A beautiful morning Holy Spirit spend it with me
I repent for spending far too much time watching chick flicks. When in my quiet time all I can meditate on, or all that comes to mind for meditation is lines from “You’ve got mail.” I have a serious problem, but not to serious for the LORD to straighten out.
So, on this beautiful spring Albuquerque morning Holy Spirit and I worked it out. He washed over me with the word of God that cleanses my conscience. He filled me with his favor and acceptance and I go on.
I asked Holy Spirit to speak the mysteries of the Kingdom to me. I yearn to know them.
Romans 14:17-18
For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.
I set there pondering what this scripture actually means. I don’t know about you, but the Kingdom of God fascinates me and I am equally perplexed by it. Whenever I read the parables that Jesus taught on the Kingdom, I always am left going what? What is he really saying? Yet, I can’t seem to get away from them lately. I am convinced they have valuable undisclosed instructions for all of us.
So, I am going to try and break this down. The Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking. Paul was dealing with the food restrictions written in the Law of Moses. He was trying to clarify that these restrictions and laws are not applicable in the New Covenant. He goes on to say clearly what the Kingdom is in relation to: righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Romans 14:17
The Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit
Righteousness comes only through relationship with Jesus Christ. We all know the definition as it pertains to being born again. We come into right standing with God through the blood sacrifice of Jesus his Son.
Lets look at how it applies to us being righteous. I think it simply means for us to do the right thing. Daniel had a specific word for King Nebuchadnezzar about righteousness. I really liked how he phrased it.
Daniel 4:27
Therefore, O king, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.
We who are part of the Body of Christ should be regularly aware of the needs of others in the Kingdom and also in the world. This will come easily to us as we are in Christ and are taking on more of the LORD’s character daily. The additional time we spend in His Presence will produce more acts of kindness. The fruit of His Spirit will begin to manifest in our actions toward others.
Romans 14:17
For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit
The kingdom is about peace. I treasure this particular fruit more than any other one. To live without peace is a life filled with turmoil, and unrest. I was unsettled and filled with confusion before Christ filled me with his peace.
Luke 1:78-79
Because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.
I was one of those people living in darkness and in the shadow of death! God came with tenderness and mercy and guided my feet into the path of peace! To live without yelling and strife is so amazing. After I came into Christ it took me several years to develop a peaceful and quiet spirit. I voiced this prayer frequently to God to give me a gentle and quiet spirit. Most often now people remark that our house is a house of peace. To live in the Kingdom of God is to live a life filled with peace!
Romans 14:17
For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit
The Kingdom of God is Joy in the Holy Spirit. To have joy is pleasant, and agreeable, delighting in something or someone. Joy is an overall sentiment that all is well. Where do we derive our joy?
Psalm 16:11
You will make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your Presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Spending quality time with the LORD brings many benefits to the child of God. Joy is one of them. We discover the pathway of life. God’s plan and desires for us. We begin to see ourselves as God sees us! This my friend brings great inexplicable joy. We are filled to overflowing with his Presence, his purposes, and his JOY!
Luke 2:10
But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”
