Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.
What of Today’s Verse…
Living day by day by grace is essentially about developing an intimate relationship with the Lord. “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” We have considered some of the radical extent of that intimacy through the intriguing phrase “in Christ.” “You also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another, even to Him who was raised from the dead” (Rom_7:4). Through this profound uniting with Christ, astounding spiritual riches are now ours.
This is why Paul offered grateful praise to the Lord: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul’s thanksgiving was for what the Father has given to us: “who has blessed us.” Notice, the verb is in the past tense — this has already happened. What is it that has already been given to us? It is “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” Think of it. This truth is staggering in its implications. Every grace resource that heaven has to offer is already ours here on earth. This does not mean that we are fully aware of all that has been given to us. Certainly, it does not mean that we are experiencing all of these blessings. Yet, it does mean that they are all ours to draw upon for fullness of life here on earth!
The reason these rich blessings are ours is that they all reside in Christ. In Christ is forgiveness, righteousness, and wisdom. Also, love, joy, and peace are found in Him. In Christ dwell victory, discernment, and courage. Moreover, compassion, strength, and perseverance are part of who He is. All this and far more is found in Christ. “For it pleased the Father that in Him [in Christ] all the fullness should dwell” (Col_1:19). Now, we dwell in the place (“in Christ”) where all of this richness resides: “who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” All these spiritual resources of the kingdom of heaven are now ours “in Christ.” “And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for [upon] grace” (Joh_1:16).
Let us Pray:
Dear Father, I too want to bless You for bestowing all of this richness upon me. Lord, forgive me for the spiritual poverty that I too often experience. Teach me to draw upon these limitless treasures of Your grace. I want to honour You with an abundant walk in Christ’s fullness, Amen.
Words of Wisdom
Prosperity
I am open to abundance and prospered in every way.
As I greet the sun and behold the blessings of an abundant universe, my heart thrills to God’s provision. I begin this day filled with a spirit of thanksgiving.
I am grateful for the many ways my life is enriched, for the loving relationships, supportive surroundings and creative outlets for expressing my own God-given gifts.
As I use my gifts to touch the lives of others, I am even more blessed in return. Giving from the abundance that comes my way, I am assured that by sharing, I open to even greater prosperity and fulfilment.
My appreciation for God’s blessings grows with each passing day.
“Thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.”–Isaiah 60:5
