Daily Devotional with Dr. Duane Brooks
August 25, 2017
Ephesians 2:6-7
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
New International Version (NIV)
             What does it really mean to be “in Christ”?  Watchman Nee compared it to a bookmark in a book.  If the bookmark is “in” the book, then wherever the book goes, the mark goes.  Whatever happens to the book also happens to the mark.  So Paul shows us that we are united with Christ in his death and resurrection.  As he ascended, so in Christ we are already positioned in the presence of God. 
First, God raised us up with Jesus.  This reminds us of Paul’s word in Romans 8:30, ”those whom he justified, he also glorified.”  Second, from God’s point of view we have already been raised and seated with Christ in heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.  God has done this so that in the ages to come he might show the incomparable riches of his grace.  All Christians are trophies of God’s grace. 
Exactly how has God shown us grace, this unmerited favor?  We find grace in his kindness.  A line in a song stays with me, “God has always been most faithful, and so much more than kind.”  The grace and kindness flow freely from God to those who are in Christ.  Let’s remember today that our primary position in life is not “under the circumstances.”  Come what may, we are in Christ.  Let us celebrate his grace and kindness until we stand in his presence.      
Pray with me:
Father, remind us today that whether we are riding out a storm, or waiting in traffic, or standing in line, that our position from your perspective is in Christ, receiving all the blessings that accrue to those who know and love you.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.  
I want to invite you to join me in memorizing 52 passages this year from the 2017 set of Fighter Verses.  You can find the Fighter Verses App at the App Store on your phones or via this link  http://fighterverses.com/the-verses/fighter-verses/.  As we study the Bible this year, let's look at each text and learn what it says about God. 
Joyfully, 
Duane 
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