Verse for today – “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 (Ephesians 1:13).”

In college, one of my favorite professors, Dr. Bishop, told the following story: High on a mountain, near a large river, a logging company was training a new employee. His job was to monitor the journey of large, choice timber, sliding down a heavy, wooden chute into the river below. The chute was over a mile long and it was the most economical method of getting the logs all the way down to the river. On training day, the teacher explained, “We cut down the timber, take off the limbs, and slide the logs down to the water below. The river then carries them downstream to the sawmill about 4 miles away.

The new employee was impressed with the operation. It seemed to work like a finely oiled machine; however, he was confused about one item and asked the following question. “Boss,” he said, “there are at least 5 logging companies on this river. How do the men at the sawmill know which logs are ours?” “Great question!” the boss replied. “Before sending each log down the chute, we stamp the end with a deep imprint of our company’s name and logo. On arrival, our logs are unmistakable!” Dear Christian, those of you who belong to Jesus and are following Jesus, you are like one of those logs. God has set His seal on you by placing the Holy Spirit in your life. You are unmistakable to God! You were sealed in Christ with the Holy Spirit of promise! We will talk more about this word, promise, when we go over blessing # 12; but, for today, remember this: you belong to God and EVERYONE in the spiritual realm knows this fact. The angels are watching you and your life and cheering for you. God is watching, coaching, and helping you along the way. One day you will arrive in the presence of your Creator and be identified as His very own. Straighten your back! Lift your head! Thank your Savior! And rest in His promises.