True worship emanates from a soul that is right with God.
Main Text: Romans 14:13-23
Watchword: For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17) NKJV
Righteousness, peace, and inner joy are the gracious fruit of the Spirit that is formed in those who are submitted to God’s leading and guidance. The kingdom of God is a matter of righteousness, peace, and joy, which proceeds from those that are walking in spirit and truth and living by grace. It is a matter of dying to self and living for Christ. (Galatians 5:25).
Righteousness outlines our relationship with God and it is doing what is right by putting God at the center of our lives. Peace is the status that we are called on to pursue when dealing with others. (Romans 12:18). Joy must be the outer expression of our inner attitude of contentment, for the joy of the Lord is not only our strength but also our eternal sufficiency. (Nehemiah 8:10b)
What counts in the kingdom of God is not external regulations but eternal realities. Glorifying the Lord in all we do by walking in righteousness, peace, and joy today, brings us step by step, into spiritual maturity and holy living. It develops in us a steadfast faith with a Christlike attitude towards others. Gradually, it helps to conform us into the image and likeness of our Lord Jesus, as we develop in godly discernment and wisdom from above.
Confession: Heavenly Father, help me to be at peace with everyone around me as I walk in righteousness before you. Let me experience the joy that comes from submitting to You to be led by the Spirit in everything I do.
Prayer: Oh Lord, let my life be a reflection of Your beauty that I may proclaim Your kingdom in thoughts, words, deeds, and motive, to the glory of Your name.
Additional reading: Romans 15:13, Matthew 6:33, John 4:23-24
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