God help me to have your thoughts!

This morning as I read my bible (Acts 16:14) I was struck with some thoughts regarding Lydia, the scripture says God opened her heart. What an awesome thought....God can actually open our hearts to HIS Kingdom. 26 verses later, after Paul and Silas have been released from prison, it says they returned to Lydia's home where they were comforted and refreshed. Lord, my prayer is that you would open my heart and cause me to be an oasis to your people in whatever state I encounter them. God has been speaking to me about "Kingdom" and how different it is than church. Doing church does not build HIS Kingdom, but doing Kingdom does build HIS church. Kingdom is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. (Romans 14:17) The essentail evidence that one is experiencing God's Kingdom is a life of righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Righteousness is right standing with God and with mankind; peace is the ability to rest in the knowledge of the ONE who is able to lead us and guide us - it is born out of total obedience to God; and finally joy is found when our emotional well being is based solely on the fact that our names are written in the lambs book of life. Paul and Silas rejoiced and praised in prison and their restraints were removed. No matter what circumstances you are facing...praise the ONLY ONE WHO IS WORTHY OF OUR PRAISE and you will find yourselves released and in a place where you can be strengthened and refreshed. God is asking me to get my stuff together....in other words "focus on Kingdom". God's thoughts about us are all that really matter and I know that my God loves me, is plentiful in mercy, and HIS grace never comes to an end. The good news is HE feels just the same about you. So, begin to live out HIS kingdom right where you are. Much love and grace to you in Christ Jesus. The Nona of FIVE adorable grandchildren. Thanks girls for blessing me with your offspring.