RAISED INTO HEAVENLY REALMS

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:1-7, NKJV)

Devotion 16 of 16

CONCLUSION

      In our thinking and doing, let us make much of the "heavenly places."  Let us assist one another in seeing more clearly into these realms, and appropriate the blessings that are resident there. We will be the better for it. When performed from these lofty realms in which we have been seated, our ministries will not only be received by God, they will be productive, and bring glory to Him. Our souls will find great and lasting delight, and we will become better suited to sit with Jesus in His throne (Rev 3:21).

    In our personal lives, and in our assemblies, let us be tuned in to the heavenly frequency of these "places." There is a voice that is presently "speaking from heaven" (Heb 12:25).  There are "blessings" that can be possessed now, in "this present evil world" (Gal 1:4). There are advantages that will bring the experience of being overcomers to us. There are benefits to be enjoyed that gladden the heart, and bring grace and peace to the believer.

    All of these things are in "the heavenly places," where God has made us to sit in Christ Jesus. I exhort you to do whatever is necessary to remain in those realms. Resist every influence that seeks to drag you from these holy places. Make friends of all who encourage you to remain there, and assist you in surveying the blessings residing there.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, and through Your Holy Spirit, grant to me a keen sensitivity of the heavenly realms in which You have seated me, and where You have put all spiritual blessings.

-- Tomorrow, New Series: JESUS, THE BRIGHTNESS OF GOD'S GLORY --