Oh, do I have a yummy Frosted Pumpkin Cookie Recipe for you! Bake up these beauties in the oven while you’re tending all those pots on the stove—you amazing multitasker, you.
Now, here’s something delicious to chew on from God’s Word. No cooking, no calories, and soooo good.
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17
Trust Lizzie. I’m not suggesting we stop eating and drinking, today of all days! Paul didn’t go down that road when he wrote to the believers in Rome. He just wanted God’s followers to do a better job of loving one another through their differences instead of judging one another for lesser things, like how they observed certain holidays or what foods they ate.
That’s why we read…
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking,… Romans 14:17
Life is “not a matter of whether you get what you like to eat and drink” (PHILLIPS). That’s not what pleasing God is about. It’s about embracing grace and extending grace. It’s seeing His big, kingdom-size picture. It’s living for what truly matters.
On Thanksgiving or any other day of the year, “what we eat and drink is not important” (ERV), since it feeds only the flesh and not the Spirit.
…but… Romans 14:17
My pet word in Scripture. Just saying.
…of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17
Food and drink are quickly enjoyed and quickly forgotten, even if they cost many dollars to purchase and hours to prepare. That’s why Paul said it was better to spend our time learning “about pleasing God, about living in peace, and about true happiness” (CEV).
Here’s the really good news. We don’t have to cook up righteousness or dish out peace or whip up joy for dessert. There is no recipe to follow, no secret ingredient to buy, no cooking show to watch. “All this comes from the Holy Spirit.” (CEV).
He is the Master Chef. He holds the key to the pantry. See how I have fed you, provided for you, loved you?
Maybe it’s time we asked Him to step out of the kitchen and join us at the table. Reign over our conversations and restore our relationships. Bring us to a place of genuine joy at the end of the day. Wouldn’t that be the best Thanksgiving ever?
Heavenly Father, help us get our priorities in alignment with yours. Adjust our appetites. Let us hunger and thirst for righteousness. And remind us to always reserve our deepest thanks for You.
Kindly post a comment below, sharing something God has revealed to you in this study. So eager to read your words, beloved. I hope you and yours have a joy-filled holiday weekend!
Your grateful sister, Liz
@LizCurtisHiggs
P.S. Three books you might consider for gift giving: A Wreath of Snow, The Women of Christmas, and my Parable Treasury for children.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I appreciate so much the reminder that all of the world’s allurements that clamor for our attention especially at this time of year (food, fun, frolicking, shopping, gifting, observances, etc., etc., etc.) grow dim in the light of HIS glory and grace. The Father’s gifts of righteousness, peace, and joy in Christ — oh how measureless and precious! I REJOICE and give THANKS!
I,too, want to do a better job living others through their differences instead of judging them on lesser things. Happy thanksgiving!
Serve the Lord with gladness….For the Lord is good, His mercy is everlasting and His truth endures to ALL generations.
Don’t worry. Pray and Be happy. For the same God who hounded my tail when I was living in sin will hound the tails of those I’m worried about.
Happy Thanksgiving.
God is so good.
Thanks for putting it in to prospective for us Liz. Food is a good way to get everyones attention.
Thank you for sharing “food for thought”! God’s Word is always fulfilling. Blessings!
This time of year has always been my favorite time of year, however for some reason this year my heart has been heavy. I lost my mom and mother 8 years ago within 3 months of each other. Every Thanksgiving we gathered around my table and made fresh fruit salad and laughed sharing stories of the past. I miss that little tradition but God showed me that he gave us wonderful memories to keep those we love close. Just as the Holy Spirit lives in my heart so do the precious memories of mom and mim. Jesus is the reason for the season and the reason for the renewed joy in my heart. Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.
I plan to simplify the holiday season with homemade goodies to give to friends and neighbors, along with your peanut butter cookies.
The recipients will know how much they are loved and appreciated throughout the season into next year.
God is love and even living with a serious illness for several years, I pray that God will heal so that I can carry out the plans He had for me!
Happy Holidays!
God does set our lives right and fills us with Joy Forever~! Ever~ Thankful to God for all His blessings everyday ~
Amen
I am reminded how important it is for me to set my priorities to the will of God.
At this time of year we are so consumed with baking, cooking and EATING. Then it’s all over. If we only realized that our greatest priority is to feed our souls. God says He will provide, make us complete and finish it off with JOY..He knows what’s best for us..physically, mentally and spiritually. So thankful!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOURS LIZ!
Well after reading this study, I realized I am hungry! Love all the yummy food photos…just in time for tomorrow! 🙂
In reading this verse before, I have never caught the word “in” the Holy Spirit…”righteousness, peace and joy IN the Holy Spirit”. I love that. We have the Holy Spirit IN us, but IN the Holy Spirit is righteousness, peace and joy! That means to me that if I have the Holy Spirit in me, then I should always have His righteousness, peace and joy in me! All the time…
Thanks for this Liz!
May you be blessed!
I love this. We don’t have to cook it up, it comes from the Holy Spirit
John 3:16, (NIV)–For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
I am thankful for my Triune God–Father, Son and Holy Spirit. A Father who loves us unconditionally; a Son who saved us; and the Holy Spirit who guides us. I’m aware that I fall short of God’s glory and that I could never have a place in heaven except for God’s grace. But thanks be to Jesus, we, who believe, are heirs to the Kingdom of God. We need to continually pray for the lost. I’m grateful to the Lord that He allows us to live yet another day to get down on our knees and pray for them, perhaps to witness to them; plant the seed and someone else will water it. I’m so thankful for Father God who is a God of a trillion, second chances. I’m grateful for all those who got down on their knees to pray for me; for those who witnessed to me. God bless them one and all.
AMEN!!!
Food and drink satisfy our physical bodies, while righteousness, peace and joy fill our spirits. When our spirits are filled to overflowing, our physical bodies are strengthened and nourished.
Happy Thanksgiving!
A reminder what Happy Thanksgiving is all about. Thanking God for helping me to remember where all my blessings came.
I loved the Master Chef reference. God is Lord over all and in all careers, the top of the career pyramid. He leads us to workplace ministry. Happy Thanksgiving, Liz. I love your style of writing.
In this season of thanksgiving, I am reminded that not all enjoy the bounty of God’s grace and plenty. How wonderful that we can share the joy of the season with others and enjoy the many blessings our Father gives us.
In this season of thanksgiving, I am reminded that not all enjoy the bounty of God’s grace and plenty. How wonderful that we can share the joy of the season with others and enjoy the many blessings our Father gives us.
“Love one another THROUGH their differences.” In these days of fear and anxiety over people from other lands who don’t look like us, talk like us, or believe like us…perhaps God is calling us to extend Grace and love to them, in His name.
This week I have been reminded to focus on the important things in life and push the petty aside; to love each other and to appreciate each other because life is too short; and most of all, to be thankful for my Savior who loves me no matter how short I fall.
Happy Thanksgiving Liz! This year I have so much to thank the Lord for BUT one thing for sure, I am grateful for 80 yo parents who have modeled a Christ-filled life and marriage to me and my entire family. The legacy of salvation and how to trust the Lord each day is a gift that they share with us each and every day! To God be the glory! ?
Hi Liz,
Why do we always make the simplicity of God’s Word so complicated? Even in preparation for Thanksgiving today, I have focused much more on the food and table and less on the relationships that will surround it! Yet, it’s so simple to follow His Word about what should be my priority. Thank you, Liz, for helping to make His Truth so clear to me! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family!
Blessings,
Linda Proffitt
Hi everyone, and Happy Thanksgiving. I am fairly new in my walk with Jesus. I have known about him my whole life. But, now I am so grateful because He is apart of my everyday life. The devotionals I read everyday are what lead me to you, another reason to be thankful Lizzie. So to God, Jesus and thee Holy Spirit I give thanks everyday. And today people I would have normally groaned and rolled my eyes at having to be with, believe it or not I am actually looking forward to spendind the day with. Especially my sister in law its taken me a long time but she is really amazing. Cooking for us all! We lil woman (inserf laughter) stay in kitchen while guys watch football but i dont care just being together is fantastic. Thank you most of all God, for my sister now being cancer FREE Amen what a thanksgiving!!! And maybe I might even be able to plant a few seeds to those of my family who dont believe. What a glorious honour they need to be a part of. pray please for this and i give thanks for the opportunity to talk about Jesus today. Baby steps. Heck im still a baby. Thanks for listening sonice to meet you all. Rejoice! Give thanks! Give praise!
As I read this I was reminded why we celebrate today. It’s a day of thanks not just yummy food. We need to remember who we are giving thanks to. While I’m having a personal struggle with what God wants from me, I need to remember to be thankful in all the seaaons!
I so enjoy these lessons each week. I look forward to seeing them. Thank you for the time and effort you put into to these each week.
I am thankful that Jesus loves me even when my priorities are not in line with His and that He lovingly reminds me to come back.
So THANKFUL for God’s generous provision for ALL of what we need – thanks for reminding us what’s really important
How often do I read the Bible and walk away filled but not actually taking it with me to share with others. We have so much, but share so little. The Holy Spirit is there, but we often tuck Him away and keep him hidden only bringing him out when we need something. May today on this day of Thanksgiving we share him with someone. So that the world may be able to have some of the righteousness, peace, and joy that we have in abundance.
I love this. The Holy Spirit is the master chef and holds the Key to “my” pantry (heart.). What a power packed statement. Holy Spirit is our helper. Comforter, guide, teacher, reminder of God’s word, correcter
and more. If we learn this and follow Him we are walking in joy and peace within. Happy Thanksgiving.
I also love the Master Chef reference. It reminds me of Mary and Martha. Our pastor spoke on that a while back and after service I told how I think the rest of that conversation between Martha and Jesus went. Martha probably said something to the effect of “well, dinner’s not going to cook itself you know.” Jesus most likely looked at her very tenderly and replied “Do you not know? Remember the loaves and fish? Remember the wine”? Our focus should always be on the Lord. Every day should be a day of thanks giving unto Him.
I so quickly lose sight of the correct priorities. Thank you for the reminder and scripture to reference.
I desire more of God. He is so awesome. This reading on the Thanksgiving morning has removed the little sadness the I had in my heart for those who (my uncle, father-in-law, and on 5 days ago, my grandmother) are no longer here to celebrate Thanksgiving with . In all things, I still give God thanks! Have an amazing Thanksgiving!
What a wonderful time to give thanks for all of our blessings. The Lord has provided such love, peace and joy to fill our souls. In a world filled with hatred and violence, we must depend on Him for His grace which can neither be given or taken away. Bless you, Liz, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
What wonderful words fir this Thanksgiving morning!
So very thankful for the freedoms we have here in the United States to worship God our savior without fear of persecution. Thank You Father for blessing us all!
The interpretation of this verse in Romans is timely for me today. Today I will have all kinds of eaters in my home -the health nuts, and the one’s who just want food that tastes good. I will have all kind of believers- unbelievers, devoted followers, and middle-of the road Christians. My prayer is that they we will form a bond today, and love each other despite our differences. After all, the kingdom of God is about pleasing Him, not ourselves. Happy Thanksgiving.
As much as we enjoy the good food and treats God blesses us with on this earth, they are all gone in a matter of minutes after the crowd sits at the table. Our lives are but a vapor (James 4:14) and the most important food we can have is the Word of God. My ladies Bible study group is in the middle of “It’s Good to be Queen” and we are enjoying it very much. Thank you for your wonderful books. Happy Thanksgiving.
I am so thankful for my salvation first of all. Second, I am thankful for the special people in my life. Finally, I am trusting God to restore a relationship with someone very important to me. Wishing all a blessed Thanksgiving!
Thankful today for you and your wise words. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! ???
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families.
I loved how this told about being thankful and enjoying all of the food today. But the best part was, telling us about our Father, God, our Savior, Jesus, and our Guide the Holy Spirit. It is about righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. This time of year is “about pleasing God, about living in peace, and about true happiness”. Thank you for your words to help us understand and strive to live our best for Jesus.
Happy Thanksgiving. This was my first email to receive from you (I just signed up). I’m so glad I did. I need reminding that it is about feeding my spirit, about rejoicing in the blessings God give us daily. It is all about our walk with Him. Thank you for reminding me it is about righteousness and peace, this day and all days.
Spending time with the Word is the most important thing we’ll do all day.
“Food and drink are quickly enjoyed and quickly forgotten, even if they cost many dollars to purchase and hours to prepare. That’s why Paul said it was better to spend our time learning ‘about pleasing God, about living in peace, and about true happiness’” (CEV).
This paragraph really hit me squarely between the eyes! Often I find myself sighing and grumbling while working in the kitchen to prepare all that food that cost many dollars to purchase and hours to prepare. But that’s not what pleases God. That’s the enemy’s style of communication. Time to learn a whole new, more thanks-filled way of doing what needs to be done.
God’s grace is needed to restore all relationships. With the happenings around the world and in our neighborhoods, his grace is needed. We can give that grace to others and we should.
I have been reminded often in the last couple weeks that God is always with me. I have to try to slow down and stay in His presence.
I have come to realize how gratitude is such an integral part of my life. Learning to be grateful, even in challenging circumstances, has given me the ability to see the challenging times of my life in a different way. A heart full of gratitude doesn’t have room for negativity.
Hi Liz,
I always enjoy your writing. This year was our second year hosting Thanksgiving, since we got married. Last year was a large group, and I was one week post-partum from delivering my 2nd son…so, we ordered Cracker Barrel. No regrets! This year, we decided to cook for our family & my husband’s brother. I have found myself experiencing so much stress and anxiety over the preparations. I have been unusually terrible to my husband! Yelling & screaming & crticism have become the norm! Yesterday he told me to check my attitude…and he had a right to. The truth is…there has been a good deal of worry in our lives. I have been on an emotional roller coaster all year long. This week, I asked myself, “Does God really care about Thanksgiving?” The holiday, I mean, not the act itself. After all, Jesus was Jewish…it was a different culture, different celebrations. I wasn’t sure before, but since then I have seen countless friends and family members receive huge blessings and answers to prayer…only a few hours before Turkey time! Maybe it’s just my attempt at an attitude of gratitude…or, maybe he really desires to give us extra reasons to say thanks! I think…worrying & stressing about cooking & cleaning is always a temptation, but living according to God’s Word, loving people, & being thankful is worth so much more of our time!
I am very thankful this year.
– Jill
Hi Liz! Happy thanksgiving! God has shown me just this week that His love endures forever! No matter what is going on He is always there! Forever and for always!
Reading your words today makes me thankful.
Happy Thanksgiving Day!
I appreciated your reminder that we don’t whip up righteousness etc. So very glad the Holy Spirit does !
When I read this….I think of when I cook in the kitchen and I don’t like or tolerate anyone else in my kitchen when I am cooking. I consider myself the master chef. In reality, my husband tries to help and I push him a way. My daughter tries to help and I push her away. I realized that my husband is a great cook (better than myself) and gives me many words of wisdom. I realized that my daughter only wants to spend time with me side by side cooking with me in the kitchen sharing jokes and cooking wisdom. I had to open my heart, my mind and my kitchen to those who want to help me and to those (my daughter) who need that 1-1 time with mommy and to share thoughts. God is the master chef–not me.
Happy Thanksgiving, Liz! I am thoroughly enjoying your books and learning so much about Scotland. I understand why you love it so much! I love it too! Thanks for the great blog posts and books. I am encouraged every time I visit your website. Thank you!
Liz,
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Your insights are always so thought provoking and uplifting. I am very thankful for God giving us the guidance of the Holy Spirit in us. I need to do better with digging into His word and spending quality time with Him.
Thank-you so much Liz. A lot has changed for me this year. It is all actually good yet the transition of change harder than I thought for the holiday. This article helped me so much to refocus. Absolutely loved it…and so grateful. Hope you had a Blessed Thanksgiving AND how cool is it that you also celebrate the anniversary of your engagement!! You are a true encourager.
I am reminded that every, little thing begins and ends with God….I am so thankful for this knowledge. I am thankful for you Lizzie for keeping my focus in alignment with Him.
Blessed Thanksgiving to you and yours. Thanks for the opportunity to win 3 great books!
Happy Thanksgiving! I never cease to be amazed by how much God loves me and nudges my heart through his Holy Spirit. I love how your prayer asks God to adjust my appetite to hunger and thirst for the things of God. We are living in a society that places consumerism, and materialism above the things that matter the most. God is nudging my heart to remember to seek His kingdom and righteousness and not be overly concerned with attaining more things. I am reminded about Jesus proclaiming that life consists of more than what we eat and drink, or what we wear. Thank you Jesus, for loving me, and for your Holy Spirit who reminds me of your truth.
In looking over previous comments, I can certainly relate to many that have been posted in the wee hours of the morning. And I too echo David’s affirmation in Psalm 63: “On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night…Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.” Could David have been a night owl, too?”
Like you, one of my favorite words in Scripture is “but,” especially when it is “but God . . . “. I think it is because no matter what the situation or circumstance, God makes such a wonderful difference in our situations and circumstances, just by His presence. Whether we are by ourselves or with dozens of other people, we do not have to be alone/lonely if God is there with us, and that is as simple as inviting Him in.
Happy Thanksgiving Liz
As my son prepares for deployment in January I am reminded that time with those you love is so much more precious than all the holiday trimmings. I am making him my priority these next six weeks but none of us are guaranteed tomorrow so the real truth is that allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our priorities with His everyday is the key to kingdom living. I also love the reminder that the Holy Spirit does all the work when we are submitted to him and aligned with kindgdom priorities. To God be the glory. Thank you Liz.
I really liked the idea of having God come out of the kitchen and joining us at the table. Reigning over our conversations and restoring our relationships. Bringing us to a place of joy at the end of the day. Thanksgiving dinner preparation did not go real well this year, but he was at our table!
I’m so thankful for our God who satisfies our every need. We don’t need to worry about what we put in our mouth, but only that we are working to please Him.
As I digested Eugene Peterson’s translation of Romans 14:17
I was truly filled with peace and joy. Liz thank you very much
for sharing your writings with so many!
Gratitude affects and changes my attitude which increases my latitude and draws me closer to THE One on high.
I enjoy the pm dinner with my family who can make it to our home. We don’t eat the traditional fair. A light meal with laughter and love. I’m so thankful that God is cocerned about not what you eat, but how you love. He doesn’t care how beautiful you are on the outside, but the inside. Hopeyou had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Thank you for the uplifting messages each week.
I love the statement you made, ” we are to love others THROUGH (not “in”, not “because of”, etc.), their differences….I see that as moving forward, in Christ-like love, with grace toward one another. Thank you for looking at the Word in a clear, relative way.
I don’t like what life is serving right now; but I love the reminder that it is really about God’s grace. I can rest in Him and He is faithful all the time. He is my pumpkin pie with whipped cream — the best part!
My issue isn’t getting caught up in eating the food but in preparing it, lots of it, and perfect please! So I tend to run myself ragged.
Such a great reminder that my true joy and peace comes not in serving people perfectly but in loving God fully!
God has opened my eyes to the most important thing , that is to stop running. I am always looking to the next thing that needs to be done. This thanksgiving I have slowed down and enjoyed those around me. It was beautiful, and I was thankful!
What a wonderful thought to read for Thanksgiving! I always enjoy your site — it is a blessing to me! I also love your writing. It was so much fun to read your Scottish line of books — which I would love for you to write more :0) We had a good time of fellowship with both sides of the family. My mom and I got to spend time together, which doesn’t happen often since my husband and I have 5 children — we actually saw you a few years ago with Women of Joy at Myrtle Beach! In any case I enjoy your site and hope you keep on sharing your gift with us! Happy Thanksgiving to you!
I love this quote
“Maybe it’s time we asked Him to step out of the kitchen and join us at the table. Reign over our conversations and restore our relationships. Bring us to a place of genuine joy at the end of the day. Wouldn’t that be the best Thanksgiving ever?”
Yes this would be the best gift ever. I want the LORD to reign over my conversations and restore broken relationships. I know that God will in the end.
Thank you for this I needed it so very much!!
I like the thought that it is the Holy Spirit that prepares the meal and feeds us. I just have to be open to His food, the food of the Word!
Giving thanks for all my blessings has put the joy back in my life. Reading the Word has kept me safe in God’s hands.
Often it seems I forget to get my priorities in order. I’m sure this makes God sad. Forgive me, Lord, and bless my dear Sister Liz for reminding me.
Thank you for the reminder “We don’t have to cook up righteousness or dish out peace or whip up joy for dessert…All this comes from the Holy Spirit.” I can’t do it in my own power- and such wonderful relief that I don’t have to –because Jesus offers the solution through the gift of Holy Spirit– and He is personal- in the daily moments! He will be with me -“dishing out” His peace and grace and joy!
I love that the Holy Spirit freely provides the food that leads to freedom. Righteousness, peace and joy have all the nutrients I need, bring pleasure to my senses, fill my heart with enduring gratitude, and release my time in the kitchen so I can celebrate and encourage people. Thanks, Liz, for returning the focus to what is really important!
What a great reminder to be content where we are and let JOY shine through!
God’s word not only satisfies with NO CALORIES, it actually helps you lose the weight of burdens you might be carrying! Love ya, Liz!
At the end of EACH and every day, when I lay my head on my pillow…. I want to go to bed with true joy from The Holy Spirit. Not my worries, exhaustion, or list of things to do for the next day! Thank you Liz, for that reminder.
Thanksgiving has passed and was wonderful this year. All of my kids were home and we added one from a group home after he had time with his family. It was so nice this year as all of the kids plus dad and I played a game and shared time. It didn’t matter the food we had. All kept digging in as the evening progressed. What mattered was that God allowed us to be a family to a person who didn’t feel like they had a family. I was grateful to see my children accept the change and not be selfish for their attention from mom and dad. Thank you God for growing our hearts and showing us joy in another change in life.
This is a lovely reminder that GOD is always ready to feed your spirit and provide for you. I love getting the email each week to brighten my day and keep me going. Some days it seems like the message is one that I really need at that moment to help with something that I am dealing with at that time. Food for the soul.
Hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving Liz! Thanksgiving to me is a reminder of how we should be thankful in all circumstances……no matter what we’ve been through or may be going through we have a God that through His Spirit will guide us and give us peace. As followers of Christ we are to share our gratitude with others that they too may be filled with the joy of the Lord.
Thank you, thank you, thank you Lizzie. I LOVE the references you have used. “The kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat and drink…”
How fun is it to think about the fact that though the kingdom is not about the food and drink, so often it is around the table, (at dinner, over coffee, in communion, behind a desk or even at a check-out counter) that we get to experience His glorious kingdom?
Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, Hebrews 12:28 ESV