Daily Bread – July 26, 2023 (The Fourth Day – Genesis 1:14-19) Luke 8:15 – But that in the good ground are those who hear the Word, hold it fast in an honorable and good heart, bring forth fruit by perseverance. The Proper Response To The Word Through the new birth, God gave us the good ground of a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 11:19, 36:26; Psalms 24:4; Matthew 5:8; 1 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 2:22; and 1 Peter 1:22; Ephesians 4:24; 2 Peter 1:3-4). This is the right kind of soil for the Word of God to be planted in. However, there are not just four different kinds of soil – there are also different responses to the Word. The correct response is to hear the Word and hold it fast. The Greek word (katechousin) translated “hold fast” is actually a very colorful word which can mean “enraptured,” “possess,” “ecstasy,” and “inspire.” We should have the Word in possession, we should be enraptured by it, it should inspire us, and the power and glory of it should cause ecstasy; but more than anything else, we must hold tightly to it. We cannot let it slip from our thoughts, lest our commitments to the Lord Jesus be forgotten even for a moment. The enemy of our soul has set himself against us and looks to find some area of our life to exploit and overthrow (Ephesians 6:10-11; 1 Peter 5:8). The Word of God, however, is the sword of the Spirit, and it produces a shield of faith. It is the force of truth and the light and revelation of God that will both expose and overthrow the lies and deception Satan seeks to work against us. It is Spirit empowering, and the living force of God’s creative power that will work effectually in all who believe. Blessings, Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Daily Bread 7/26/2023
