-March 18, 2022-
Good morning, happy Friday,
“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”
(Colossians 3:1-2).
It is so easy to get discouraged, distracted, and detoured by the things of this world. Everything in this life is changing on a daily and hourly basis. Some changes are good but most are bad. The world seems to be crumbling all around us. God never changes and we should take comfort in that. Our priority should be on the things above, the higher things, not the things of earth, the lower things. This earth will one day be burned up and God will create a new heaven and earth. We can take nothing from this world to heaven. We came in with nothing and we will leave the same way.
As those who have born again, we have a higher calling and purpose. When we think of Jesus sitting at the right hand of God, it gives us joy and encouragement. One day, and soon, we will be with Him in glory forever. Our hope is in Him. Setting our minds on heaven and heavenly things gives us the best perspective on how to live victoriously for Christ on earth. The most important thing is to be saved and to serve the Lord. We pray for our family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors, classmates, and others to receive Christ before it is too late.
In Psalm 61:2 David says, “From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” We like David can get overwhelmed by the pressures, difficulties, and circumstances of life. Jesus tells to come to Him and rest. He is our rock and our fortress. He helps us to refocus on what is really important in life, the higher things.
Instead of trying to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders, we need to cast it all on Him. One of my favorite verses is Psalm 55:22, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved (or shaken).” Peter also wrote, “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
One of the most popular things today is brain training. Puzzles, games, and memory challenges are good but can’t compare to spiritual brain training. It is good for us to focus on Christ, His Word, and His kingdom, for it is the best way to train our brain. Paul tells us the best way to renew our minds in Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Let us then set on minds of the things above, the higher things, the things that are eternal; and not the things of this earth, the lower things, the temporary things. May we live on a higher plane for greater spiritual gain. We need to claim and cling to all the promises of God.
Have a blessed day setting your minds on heaven and heaven’s values. Stay safe and healthy.
In His paths,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 