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And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth -the gospel of your salvation - you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,
Ephesians 1:13 BSB
We were given some sausages yesterday that were sealed in a vacuum packed bag, but that's not the sealed Paul is talking about here about preserving something as it is.
It's the word "sphragizo" which is about sealing with a signet ring, 
stamping a document to validate it, to show ownership. 
It also signifies the backing and authority of the owner, guaranteeing the promise of what is sealed.
We've been sealed with the Holy Spirit. 
Guaranteed by God, with His full backing. 
Nothing can separate us from His love. 
Nothing. 
This is truth that we can rest in today, and in whatever 2023 throws at us. 
A note in the Bible dictionary says this:
"Sealing was sometimes done in antiquity by the use of religious tattoos - again signifying 'belonging to'."
While getting a tattoo may not be on your to-do list for this year, the outward appearance of who we belong to can be seen in our eyes, our actions, how wide we can stretch our arms, & heard in our words. 
We can step into 2023 knowing we are sealed. 
#ephesians
#sealedsafe&belonging

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