24 lines
4.1 KiB
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24 lines
4.1 KiB
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<title>Blue Letter Bible: Day By Day By Grace — Bob Hoekstra</title>
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<div class="head">Day By Day By Grace</div>
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<div class="subhead">Bob Hoekstra</div>
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<div class="desc-center"><div class="pad2020">April 2</div></div>
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<h2>Every Spiritual Blessing Ours in Christ</h2>
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<div class="block"><i>Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who <b>has blessed us</b> with <b>every spiritual blessing</b> in the heavenly places <b>in Christ</b>.</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Eph',1,3);">Ephesians 1:3</a>)</div>
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<p>Living day by day by grace is essentially about developing an intimate relationship with the Lord. <i>"You also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that <b>you</b> may be <b>married</b> to <b>another</b>, even to <b>Him</b> who was raised from the dead"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Rom',7,4);">Romans 7:4</a>). We have considered some of the radical extent of that intimacy through the intriguing phrase <i>"<b>in Christ</b>." "But now <b>in Christ Jesus</b> you who once were <b>far off</b> have been <b>brought near</b> by the blood of Christ"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Eph',2,13);">Ephesians 2:13</a>). Through this profound uniting with Christ, astounding <b>spiritual riches</b> are now <b>ours</b>.</p>
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<p>This is why Paul offered grateful praise to the Lord. <i>"<b>Blessed</b> be the <b>God</b> and <b>Father</b> of our Lord Jesus Christ."</i> Paul's thanksgiving was for what the Father has given to us: <i>"who <b>has blessed</b> us."</i> Notice, the verb is in the <b>past</b> tense—this has <b>already</b> happened. What is it that has already been given to us? It is <i>"<b>every spiritual blessing</b> in the <b>heavenly</b> places."</i> Think of it. This truth is staggering in its implications. <b>Every</b> grace resource that heaven has to offer is <b>already</b> ours here on earth. This does <b>not</b> mean that we are fully <b>aware</b> of all that has been given to us. Certainly, it does <b>not</b> mean that we are <b>experiencing</b> all of these blessings. Yet, it <b>does</b> mean that they are <b>all ours</b> to <b>draw</b> upon for <b>fullness</b> of <b>life</b> here on earth!</p>
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<p>The reason these rich blessings are ours is that they <b>all</b> reside <b>in Christ</b>. In Christ is forgiveness, righteousness, and wisdom. Also, love, joy, and peace are found in Him. In Christ dwells victory, discernment, and courage. Moreover, compassion, strength, and perseverance are part of who He is. All this and far more is found in Christ. <i>"For it pleased the Father that <b>in Him</b></i> [in Christ] <b><i>all the fullness</i></b> <i>should dwell"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Col',1,19);">Colossians 1:19</a>). Now, we dwell in the place (<i>"<b>in Christ</b>"</i>) where all of this richness resides: <i>"who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places <b>in Christ</b>."</i> All these spiritual resources of the kingdom of heaven are now ours <i>"<b>in Christ</b>."</i> <i>"And of <b>His fullness</b> we have <b>all received</b>, and <b>grace</b> for</i> [upon] <b><i>grace</i></b><i>"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Jhn',1,16);">John 1:16</a>).</p>
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<div class="dbdbg_prayer">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 honor You with an abundant walk in Christ's fullness, Amen.</div>
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<div class="desc-center"><div class="pad2020"><a href="./devotions/daybyday/04/0401.html">Yesterday's Reading</a>
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<a href="./devotions/daybyday/04/0403.html">Tomorrow's Reading</a>
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