The kingdom of God

[After all] the kingdom of God is not a matter of [getting the] food and drink [one likes], but instead it is righteousness (that state which makes a person acceptable to God) and [heart] peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:16-23 AMP

What does 'kingdom of God' mean to you? Where are you getting your understanding of the 'kingdom of God' from? Is it from God's Word, or is it from the world's view of God? In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus challenges us to listen and be careful about what we are listening to.

If any man has ears to hear, let him be listening and let him perceive and comprehend. And He said to them, Be careful what you are hearing. The measure [of thought and study] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you - and more [besides] will be given to you who hear. Mark 4:23-24 AMP

Here is the truth we need to be listening to. The truth about who we are, the choice we have been given, and grace allowing us to be part of the kingdom of God. Peter spoke of the opportunity we have been given through God's grace.

After there had been a long debate, Peter got up and said to them Brethren, you know that quite a while ago God made a choice or selection from among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the message of the Gospel [concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God] and believe (credit and place their confidence in it). And God, Who is acquainted with and understands the heart, bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit as He also did to us; And He made no difference between us and them, but cleansed their hearts by faith (by a strong and welcome conviction that Jesus is the Messiah, through Whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God). Acts 15:7-9 AMP

Through God's grace we have been given the opportunity to hear the Gospel. We have been given the opportunity to chose to believe in Jesus Christ. We have the opportunity to receive the Holy Spirit. We have the opportunity to come back into relationship with God. The God Who is acquainted with and understands the heart. 

Questions for today, what does being in right standing with God mean to you?  Do you really believe that God is acquainted with and understands your heart? Do you really believe that you have access to Him and His kingdom? If you are struggling with some of these questions why not take time right now to ask God to help you understand more about His love, grace and mercy for you.

Then will the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with God) shine forth like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let him who has ears [to hear] be listening, and let him consider and perceive and understand by hearing. Matthew 13:43 AMP