Daily Bread – April 13, 2024 (The Seventh Day – Genesis 2:1-3) Psalms 89:14 – Righteousness and judgment are the foundation of Your throne, lovingkindness and truth shall go before Your presence. Everyone desires to be happy, but few understand the way of true happiness. Happiness is found in the things we enjoy – and it seems that many do not know how to enjoy relationship with God. There is a rut of condemnation and rejection that many good people fall into. They become overwhelmed with their faults and failures, and become entrapped with satanic lies. What we must understand is that although God is a just Judge Who will not pardon the guilty, His mercy is still always before Him and is extended to all who will receive it. He has brought us into a Covenant of love and mercy where we can find grace and help no matter what our problems and faults may be. All that we must be willing to do is reach out and lay hold on the mercy of God. When we do, we will discover the overwhelming glory of His presence as we worship the One Who has loved us so freely. All we must be willing to do is to get it right, and our Heavenly Father has given us the best help He has – Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is a ministry of righteousness. The One Who has given to us His righteousness interacts with us on that basis. There is no longer the condemnation of “Draw not nigh!” but rather, “Come boldly!” God is calling out to all saying, “Come and receive mercy and truth.” The ministry of condemnation passed away with the law for all the people of God (2 Corinthians 3:9). Today, we are invited to come into an uninhibited relationship of union with the Father, not based on any works of righteousness which we have done. Once again, God has given us His righteousness and we now live in the ministry of righteousness and truth. Our lives have been changed into the righteousness of God by the Spirit, and the Spirit of truth resides within us (2 Corinthians 3:8-9; John 3:3-6, 14:17, 15:26, 16:13; Ephesians 4:24, 5:9). Each day, we are taught by God and led by the Spirit – if we are only willing. When we receive the cleansing that is provided for us by the blood of Jesus, our sorrow is turned to laughter and our heaviness into dancing (Matthew 26:28; Revelation 1:5; Psalm 30:11; Isaiah 51:11). In the presence of the Lord, there is mercy and truth. Because of His mercy and truth, our response should be fullness of joy! (Psalm 16:11). When we step into the presence of the Lord by the blood of Jesus, we are not met with judgment – but with mercy and truth, and with lovingkindness and faithfulness. Joy should overwhelm our souls by such a greeting from our God. Our hearts should leap within us that we are so accepted and loved. This is not the time of wrath and rejection. God is calling for all to come, saying, “Peace to those who are both far away and near!” (Ephesians 2:17; Isaiah 57:19). Can you hear the joyful sound? Come boldly to the throne of Grace (Hebrews 4:16). Blessings, Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Daily Bread 4/13/2024
