Daily Bread – May 24, 2022 (The Third Day – Genesis 1:9-13) Romans 8:15 – You have not received back the spirit of slavery to fear, but you have received the spirit of sonship in which you cry out, “Abba, Father!” Perfect Love Casts Out All Fear Fear is the enemy of faith, and faith is essential for everything God will do (Mark 4:40, 5:36, 9:23; Hebrews 11:6). Fear comes from the spirit of the devil, and is the spirit now working in the children of disobedience (Ephesians 2:1-3). We have been slaves to fear because of the power of sin and death that had dominion over our lives. The spirit of slavery has been broken, and the Spirit of sonship should now rule our lives – but we must yield ourselves to God if His love is to take control. The power and influence of fear has no right to control and manipulate us anymore. However, each person must learn how to resist its influence and not come under its control. The natural human life is one of self-preservation, continually driven by the fear of death (Hebrews 2:14-15). Because of this state of spiritual death, we were slaves to fear. Now that we are children of God and the Spirit of the son resides in our lives, we are to be led by the Spirit and recognize that the power of fear has no right or place in our thoughts and actions. The domination of fear should be equated with the spirit of the devil, and resisted steadfast in the faith (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9). God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, love, and self-control (2 Timothy 1:6-7). We have divine power and authority over all of the works of the devil. We have the love of God bringing to us the certainty of how God is our Protector and Provider. We have self-control, so we need not be swept away with the winds of opposing circumstances and crisis. Our Heavenly Father, Who has all power and authority over all things, loves us so much He has numbered the hairs of our head. With such tender care and devoted love, there is no reason for us to fear (Matthew 10:29-31; Luke 12:7). If we will simply give ourselves to relationship with the One Who loves us so, we will discover He is a faithful God Who is totally in control and devoted to our success. He will not allow us to be tested above what we can handle (1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Peter 1:6-7). The Almighty will watch over us and faithfully establish all of the promises He has made (2 Corinthians 1:20; Hebrews 10:23; Romans 8:31). In knowing and believing this love God has for us, all fear is cast out (1 John 4:18). The torment of fear that would attempt to steal our confidence and faith is stopped when we yield to the leadership of the Holy Spirit (1 John 4:10-17; Romans 5:5). The Holy Spirit will overwhelm us with the love of God, and fill us with divine assurance. There is no fear in love; and through this love, faith works. All we need to do is be convinced of how much God loves us, and then it is easy to trust Him. Abiding in the love of God causes faith to surge from our lives like rivers of living water; and through this love, the faith that commands the wind and the waves, moves mountains, and makes all things possible works through us. God loved us so much He gave His only Son to deliver us from the law of sin and death; how much more may we now be confident He will give us everything pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-4)! Let your soul safely trust in Him, abide in His love, and find such comfort and assurance that all is well! God is working a miracle for you; never fear again. Blessings, Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Daily Bread 5/24/2022
