Prior
to salvation, we served our father Satan (1 John 3:10). We lived in bondage to
his yoke, his destruction, and his plans for our demise (Ephesians 2:2).
Through the cross of Christ, we received redemption from the lies, wiles and devastation
of the devil (Colossians 2:15).
We
no longer submit to his determination to destroy us through debauchery, worldly
philosophies, empty promises and vain ambitions. We are also free from the
driven nature of our fleshly desires and the allurement of the world's
trappings (Romans 6:16).
At
salvation, we gain a heavenly mindset as we allow God's Word to renew our mind,
and His Spirit to exchange our carnal nature with Jesus' divine nature in us (Romans
12:2; 2 Peter 1:4). Christ is our life now, and we view everything from His
perspective (Colossians 3:3-4; Philippians 1:21).
We
are crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20) and freed from chasing phantom
dreams, worldly fads, satanic visions and earthly pursuits. Instead, we embrace
the freedom of the crucified life in Christ.
This
inborn meekness gives us the benefit of inheriting the new heaven and earth as
co-heirs with Jesus (Matthew 5:5; Revelation 21:1-3; Romans 8:17). Our life is
now hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 2:3).
God
protects us, and grasps us in the palm of His hand (John 10:27-28). He abundantly
provides for us and supplies every need we will ever experience on this earth
(Psalm 23; Luke 6:38). This realization affords us with abounding grace, love,
peace and joy.
Prayer:
Father
God, this world does not understand our faith in You, our lack of materialism,
our disciplined life, our heavenly mindedness, etc.; and they often ridicule
and reject us because we are so different in every way from their choices and experiences
(1 Peter 4:4). Remind us that this puts us in good company, however, because
Jesus was treated with this same contempt and rejection.
Thank
You for exalting Jesus to Your right hand, and revealing Him to us as our
savior, redeemer, friend, brother, and co-heir of Your Kingdom (Romans 8:19).
You give us a glorious future through Christ in us (Colossians 3:4). Remind us
that our true citizenship is in heaven, and that we will abide with Him in His
glory forevermore (Philippians 3:20-21).
Thought
for the Day:
In
the new heaven and new earth, the children of God will enjoy a glorified body,
like Jesus had after His resurrection, and in which He appeared to many people
during the 40 days he remained on the earth prior to His ascension into Heaven.
-
1 Corinthians 15:42-44; 1 John 3:2-3
