If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4 ESV
So if you have been raised with the Messiah, seek what is above, where the Messiah is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on what is above, not what is on the earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with the Messiah in God. When the Messiah, who is your life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4 HCSB
I’m glad I got these verses. It’s so easy for me to not look up. It’s so easy for me to keep grinding on earth, keep doing things on my schedule and not take time to add to my spiritual life. A daily reminder to set my mind on what is above, Jesus and God, is much needed. We have all as Christians died to our old ways and are reborn again in Christ. We are a new creation. He is telling the church of Colossae when Christ comes back, they (and we) will be joining him in Glory. The church of Colossae was dealing with heresy and false teachings at the time of this letter. He was encouraging them to hear the real truth.
Our view of Jesus Christ impacts every area of our life. He is Lord over all, the life of a Christian is a life of submission to Jesus. Our faith in Jesus Christ should transform the relationships we have in every area of our lives, in our homes, on the block, in our churches, and in Colorado Springs.
Lord I pray you help me to look up to your ways, your guidance, and your love. Help me to remember what Christ did for me on the cross. Remind me to serve with a gentle heart and serve unselfishly, knowing that furthering your Kingdom is the ultimate goal. Help me to seek your treasures in Heaven, in your wonderful name, Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen
The final two verses of Ephesians 3 are the closing to the Prayer for Spiritual Strength for the Church at Ephesus. Paul is saying, “God can do so much more than we can imagine.” I know I’ve heard this phrase or something similar to it a million times in my life. Because of this, the idea that God can do unimaginable things seems to bounce off of me rather than sticking. Have I heard how great God is too much in my life? Have I become numb to the work I have witnessed and experienced firsthand? Unfortunately, I think the answer is yes, I have become numb.
Understand, I do not want this to be true, but it is my honest experience. A couple of the biggest culprits I can think of off hand are chalking things up to coincidence over paying attention to how God weaves our stories together in a beautiful way, and replacing spiritual healing with psychological progress. If I can humanize the things around me, I do not have to sit in the wonder of God.
Two facts which leave me in a juxtaposition. First, I am much more comfortable with scientific explanation instead of the supernatural. Second, I am struck with awe when I actually take a minute and consider that God may have had something to do with my journey through life. So, in plain words this is how I trade off joy and wonder for a sense of control and comfort. It seems like I may have found what I need to give up for lent next year.
The question(s) I pose for you to consider today: What in your life keeps you from leaning into the vastness of God? Where do you seek or settle for a smaller story in order to keep control?
Ephesians 3:14-19
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Love Lifted Me! And Love Is Lifting You!
Paul’s message here is about love. Love that speaks to you, love that fills you, and love that guides you.... all through Love.
Matthew writes about Love being the greatest commandment. Matt. 22:36-40 NIV
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the prophets hang on these two commandments.” LOVE!
But Love did not start with us, it started with HIM. His love for us. You and me. That Love sent His Son, sacrificed His son, lifted and raised His Son. All for love of His people.
Paul gives honor to the Father of His love for Jesus, and of our love for the Savior of whom we are called the Body of Christ. Paul makes supplication and intercession, to grant riches of His Glory. To be strengthen with might, by His Spirit in the Inner man, that Love (Jesus) may dwell in our hearts by faith that we may be rooted and grounded in love. (In Jesus)
That we may comprehend with ALL saints the measurements of His love. And to know the Love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, and be filled with all the fulness of God. The fulness of His Love. The greatest of all riches.
Thought: Jesus was birthed out of LOVE for you! Killed out of LOVE for you. Resurrected out of LOVE for you, and Blessed out of LOVE with you!
Prayer: Jesus, we acknowledge and lift up praised to your Holy Name. We give you thanks for your prayer in John 17 for the Church, your body, those who choose to love by faith. Your prayer was full of love and hope for the saints. May we walk in the fulness of your Glory, reaching and teaching the nations of your Love!