LIVING WITH THE JOY OF BEING SAVED!

BIBLE PASSAGE:
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us
with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.
(Ephesians 2:6)

MEDITATION:
Why is it that the empty tomb is considered so magnificent?
It is because it signifies more than just the fact that God
raised Jesus from the dead. He raised us too, to
“walk in a new way of life”.
    We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death
    in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through
    the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. (Romans 6:4)

When we are saved, we have come out of that grave; we have
ascended. Where is Christ today? Seated in heaven with God.
Where are we seated? In the same place, according to God’s
Word.

We don’t have to die to go to heaven. In Christ, we are seated
in heaven right now. Knowing this should have a major impact
on our attitudes, emotions and countenance.

We should have a glow about us that is attractive to others.
A glow that arouses their curiosity and creates in them a
desire to seek what we have found.

Have you ever seen people who claim to be saved but they
have either a sad or an arrogant countenance? That is not
an image that draws people to us; instead, it quite often
pushes them away.

Read the scriptures and see how others were attracted to
Jesus in large numbers. Why? Probably because Jesus
was more concerned about others than He was about
Himself.
    Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.
    Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
    not looking to your own interests, but each of you
    to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3-4)

ACTION:
July 4th is Independence Day. It is a day commemorating
the Declaration of Independence of the United States. The
Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American
colonies were no longer subject (and subordinate) to the
monarch of Britain and were now united, free, and
independent states.

God has given “independence” from the control of sin to all
who seek and surrender their lives to Him. In Christ, we have
a brand new life! Take a moment and thank God for the brand
new life He has given you.

Then ask yourself:
    “Do I have a countenance that attracts people, or pushes them away?”
    “Am I a negative person who looks for faults in others?”
    “Do I have a selfish, arrogant, negative, or angry attitude?”
    “Do I lift the spirits of others,
      or do I bring them down with my words and attitudes?”

Are you interested in seeing others smile? Do you think of things
you can do or say that will cause them to smile? If not, then there
is a strong possibility that you are more concerned with your own
interests than the interests of others.

What changes could (should) you make that will cause others to
look forward to your presence, and create in them a curiosity as
to why you seem to be positive, upbeat, and full of joy and peace?

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promise that salvation
has given me a place in heaven. Help me to realize that others
need to see joy in my life as a result of Your promises. Show
me the changes I need to make in my attitudes, emotions, and
habits that will let others know I am happy because I have a
place in heaven. Teach me how to encourage and lift the spirits
of others, and forsake everything that tends to discourage and
bring them down. Help me to show others that my joy is because
the Holy Spirit is living in me.”

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