THESE THINGS

What delicious dishes God prepares for His own. One of my dear sisters in the Lord reminded me today of how I am constantly talking of the good things God is cooking in the kitchen for His children. It may not always be the dish we are hoping for at a particular time, but it is always a dish that will satisfy and delight our spirit. Just as Thanksgiving and Christmas are often family times for gathering together in the kitchen and around the table, so living in God's kingdom is a family time of gathering together and around His table.

Unfortunately, just as unforgiveness, bitterness, backbiting, complaining, arrogance, selfishness, and such has ruined many an earthly family gathering, so it is that such things prevent us from fellowshipping in the kitchen and around the table of God's kingdom.

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. (Rom 14:17-19)

Isn't it interesting that the Word of God says that if we serve Christ in THESE THINGS, we will find favor with God and man. What are the THESE THINGS? Fasting, praying, studying the Word, laboring in various ministries and outreaches? No, THESE THINGS are not good works that we perform, but are the work that the Holy Spirit performs in us! As Jesus points out in Revelation 3:20, the invitation is ever before us to sit down with God, and be blessed with the righteousnes, peace, and joy of Jesus Christ. We must but BELIEVE and RECEIVE, howeve, if we are to possess them. To possess Christ is to possess THESE THINGS!

He that has the Son has life. He that has not the Son of God has not life. (1 John 5:12).

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.