Daily Bread 5/1/2024

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    Daily Bread – May 1, 2024 (The Fourth Day – Genesis 1:14-19) Romans 9:31-33 – But Israel, who pursued the righteousness of the Law, did not obtain the righteousness of the Law. Why? Because it was not from faith, but as by the works of the Law, for they have stumbled at the stumbling stone. According as it is written, “Behold, I place in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, and everyone that believes on Him shall not be ashamed.” The Spirit of the Lord brings to us the glory of His presence, and in this glory of His presence, we are changed (2 Corinthians 3:18; John 17:21-23; Ephesians 3:16). If we become bogged down with our own failures and shortcomings, we will discover ourselves slipping away from the glory of the manifest presence of God as we struggle to make ourselves better. God made a way where there was no way – and has provided for us an acceptance in the beloved, Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:6; John 4:10). He allows us to come in with all boldness by the blood of Christ and stand before His presence, not because of any works of righteousness which we have done, but because of His great love with which He loved us (Hebrews 10:19, 4:16; 1 John 4:17; Ephesians 1:6). Here in this place, we are accepted in the beloved, and we are empowered and strengthened to walk in righteousness. Righteousness is the deeds and conduct of God. Without His presence that comes to us by the Holy Spirit, we cannot walk in His righteousness. Righteousness is more than a right standing with God – it is the very nature of God flowing out of us as rivers of living water. Can people through their own efforts and discipline create a river? Can we through our own sense of accomplishment bring for ourselves the presence of God? By no means! The glory of Heaven and the rain of the Spirit fall upon our souls because we take refuge in the gift of God. We find all we need in Christ Jesus, Who has redeemed us and sent the Holy Spirit into our lives. We do not trust in ourselves, but in the One Who loved us so much He died for us, and Who also now freely gives us all things. Lord Jesus, forgive us for every time we have resisted Your presence by holding on to our own human efforts. Blessings, Pastor Mark Spitsbergen