Read Ephesians 1:3-14
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. Ephesians 1:3 NIV.
We are a blessed people!
Bless the Lord, O my soul
Twice, the word “blessed” is used in this first passage, leading us to a knowledge of spiritual blessing. It concerns God. We want Him to be happy. May He be delighted in us as we praise and adore Him. May He find joy in our grateful hearts.
Does the Lord look forward to our time together in the Secret Place?
Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and let everything within me bless His holy name.
Spiritual Blessings
The second time in this passage, we see the word “blessed” and it concerns us, and we discover such a blessing is spiritual. So, let us affectionally and gratefully praise the Lord for such a blessing because He keeps us safe and secure. No one or anything can snatch us out of His hands.
This, too is a blessing.
When we truly realize His great truth, then we see clearly the will of God and that it is His will to bless His people. The deepest part of our soul easily finds rest and peace in Him.
Love is a blessing
In His love, so pure and true, He chose you and me. He picked us out like an adopted child needing a family. This was His choice — a decision made before the foundation of the world. You, when you accepted His love, made it complete: unrequited love became mutual.
Such love is not distant or unknown. In love, He makes us holy — consecrated and set apart for Himself and His good purposes. His affection for us is faithful — He makes us lovely.
It is a “foreordained” kind of love. We can walk in our destiny — a destiny He’s established. It was planned and executed in Christ Jesus. When we accepted our destiny in Him then His will became complete in us. It pleases Him to draw near us, and He is delighted as we draw near to Him.
Grace is a blessing
His precious grace — favor and mercy — is a blessing. Grace is more than unmerited favor, it is His unmerited assistance, making us His masterpiece. The yielded heart is shaped and formed to fit perfectly in His hands. It beats to the rhythm of her Master.
We blessed beyond measure — redeemed, delivered and saved through the blood of Christ Jesus. His finished work, on the cross, is the foundation of love — His continual work in our spirit, soul, and body establishes us and keeps us in right standing with Him. This, too, is a blessing.
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely, and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass. 1 Thessalonians 5:12 NRSV.
God generously pours out His gracious favor and this, too, is both a blessing and according to His will.
As if this were not enough, we’re given the ability to gain wisdom and grasp with a clear understanding the Word of God — the mystery and blessing of His will, His ways, and His heart.
Open Door is a blessing
Salvation is not a ticket to heaven. It is the open door to His presence. It is the beginning of a life-long and heartfelt love relationship with Him. Blessed are those who discover this eternal truth.
Here is another treasured blessing: we are united to the Holy Trinity by the perfect, pleasing, and acceptable will of God. An open door that can be closed.
Holy Spirit Seal is a blessing
Additionally, God placed a seal on our soul — an engagement ring on our finger by the Holy Spirit. It says, “Mine”. Our inheritance is not silver or gold, but the Almighty Lord of Hosts Himself. He is working all this according to His will and in agreement with His perfect design.
Tell me. Can you find any greater love in all the earth and the heavens combined?
We are a blessed people.
Gospel Truth is a blessing
We are blessed in the power and beauty of the gospel — the Word of Truth. We have believed in, adhere to, and rely on Him. We are blessed — a foretaste of the glory of Devine.
The psalmist knew it to be true, and so do you, because you are blessed.
Bless the LORD, O my soul. And all that is within me, bless His Holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits. Who pardons all our iniquities, Who heals all our diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things… The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness… For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him… Bless the LORD, oh my soul. Psalm 103:1-5a, 8, 11, & 22b. NASB
For God so loved the world He gave… John 3:16a
Call to Action
Go to the secret place today and with a grateful heart thank the Lord for all His blessings and bless Him with your presence. Trust me, He will be delighted, and so will you. Amen
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