Menu for Today: Skip the Food Rules, Order the Kingdom Special

Dear reader,

Today I was reading Romans 14, and verse 15 and 17 really hit different. You know how I sometimes get caught up in all these "rules" about what Christians should or shouldn't do? Well, Paul basically called me out on that. He's saying that getting hung up on stuff like what we eat or drink totally misses the point of God's kingdom.

It made me think about how I'm living. Like, am I actually focusing on what matters? God's looking for three things in my life:

First, righteousness. Man, I need to be real with myself here. No more making excuses or comparing myself to others. It's about me and God, being straight up honest about where I'm at and where I need to grow.

Then there's peace. If I'm being honest, I've been letting some relationships slide. Been holding onto some small grudges that I should probably let go. God's showing me that His kingdom shows up in how I treat people, especially when it's hard.

And joy... that one convicted me. Why am I walking around like I'm carrying the weight of the world? The Holy Spirit is living in me! I should be bubbling over with joy, not because everything's perfect, but because God's got me. Need to get back to just praising Him throughout my day, even when things get rough.

It's funny - I've spent so much time worrying about getting everything "right" in my Christian walk, but God's more interested in these three things: am I living with integrity? Am I at peace with others? Am I finding my joy in Him?

Note to self: Stop judging others for the small stuff. Start focusing on letting Christ shine through in these three ways. Maybe tomorrow I'll start by reaching out to [that person I've been avoiding] and try to make peace. And definitely need to spend more time in worship - my spirit could use some joy!

Until next time -  Grateful for how God keeps teaching me new things in His Word.

Chaplain Mark