"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson: Ephesians 1:2-3

 February 12

"To the faithful in Christ Jesus, Grace be to you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places through Christ." -Paul in Ephesians 1:2-3 (Wesley NT)

What does it mean to be "faithful in Christ Jesus"? Paul addresses his letter in today's scripture to such people specifically. Faithfulness means trusting in Christ but also holding fast to our faith. It means we take one day at a time to faithfully obey God in both the little details of life and the big decisions. Then, like the Ephesians, we will be known as a person who is faithful to the Lord. Paul also tells us such a lifestyle has great benefits as God can then provide us with "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms". This kind of Christian lifestyle frees us to receive all the benefits of knowing God including being adopted as his children. God can then grant us his blessings and gifts of: forgiveness, insight, diverse gifts of the Spirit, power to do God's will, and eternal life. Yet we don't have to wait for these blessings. Once you have a personal intimate relationship with Christ, you can enjoy these amazing blessings now. The "heavenly places" Paul refers to in Eph 1:3 means these blessings are eternal, not temporal. Such incredible blessings come from Christ's spiritual realm, not earthly places in this world. Yet in hard times unless we are aware of these blessings, we can lapse into ingratitude and ignore the unique blessings faithful Christians enjoy. During such times we need to count our blessings! Johnson Oatman's beloved hymn reminds us:

"When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done...

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,

Do not be disheartened, God is over all;

Count your many blessings, angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end."

Prayer: Lord, May I bless others even as you bless me. Amen.

Meditation For The Day: Unseen blessings abound all around us.

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)