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.
