Saturday, August 27, 2011

Heavenly Places-From Jerusalem ICEJ

* Article From International Christian Embassy - Jerusalem, Israel


In last month’s prayer letter, we saw that the prayer of faith has a strong impact in heavenly places where, according to the Word of God, the real battle between truth and deception is taking place (Ephesians 6:12). Yet these heavenly places are not just places of conflict but also of blessing. Paul states to the church in Ephesus that it is in the heavenly places where God has established His throne and where Jesus was lifted up at his resurrection. “He set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 1:20)


Heavenly Places


It is in the heavenly places where we find the unrestricted and glorious presence of God. Sometimes, believers were granted the privilege to have a visual glimpse into this realm. “Stephen saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” (Act 7:55) What a glorious sight it must have been!



It is in these heavenly places that all our spiritual needs are being met. Every blessing for your walk with Christ, everything you need to fulfill the call of God on your life, every possible blessing for your nation, your family and for your life, can be found in these heavenly places. The word of God declares that our Father “has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). It is a realm of unlimited resources.



Heavenly Perspective


Now the Apostle Paul makes an amazing statement when he explains that this heavenly place of light and abundance is not just reserved for God and His angels. He declares that God has “raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6).



Please note that Paul describes us as “seated” there. You are not only there if you feel an anointing for a short time in a worship service and exclaim “this feels like heaven” – something we hear often from pilgrims during the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. But the truth is we are seated there all the time, even if we do not feel it.It is a reality which we have to accept by faith.Right now, as you read this, you are seated with Christ Jesus in heavenly places. When you join us in prayer this and every Wednesday – wherever you are located, it really does not matter – we all will gather in the same room, the throne room of God.



Therefore, as we gather in unity I have great confidence that our prayers will be answered, because it is in the presence of God that all spiritual blessings are found. I encourage you to see yourself seated in heaven 24 hours a day; it will lift your perspective regarding the things God has called you to and impact every decision you make here on earth.Indeed, Moses gained courage and endurance by “seeing Him who is invisible” (Hebrews 11:27). His walk before God was determined by his awareness of heavenly realities.


May the Lord help us to pray and act from this heavenly perspective!

No comments: