“Blessed and worthy of praise be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ, 4just as [in His love] He chose us in Christ [actually selected us for Himself as His own] before the foundation of the world, so that we would be holy [that is, consecrated, set apart for Him, purpose-driven] and blameless in His sight. In love” Ephesians 1:3-4 AMP

Today we are reminded o the reality of the work of God in our life! What a beautiful verse to memorize! He is worthy of our praise because He has blessed us with every Spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. Notice that it does not say in the earthly realm. Does that mean that God does not bless us with earthly blessing? Of course not! It does however remind us that our focus and attention should be on the spiritual issues of life not the fleshly ones! Notice that the verse begins with us blessing God. “Blessed and worthy or praise…” the word “blessed” is the Hebrew word meaning “found to be worthy of praise.” IT signifies that we have examined the subject and decided that it is worthy of our commitment. The second half of the verse tells us that He has then “blessed us” in return. What a wonderful exchange of respect. Him who know no sin, gave His life for those lost in it! 

“He made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious lovingkindness].” 2 Corinthians 5:21 AMP

Notice then that the purpose of these “Spiritual blessings” are designed to move us toward holiness! I love the Amplified translation of the Greek here; 

“so that we would be holy [that is, consecrated, set apart for Him, purpose-driven] and blameless in His sight. In love”

Holiness is a designation of being separated unto a specific task. Our task of course is to go into all the world and make disciples. While physical blessings are a gift from God, Spiritual growth and blessing is of more importance. We cannot fulfill the great commission of our Savior if the internal issues of our life are not settled. We must learn, this side of the cross, to live from the inside out! What a beautiful reality that God has chosen us to be a specific part of His plan. That fact alone should calm the inner storms of life! Instead of trying to anticipate His plan, I can rest assured that He who has begun a good work in me shall see it to completion! If we trust in the plan and sovereignty of God then we know that it is His will to prosper us and not to harm us so we can then relax and simply enjoy His presence in our lives!

“For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the LORD, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jerimiah 29:11 AMP

Our hope and future then is rooted in the heavenlies not in this earthly realm! Nothing can rob us of our inheritance as it is being stored in a place where it cannot fade away! There are times when the Lord will give us a glimpse of the glory to be revealed on the day of our return home. This is to encourage us and remind us of the promise,

“Jesus said to her, “I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in (adheres to, trusts in, relies on) Me [as Savior] will live even if he dies; 26and everyone who lives and believes in Me [as Savior] will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 AMP

Are you adhering to, trusting in, and relying upon Him? Are you totally consecrated, set apart, and purpose-driven for Him? Choose today to bless Him in all your ways and watch and see what He will do! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken