devotional—Who is this King?

When we talk about the kingdom of God, we, of course, understand that we are speaking of the kingdom Jesus established in His earthly ministry. His kingdom is real, and it will have no end. It is already here, and we may participate in it right here and now in this life.

So, who is this King of the kingdom of God in which we can participate now? In short, Jesus is the eternal Son of the Father who became flesh. He became in sum all that we are as humans. The union of God and humanity, in the Person of Jesus Christ, has forever accomplished the dream of the Father — to have us in union with Himself. Jesus is the One who has made this a reality.

In His becoming human, Jesus inaugurated the kingdom of heaven on earth with us as its citizens. The beloved disciple tells us that God is love. This is a statement about the character and nature of God. The King of our kingdom is, in His very being, pure and perfect love. Every thought, every act, every dream of God is born out of love. Even God’s anger is because of love.

God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. 1 John 4:16b NRSVUE

The Father, Son, and Spirit will never oppose you but will always stand in resolute opposition to all that is within us that opposes God’s love for us. This is who our King is — our King is Love. Perhaps in your prayer journal, make a list of all that you think pure love does. Then make a list of all that pure love does not do. In your daily walk with Jesus, hear Him calling you to do the things on the first list.

Prayer:
Father, Son, and Spirit, tutor me in the ways of love. Amen

By Bill Win, Pastor
Mechanicsville, VA, US

The King

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

I recently shared that our GCI theme for 2025 is Kingdom Culture. I hope this captures your imagination and stirs your spirit.

Growing into a Kingdom Culture begins with Kingdom Living. Kingdom Living originates in the King himself, King Jesus. We are familiar with the slogan “Jesus is the center of the center.” Our annual worship calendar supports this with celebrations anchored in the Person and works of Jesus (vicarious works on behalf of all humanity). But who is this King and what do we know about Him?

In the letter to the Christ-followers in Colossae, Paul writes some of the most magnificent truths about the King.

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross. Colossians 1:15-20 NRSVA

The glory of the triune God is perfectly on display in the Person of Jesus. In Him, all things are held together. It is in Him that we live and move and have our being.

Prayer Request Update

Dear Friends,

My recent CAT results are in, and the picture is far from rosy. The scan shows a clear advance of my illness, particularly in the liver and the lungs. My oncologist said he would tell his other patients, “It’s over.” He said in my case, he would not say so since until now, I’ve beaten all survival odds. I responded that it was not my own efforts that have been keeping me alive, but God.

Without delay, I began a new cycle of chemo treatment yesterday. The treatment has been adjusted to a “more aggressive” level. It is my 37th cycle.

I wish I could share better news with you, but we must recognize the situation as it is. Your prayers are an anchor of hope. Thanks for not giving up on me.

Together we are stronger!
Santiago Lange, Elder
Stuttgart, Germany

slange9762@aol.com

Kingdom Living—Share Your Experiences

Would you help us highlight our 2025 theme, Kingdom Culture?

Even though we live in the tension of the “already but not yet” — signifying that the kingdom is here now, but not in its fullness — we want to embrace the “nowness” of the kingdom. We want to demonstrate the goodness of Jesus as we bear fruit in every good work. We want to proclaim the goodness of Jesus as we point others toward Him in all opportunities.

Through Update, we want to stay connected as a global family and learn from one another. Would you be willing to help us? Send us your pictures and stories of how your congregation is collectively living as citizens of the kingdom! Email elizabeth.mullins@gci.org

We’re Hiring

GCI is hiring!

Two full-time positions are now open at the Grace Communion International (GCI) Home Office in Charlotte, NC, U.S.

The Media Coordinator position is currently available, and applications are being accepted. See the job description here.

The Assistant Operations Coordinator position is currently available, and applications are being accepted. See the job description here.

If you would like further details on either position or would like a GCI job application, please contact Human Resources at humanresources@gci.org or 980-495-3960.

Please share this announcement with qualified candidates who may be gifted for either position at the Home Office.

Save the Date

The Denominational Celebration
will be held
in Dallas, Texas, U.S.
on July 23-26, 2026.

Please mark your calendars. More information will be made available in mid-2025.

Prayer Guide—January 2025

“To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” — Martin Luther

Join us in a month of focused prayer for our neighbors, our church, and our mission. See the January prayer guide here or click the image below.

Would you like to receive this Prayer Guide straight to your email inbox before the first of the month? Sign up here.

Epiphany Season Practices

Click here or the image below to learn more about practices for Epiphany.

Kingdom Living—Gathering to Celebrate Christ

As we continue to move forward in our commitment to Healthy Church, we’re focusing on aspects of Kingdom Culture, our theme for 2025. This theme invites us to identify deeply as citizens of God’s kingdom and encourages us to actively participate.

As citizens of the kingdom, what’s important to us? It matters that we acknowledge whose kingdom we belong to — orienting our lives around Christ. One of the ways we do this is to rehearse the story of the gospel through the worship calendar.

Enjoy the following pictures of GCI members gathering during the Advent and Christmas seasons to worship together and to encourage one another with the good news of Jesus’ birth and incarnation.

Cape Town, Republic of South Africa

Myanmar

Bangladesh

Bicol, Luzon, Philippines

Devotional—Creator of Stars

There are moments in life that pull us out of the ordinary and fill us with awe. One such moment happened when my son Abel invited me to Joshua Tree National Park in California to witness the Milky Way.

Joshua Tree is one of the best places to see the Milky Way during a new moon. My wife joined us, along with my son David and his wife, Holli. We packed folding chairs, a telescope, and binoculars, and set out for a night in the wilderness.

As we gazed upward, the sight that met our eyes left us speechless. The Milky Way stretched across the sky, a shimmering river of stars that declared the infinite creativity of God. Sitting there, surrounded by my family and the vastness of the cosmos, I couldn’t help but reflect on the words of King David.

What is man that you are mindful of him? Psalm 8:4

The sheer magnitude of creation was staggering. Here we were, on a small planet in a vast universe, yet God, the Creator of all, is mindful of us.

On the quiet drive back, I felt an overwhelming sense of God’s presence. It was as though the night sky itself was a canvas painted with His love for humanity — a love that sustains not only us but the entire universe.

As you go about your day, pause to take in the wonder of creation. Whether it’s the sunrise, the stars at night, or the gentle breeze, remember that the Creator of all this beauty loves and cares for you personally. You are not forgotten.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the beauty of Your creation and for reminding us of Your majesty. Help us to see Your hand in the ordinary and extraordinary moments of our lives. May we always be in awe of Your love, knowing that You hold both the universe and our hearts in Your hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Bermie Dizon, Elder
Glendora, CA, US

Note: This was adapted with permission, from God, in Every Step, a 52-week devotional that invites readers to recognize God’s presence in the everyday moments of life.

Author: Elizabeth Mullins