READ:
Luke 17:20-21 Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is in your midst."
Romans 14:17, For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
THINK:
Have you ever been searching for something specific and spent hours looking through different places trying to find it? A specific spice in the kitchen, your keys, phone, wallet, or purse? Have you ever been searching for your phone only to realize it was already in your pocket or your hand? Or maybe you had been searching for your glasses, then realized that they were sitting on your head? These kinds of things happen to everybody.
In Luke 17, Jesus answers a question that was directed to him by pharisee criticizers who were asking when the kingdom of God would come to earth. These Pharisees expected a grand, mysterious, and glorious answer, but what Jesus explained was that the kingdom they were asking about was right under their noses, in plain sight. He brought the kingdom of God down to earth with Him and He was there sharing the kingdom with the world.
Jesus brings the kingdom of God into our lives, and that kingdom glows with righteousness and joy. The kingdom exists wherever Jesus is king. And if we have made Jesus king of our lives, then the world should see those characteristics coming from us as we strive to be more and more like Jesus.
Have you surrendered your daily heart and actions for His kingdom? Does He direct your thoughts, your motives, and your desires?
ACT:
Take note of people you frequently see, like a server, a grocery store clerk, or a neighbor. Write down the names of those people on a sticky note and intentionally pray for them.
PRAY:
Father, I surrender my heart to You. Give me Your wisdom, strength, and joy to guide me throughout my day. I pray that Your love and grace will overflow to everyone I meet today. In Jesus' name, Amen.
