Scripture to Read: Romans 14:17–18
We examined in yesterday’s devotion, Romans 14:17, but we need to return to this verse because of the richness of seeing what the kingdom of God is all about. God tells us His kingdom is not about anything this world offers us but about “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” God wants us to be in such deep fellowship with Him and His Word that we experience the fullness of His righteousness, peace, and joy through His Spirit every day. If we’re not experiencing these things, we must examine our daily fellowship with our Lord and our time in His Word. God has given us the fullness of Himself. The incredible benefit of having Him living in us is that we receive His righteousness (Ephesians 4:24), peace (Isaiah 26:3, John 14:27, Philippians 4:6–7, Colossians 3:15), and joy (Galatians 5:22, 1 John 1:4, Jude 1:24). We also read in Romans 14:18, “For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.” So, when we love others and are willing to die to anything that might cause another believer to stumble, we are serving our Lord Jesus Christ, which is pleasing to God the Father. God desires that we walk in a manner that pleases Him because He knows that He’s filled us with Himself so that we can walk in a manner that pleases Him (Ephesians 5:10, Colossians 1:10). We must choose to pursue our intimacy with Him and His Word so our life pleases Him.
Challenge & Application
· It’s awesome to know God has given us Himself so that we can walk in a manner pleasing to Him, so how are you doing it?
· What areas of your life still need to be crucified so that all areas of your life honor our Lord each day?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!