Wednesday, January 31, 2024

 In the City of God, God takes pleasure in shielding us from self-assurance. Only through this gate can we enter, leaving behind all self-confidence. We understand that it is not our own power or strength, but God's Spirit that enables us. Those who cling to their own inadequate efforts will be denied access to the celestial city. When we encounter the realm of the supernatural, we become completely bewildered. This is not a mere intellectual connection between our own thoughts and God's revelations. Rather, God's renewal and revelation precede our understanding. The door to this experience is the righteousness of Christ, through whom we gain access. We open this door when we humbly admit our inability to be accepted on our own merits. This righteousness is foreign to us. The path to this gate is narrow and is closely tied to the specific calls of the gospel, which bring the soul under the influence of timeless truths. Our perception of ourselves is influenced by the supernatural forces that we do not fully comprehend, as these forces have a profound impact on the renewal of our souls. Our own willpower becomes insignificant when faced with these effects, as we are incapable of accomplishing anything truly good based solely on our human understanding and abilities. Thus, we must acknowledge that our worship and prayers connect us to a higher power, leading us to something beyond our own mechanical efforts that govern the world.As we approach worship, we humbly recognize our unworthiness as sinners, devoid of any personal merit or confidence. Our sinful nature is all we have to offer in this sacred space, which is akin to presenting filthy rags. It is only through complete identification with Christ and relinquishing our love for ourselves that we can truly believe. Christ's love surpasses our own lives in value and significance. We must redirect all glory to His name, acknowledging His love and unwavering faithfulness. Any other approach or mindset is deemed unacceptable. In conclusion, we firmly affirm that it is solely by the power of God that we find our footing and stand firm.

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