Day 19

Day 19 August 26th, 2021 – Reid Cook

Romans 14:17-29 

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

Contentment is often hard to find in the world today and impossible without God. Years ago, someone told me something that has always stuck with me. God is always on time. He’s not early or late but always on time when we need it most. How blessed are we to be loved so tenderly? With Romans 14: 17-19, it’s important to note that there was a time when food was regularly offered to Roman gods and sacrifices made to pagan idols, Paul knew that believers, who had engaged in these ungodly practices before their salvation, were often repulsed by the thought of eating food that had been sacrificed to these false gods, while other Christians understood that it is not eating the food that defiles a man, but his attitude of heart. This is what Romans 14: 17 means when it says, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Righteousness, peace and inner joy is given to those of us that submit to God’s leadership and guidance. Romans 14: 18-19 goes on to say “Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So, let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” To me this means that we must walk in the contentment God provides, in faith and in love, with our neighbors in their journey. Let us honor each other’s journey and build up one another in godly grace. Let us chase after peace in our relationships, homes and in our community and be still in listening to and following our Father’s guidance. 

Father, I pray for your wisdom and guidance in our relationships, our homes and our community.  I pray that You give us the hearts to love ourselves and others like You love us, Lord. Give us the eyes to see others like You see us Lord and the ears to listen so we can better serve You. Thank you for who You are and for creating us in Your image. We know that You are always on time. Give us peace in knowing that. We love You, Lord. Amen.