The Things Which Make For Peace

VERSE OF THE DAY: ~Romans 14:16-19 “Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.”

Paul is talking in this chapter about separating personal values from kingdom principles. Mainly that there were some who had certain beliefs about the Jewish kosher foods while others were vegetarians so Paul was addressing the issue of imposing dietary beliefs or religious laws on those who never practiced such things. It was going both ways and Paul was trying to stop it from becoming a dividing point. The real focus is the kingdom of God, not what you eat or don’t eat. Some things may be acceptable for good conscience but not at the cost being offended or becoming a stumbling block to another. Does the argument of their time reflect any similar behaviors among the brethren today? Are we too busy arguing about what we don’t agree on to focus on the true nature of God’s Kingdom? There are three things that Paul writes which come through a Spirit led kingdom life.

The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy “in the Holy Spirit”. The pursuit of Holy Spirit led living is the key to the “kingdom life” which is where one finds righteousness – The ability to walk upright before God and man. God’s Kingdom is where we find peace – this is wholeness, meaning all essential parts are joined together, peace is also soundness of mind or absence of turmoil/chaos. And in the Spirit is joy – this word is from the same root word we get the word “grace” from, this form of joy is derived from an awareness of God’s extended favor towards us.

PRAYER: “Holy Spirit come, fill me fresh and renew Your presence in me fill me to overflowing with the kind of righteousness, peace and joy that can only come through You. Increase my faith and awareness of God’s grace and favor in my life and of Your kingdom that is within and surrounds all followers of Jesus Christ. Thank You Lord God for hearing my prayer. Amen”

VERSE FOR FEARLESS LIVING!  ~ Deuteronomy 20:1-4 “When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up from the land of Egypt. So it shall be, when you are on the verge of battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people. And he shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel: Today you are on the verge of battle with your enemies. Do not let your heart faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble or be terrified because of them; for the Lord your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.”