Righteousness, Peace and Joy

Kathy — Adam and Eve lived in righteousness, peace and joy which is the Kingdom of God, (Rom 14:17) and here’s the really best news of the day: it’s the Father’s good pleasure to give us that Kingdom (Lk.12:32)! Since it is the Father’s good pleasure to GIVE us the Kingdom, He gives us Righteousness, Peace and Joy and we develop a Kingdom lifestyle by learning to walk in what He’s given us. It flows like this: 1) He gives us Righteousness as a gift and then the daily Kingdom lifestyle challenge is refusing to let that righteousness be shaken or forsaken because of condemnation. If condemnation can take you to the mat, that’s a signal you’re looking to your own righteousness instead of the gift God gave. 2) He gives us Peace which carries exemption from emotional havoc in war. Peace is not exemption from war but from the emotional damage during war. So the daily Kingdom lifestyle challenge is to go on to sleep in the boat while the storm rages. 3) He gives us Joy by beautifully giving us so many reasons to be glad. Then the daily Kingdom lifestyle challenge is to calm down and be delighted. (Of course, that’s easier sometimes than others and easier for some people than others)