rewards

DEAR GOD: My Mind Is Set On Things Above~

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The Kingdom of GOD

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” –Matthew 6:19-21

Colossians 3:2 also says- “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” This verse is part of a larger passage that exhorts Christians to live a new life in Christ, who is their life and their hope of glory.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:19-21 – that our rewards are in Heaven and we should set our mind on the treasures above – for where our treasure is, there too is our heart!

The apostle Paul continues Jesus’ teachings thereby urging believers to put to death their sinful nature and to put on the new self, which is being renewed in the image of God.

He also tells them to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love, which are the marks of the new humanity in Christ.

Paul also instructs Christians to let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts (Philippians 4:13) to let the word of Christ dwell in them richly, and to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father.

The main idea of Colossians 3:2 passage, is Christians are called to live a heavenly-minded life, not a worldly-minded one. This does not mean that they should ignore or neglect their earthly responsibilities, such as work, family, or society. Rather, it means that they should view everything from a higher perspective, that of God’s will and purpose.

They should seek the things that are above, where Christ is, not the things that are on the earth, which are passing away.

They should set their minds on the eternal realities, not the temporal ones. They should live as citizens of heaven, not as slaves of the world- (Philippians 3:20)

By setting their minds on things above, Christians can experience the joy and peace that come from knowing Christ and being united with him.

They can also resist the temptations and pressures that come from the world, the flesh, and the devil. They can also witness to the world the transforming power of the gospel, which can change lives and renew the creation.

They can also look forward to the day when Christ will appear, and they will appear with Him in glory, sharing in His inheritance and His reign.

To set our minds on things above, we need to cultivate a close relationship with Christ, who is our life. We need to spend time with Him in prayer, worship, and meditation on His word.

We need to seek His guidance and direction in every decision and action. We need to obey his commands and follow His example. We need to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves. We need to remember that we are not our own, but we belong to Him, who died for us and rose again.

We need to live for His glory, not our own. We need to set our minds on things above, not on this world, and the things in it. Rather the Eternity and the Eternal rewards that will ultimately come to fruition when we are called “home.”

“Dear Lord Jesus, Thank You for this day and moment in time, help me to keep my heart and mind fixed on You and Your Kingdom where You reign in glory. You are my heavenly goal, and with You is where I want to be! I will look ahead with hope in my heart and soul, knowing Your promises are real, and Your love in unsurpassed and unparalleled, Come, Lord Jesus! Amen!”

DEAR GOD: Your Word Refreshes My Soul~

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Restores my soul through truth and action! – Robertson-Wesley United Church

 

The Law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.  Psalm 19:7 (NASB)

 

The Word of God refreshes us inside and out. It transforms us to a higher realm and state of inexplicable rewards. And the law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing our soul, and igniting a fire of love, and wisdom, set forth by our relationship with Him.

The Psalmists soul refreshment was the Word of God.

Jesus Himself made the Word of God an important priority in His earthly life and ministry. Jesus had to go off alone many a time to pray, and connect with His Father, and He needed to refresh, revive and be in perfect accord with the Word and His Father, our God.

Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.  Mark 1:35 (NLT)

If Jesus had to do this, of course so should we all. Connecting with God on a daily basis, whether it’s once, twice, or however many times we need to in a given day, is vastly important for ones’ soul and affirmation and transformation. Your mind if it is upon the LORD will open all avenues for you to explore in His name and will.

Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.  Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:23-24 (NLT)

Being with God, asking for guidance, help, or just speaking with Him are all forms of communication with Him. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a “prayer that someone else wrote.” And it shouldn’t be a “formality” it should come from the heart. It can be spontaneous. It can be planned. It can be an ongoing song from within your heart to the Father. But the important thing here is, that “connection” to Him, His Word, and His love. Also, His will for our lives. And we can go to Him freely and openly and boldly.

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (CEB)

When we’re rooted in His Word, we gain entry to a whole new prospective in our lives. We become engaged in a daily practice of a meaningful way of living. While we are here in our flesh bodies, and on earth in our “temporary” homes, we have a mission and job to do. We all have a certain role to play in the harmony of the “body of Christ” in every facet of our being.

We can gainfully explore all avenues pertaining to His Word, in our actions, and our thoughts, and our souls. Being connected to the LORD is like an effervescent shower of peace. Because no matter what is happening in our lives, around us, or in the world, we have the “key” to gain access into a realm of tranquility and strength, through Christ Himself.

Have you sought the LORD and asked for His help today? Have you thanked Him for your blessings? Have you expressed your love for Him?

He is available from sunup to sundown, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Now this is the question I ask— within all those minutes, hours, days, months, and years…how much of it do you spend with Him?

“Father, my LORD, thank You for Your Word, for refreshing my soul, for revitalizing my Spirit and keeping me filled with Your peace, I thank You, I love You, and I need You, now, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. Psalm 23:1 (KJV)

 

DEAR GOD: How Do I Find Favor In Your Eyes?~

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10 Signs of God's Favor in Your Life - YouTube

Psalm 106:4- Remember me, O Lord, in Your favor toward Your people; Visit me with Your salvation,

 

How do we go about finding favor in God’s eyes? How do we seek the ability to navigate through the treacherous waters of life by His favor and grace?

There are so many verses in the Bible to guide us and bring us insight on the ways we can promulgate such favor.  But within these verses are His promises which are faithful and true.

  • Psalm 90:17: “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.”  This particular verse comes from the earnest cry of the Psalmists, asking for God’s favor in all things, and for strength through their hands to accomplish such deeds. It is a prayer for help, guidance and the fortitude to take care of business, through His grace and favor.
  • Psalms 5:12: “Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. Here there is a tone of certainty and assurance that God will bless those who follow Him and are obedient to Him and His Word. There is an air of peace surrounding the Psalmist (David) because he is stating that the LORD will and has found favor in King David, and He will provide His love as a shield for him.
  • Psalms 84:11: “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” Again, the confidence and prayerful voice stating with an abundance of confidence that, God will provide to those who are His. And that there isn’t anything that He wouldn’t do for those who accept Him and love Him. He is a shield, and we will be impregnable to our enemies, and the dark ones.

Proverbs 12:2
The good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a man who devises evil. 

God will be all things to those who have a heart for Him, and follow Him in Word, action, and deed. He will grant them favor and provisions that we wouldn’t have otherwise. And at the same time, He will mightily condemn a person who brings about evil and immorality to others, and in others.

Loving God is simple. Honor Him. Worship Him. Read His Word. And do all things according to His will and purpose in your life. When you do all these, and love Him with all of your heart, mind, strength and soul, you are on the path of righteousness in His eyes and will ultimately find favor in His eyes.

Have you found favor with God today?

“Father God, may I find favor in Your eyes in all I do each day of my life, may I be granted Your Peace and Guidance in all I endeavor in Your precious Son’s name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: Is There More Traffic On the Way to Heaven or Hell?

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Highway to Heaven and Hell - Speed Art #3 - YouTube

 

Matthew 25:46 – And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

 

 

Driving to an early appointment this morning while lost in thought I glanced at the cars on both sides of the road. Endless cars with individuals on their way to an event, appointment, work or something other, and I thought “is there more traffic on the way to Heaven or hell?”

Sadly, I immediately thought, “probably Hell” as evidenced by circumstances on the news, and even within our own neighborhoods, stores and such.  Then I quickly thought about those who are true to God and His commandments. And all of the “silent” heroes in the world today. The people who give of themselves unconditionally without regard to “recompense” in terms of monetary value or status. Those who fight for the underdog, and who are willing to take a firm stand in Christ’ name.

I thought about the countless frontline workers facing emergencies on a daily basis. The EMT workers, and Emergency Room medical staff.  Those volunteering in an animal shelter and working tirelessly to get placement for those who are “about to be surrendered” due to lack of room. Those who take time to visit an elderly neighbor to check in on them, just to say “hi.”  Those visiting a nursing home and bring a gift, or hold their hands, and listen just to lift them up.  These things, and so much more are comprised of a selfless heart, and love of God and others.

 There are still individuals who act “behind” the scenes. Unfortunately stories about “goodness” is very rarely shown any longer, because sensationalism and perverseness seem to top the list at this moment in time.

For those who still walk the narrow path of righteousness, and for those who try,I would have to change my original thought about “is there more traffic on the way to Heaven or Hell” and say without a doubt, there is “more traffic on the way to Heaven.”

I believe the Bible and the overall plan of God and know that Christ defeated the world and death. I know He is coming back, and I know the rewards of those who follow Him.

So, for now this is the plan. Keep doing all you can to please Him and follow Him and His commandments exclusively. Put your trust in Him alone and worship and glorify Him totally.

Then wait patiently in line because you’ll be sitting in some major heavy-duty traffic on the way to Heaven!

“Father God, may I do all You have planned for my life today tomorrow and always, and I look forward to meeting You in person, for now, I intend to follow You and You alone, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”