Daily Bread – February 17, 2023 (The Sixth Day – Genesis 1:24-31) Proverbs 15:24 – The way of life is above to the wise, that they may depart from hell beneath. If we have been raised up together with Christ Jesus, then we must set our affections on things above and not on things of this world (Colossians 3:1-2; Romans 6:4). There are too many people who are under a delusion that they can continue on participating in the things in the world and still hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Friendship with the world is at best an act of hostility against God (James 4:4). Paul tells us by the Holy Spirit to come out from among them and be separate (2 Corinthians 6:17). The world is supposed to be crucified to us; there should be nothing of its lust that we desire (Galatians 6:14; 1 John 2:15-16). We are commanded not to be conformed – which is to participate in its evil and lust (Romans 12:1-2). The only way we are going to step away from all that is in the world (and its lusts) is to set our affections and desires on the things belonging to the abundant life given to us in Christ Jesus. The gift of salvation we have received does not leave us thirsty for the world. Rather, it fills us with the wellsprings of life and the nature of our Heavenly Father (John 4:14). If we will labor for the meat that endures unto everlasting life, we will not only be filled with all of the good things of Heaven, but we will escape the snares Satan lays for our feet. Our spiritual blessings, citizenship, and lifestyle are all in Heaven (Ephesians 1:3, 2:6,19; Philippians 3:20). The command of the Lord Jesus is that we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. In order to do this, we must follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit, Who has come to lead us in the ways that are eternal – the ways of God that are above. Blessings Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Daily Bread 2/17/2023
