I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 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. Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats.
Lord, help me to preach that Your Kingdom is not rules and regulations, it is not obedience to the Law because You have commanded it. Life in the Kingdom is acceptance of Your Lordship, trusting in You completely and without reservation. Life in the Kingdom is pursuit of a relationship with You, a seeking to know You and a compulsion to live according to Your Word. It is seeking to live in Your presence with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, loving my neighbor as myself. It is that transformation from one degree of glory into another that Paul speaks of. It is accepting the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all aspects of my life. It is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. It is knowing You, the one true God and your Son, Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
Today’s readings in the Psalms:
Morning: Psalm 108
Mid-day: 119:129-136
Evening: Psalm 34
Voices Together is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at the Fellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.
