YOUR DAILY DIVE: SIGNED. SEALED. DELIVERED.

YOUR DAILY DIVE: SIGNED. SEALED. DELIVERED.

SCRIPTURE:
“In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation-- having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory. (Eph 1:13-14, NASB)

STORY:
A seal is an imprinted stamp or molded wax mark that declares permanent, ownership. In ancient days, a clay or wax “seal” was commonly used by kings and people of authority to put their stamp of authentic ownership on letters. In fact, in February of 2018, archaeologists in Israel announced the discovery of a 2,700 year old clay seal mark that may bear the signature of Isaiah, God’s prophet. In his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul is employing this imagery to drive home the point that when we trust in Jesus Christ as our Savior, we are “sealed” by the Holy Spirit. The Lord’s indestructible mark of ownership tells the world and the prince of this world (Satan) that YOU BELONG TO GOD.

APPLICATION for today's Christ-follower:
Having God’s seal of ownership—the Holy Spirit—does not mean that we won’t struggle in this world. In fact, Jesus tells us that we will encounter hardship at the hands of the “prince of this world,” Satan. "In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33, NASB). Jesus also tells us that the Holy Spirit, who indwells us, enabling us to stand firm in our faith no matter what Satan and his henchment do to us. You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4, NASB). The Holy Spirit, with all of the authority of God indwells us, enabling us to live victoriously in this no matter our circumstances.

PRAYER:
LORD, I praise and worship You as a Promise-Keeper. Thank You that I can live every day in this crazy world knowing that this isn’t all there is. The best is yet to come! That promise is signed by the blood of Your Son, sealed by the Holy Spirit, and will be delivered one day by You. How grateful I am to know that I can claim victory over today, no matter what comes my way. Help me every minute of the day ahead. By Your Spirit, grant me Your strength and courage to live the life You have called me to live, no matter my circumstances. In Jesus name and for His glory and honor, I praise You andgive You thanks. Amen.