Daily Bread – June 12, 2024 (The Fourth Day – Genesis 1:14-19) 2 Peter 3:9-12 – The Lord of the promise does not delay as some think it’s delayed, but is patient toward us, not willing for anyone to be destroyed, but for all to come to repentance. But the Day of the Lord will come as a thief – in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will be destroyed with a fervent heat, and the Earth and the works in it shall be burned up. With everything being destroyed in this way, what manner of lifestyle should you have in holiness and godliness, expecting and hastening to the coming of the Day of God, through which the heavens, being set on fire, will be destroyed, and the elements will melt with a fervent heat? In the New Testament, the primary message relating to holiness is one of moral integrity and purity. The standard of moral integrity which reaches into every dimension of one’s conduct and behavior is the character of God. Both holiness and godliness are behavioral words that are defined only in God. The holiness and godliness God demands is supplied to us through the Spirit of Holiness (the Holy Spirit). We have been baptized into Him, and into His fire. The fire of God that consumed the sacrifice from off the altar and lit up the menorah in the Holy Place has come upon us, and we are to be wholly consumed by Him. Through the work of His grace in our lives, we are empowered to live blameless in holiness, as the holy ones of God (1 Corinthians 1:8; Colossians 1:21-22; Philippians 2:15; 1 Thessalonians 3:13, 5:23; 2 Peter 3:14). Today, if we will be led by the Holy Spirit and allow Him to govern our lives, then we will shine with the character of God in love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, virtue, knowledge, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, righteousness, and holiness – with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love, and endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Peter 1:5-8; Ephesians 4:2-3; 2 Timothy 2:22). Let us deny ungodliness now and for the rest of our lives – and perfect holiness in the fear of God (Titus 2:11-2; 2 Corinthians 7:1). For without holiness, no man shall see God (Hebrews 12:14). Blessings, Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Daily Bread 6/12/2024
