January 9, 2011

Yesterday we were at home except for the coffee hour in Hampden.  That is a time to learn the news of what is happening in the community.  They bring really good food, too.  I have been trying to clean and sort and put away and get rid of.  But there is still a lot left.  I don't want anything left for you children to deal with.

Seated With Christ


"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."

--Ephesians 2:6-7

In your mind's eye, where is your place before God when you pray? Do you see yourself
coming to Him with cap in hand to beg? When you pray, do you feel a little out of
place in the divine throne room? Perhaps you picture yourself at a distance from
 God-timid, shy, and imploring the Lord to do something.

There may be times when it's appropriate to go to God as a beggar. Times when you
need to seriously mourn over some terrible transgression. But even in those times
of sorrow, God wants you to understand your glorious position in prayer. For when
you come before God to praise and intercede, it is your privilege and pleasure to
join with Christ where He is seated at God's right hand. In that sacred spot even
a beggar becomes a child of the king.

God has raised you up to be seated with Christ in the heavenly realms. It's a place
not only of privilege but of serious responsibility, for as you pray, you do so
alongside your Lord and from an exalted position. You are a partner with Jesus Christ
in spiritual warfare. Because Christ lives to intercede, you live to intercede,
as well.

When you pray, seated next to your Lord in the heavenlies, remember that your most
feeble and faint prayer shakes the hearts of the people for whom you intercede.
It's a privilege. It's a responsibility.

You, Lord, live to intercede. Thank You for giving me life so that I might intercede
alongside you in the heavenlies.