Hey Clawson Family!

Song: 

Scripture:

Matthew 16:18-19 New Living Translation

18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’),[a] and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell[b] will not conquer it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid[c]on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit[d] on earth will be permitted in heaven.”

Devotional:

The Keys to the Kingdom are given to those who intend to build the church. His church is the key to his heart.

His purpose is for the empowered church of Jesus to push back the gates of Hell, so if you are not willing to focus on building his kingdom and are just focused on building your life or your kingdom, I do not believe Jesus has any interest in giving you keys to something you have no intention of helping build. This is not just my opinion, either; it comes from the scripture we started with.

Going back to that scripture, Jesus said…

Upon this rock, I will build my church, and all the powers of hell[b] will not conquer it. 

Now, as we jump into verse 19, you need to understand that verse 19 tells us how he is empowering us to build his church and push back the gates of hell. 

Why is He giving us keys to build his church? As we commit to building His church, He wants us to be equipped with what we need. He knows Satan is about to attack. He knows Satan has it out for His church and wants to tear it down, so Jesus is giving keys to those who are building His church and growing the kingdom of Heaven.

I also believe that Jesus gives us more power, authority, and keys based on our Humility and our stewardship of what He has given us. 

To whom much is given, much is required. Those who are faithful with a little will be given more, but those who are not faithful with what they have, even the little that they have, will be taken from them. All of that is a key piece of Jesus’s teachings.

So, if we want to receive keys to the kingdom, as Jesus says here to Peter, then we have got to put our little earthly kingdoms aside and focus on building the Kingdom of Heaven, as we walk in Humility and steward what God has given us in a way that pleases him.

Journal:

Write in your journal one thing you will do or change in your life that can help you focus on building the kingdom. 

Training:

Allow the Holy Spirit to search you and know you today. Is there anything in your life that is stopping you from building the kingdom? There is no condemnation in Jesus Christ. Instead, you will find mercy and healing. Let it begin today