For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.  Romans 14:17, 18 NIV

Righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit is the essence of what it means to live in the grace of Christ.  For without the kingdom of God being formed in us, we are slaves to old unhealthy habits and attitudes.  But in Christ we have been given grace so that we may experience his righteousness, which produces his peace, which gives us joy in the Holy Spirit.  Jesus Christ gave us a picture of the impact the kingdom of God is to make in a man or woman’s life. “What shall I compare the kingdom of God to?  It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.  Luke 13:20, 21 NIV.  The kingdom of God is the product of the Holy Spirit and it is for all who receive the grace of God in Jesus Christ. After hearing the Lord pray so many times, the disciples asked him to teach them to pray with the same intimacy for the Father that he had.  Here is what he taught them. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done…  Matthew 6:9 NIV.  So we have to make it personal.  I hallowed your name, I ask for your kingdom, righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit to be formed in me and I desire your will in my life so I surrender mine to you.  Today could be one of the most awesome days you have ever had.  May you desire his kingdom and his will for your life.  Enjoy!