Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Col 3:1
My fellow believers who love the Lord with all your heart and soul and mind and strength,
Don't you love it when scripture jumps from the page and your heart is warmed and encouraged? There is nothing this earth has to offer that compares to the sweetness of Him and His word. "Thank You Lord for this indescribable gift." Colossians 3 grappled with my mind; calling me deeper. A familiar, favorite overflowing with rich largesse. The verbs call my name... "Arlene keep seeking, Arlene set your mind, Arlene you have died and your life is hidden with Christ. We cannot be raised with Christ unless we died and were buried with Him. The word 'if' states this is conditional upon this fact. Our position is in Christ and His Spirit is continually working to create the likeness of Jesus in us.
Nothing can make us holy or set us apart for Him, except as the Cross is working in us, because it is the Cross alone that keep the hindrances to holiness in the place of death. G. W.
"Keep on seeking the things that are above..." my identification with Christ gives me a responsibility to obey this instruction and 'keep on seeking'. I wondered how? Searching out its meaning helped: Gk: is habitually set your mind-- your attention-- on things above not on things of the earth! Wait a minute, i am earthly so how do I seek? The greatest source is the written word for it reveals the Living Word. We are given God's word that we might know God's Son not only as our Savior but as our very life! He is the basis of life and sanctification. We can know many Biblical truths and yet be almost ignorant of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our consuming desire must be to know Him intimately.
Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. John 17:17
In the beginning we mistakenly think we should walk in order to sit. We think we cannot reach a goal without walking, without effort. Sitting does not 'feel' right until we learn to walk by faith, not feelings.
But Christianity is a queer business! If at the outset we try to do anything, we get nothing; if we seek to attain something, we miss everything. For Christianity begins not with a big DO but a big DONE. WN
Walking implies effort on our part. It is not that we work for God, but that He works for us giving us a position of rest. Christians often come across as clever and strong and righteous... a little too strong and clever-- there is much of 'self' in their strength and often their righteousness is legalistic and critical. They have everything to make them saints, except crucifixion; which would mold them in to Christ-likeness and supernatural tenderness and love for others. For He brings His Son's finished work and presents it to us. To mature in faith first we must learn to sit; it is an attitude of rest. Think of Mary sitting at Jesus feet while her sister's complaints reigned down.
...a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me. But the Lord said to her "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42
My natural bent is to be a Martha. He is transforming my heart and drawing me to His word. How I stand and walk is determined by where I sit. Positionally I are seated on the throne with Christ because I am hidden with Christ in God! I just typed words beyond my comprehension! This must set your feet to dancing or you are not hearing these words. This is a plan far beyond any that man could imagine or conceive. It is divinely orchestrated for His glory and our salvation. Ruminate on these Truths; refuse to let them be silent, mundane words! Hear the music and dance before His throne in utter joy.
Father God, Christ of Calvary's Cross, You who cried "It is finished" complete, done! I bow in awe of You. Your greatness will forever remain undiminished and faithful. You have planned I shall sit at Your feet; equipping me to come boldly to the throne of grace to receive grace and find help in time of need. Keep me seeking things above for my heart is Yours. Thank You for multiplying my faith as I praise You and delighting in my sacrifice. Teach me to sit at Your feet for I am seated with You in heavenly places in Christ (Eph 2:6)! This Truth so huge I cannot truly grasp it. O beautiful One, Lover of my soul, keep me faithful and let me bring You glory. I love you Namer of the Stars, Righteous One. I cry out "Holy, Holy, Holy is Your name." In Your priceless name I pray . Thank You for holding me. amen
My precious brothers and sisters, my prayer for you is that you will learn to sit (Eph 2:6), walk(Eph 4:1-2), stand (Eph 6:10-18) and bring Him glory.
Seeking Him,
az
My fellow believers who love the Lord with all your heart and soul and mind and strength,
Don't you love it when scripture jumps from the page and your heart is warmed and encouraged? There is nothing this earth has to offer that compares to the sweetness of Him and His word. "Thank You Lord for this indescribable gift." Colossians 3 grappled with my mind; calling me deeper. A familiar, favorite overflowing with rich largesse. The verbs call my name... "Arlene keep seeking, Arlene set your mind, Arlene you have died and your life is hidden with Christ. We cannot be raised with Christ unless we died and were buried with Him. The word 'if' states this is conditional upon this fact. Our position is in Christ and His Spirit is continually working to create the likeness of Jesus in us.
Nothing can make us holy or set us apart for Him, except as the Cross is working in us, because it is the Cross alone that keep the hindrances to holiness in the place of death. G. W.
"Keep on seeking the things that are above..." my identification with Christ gives me a responsibility to obey this instruction and 'keep on seeking'. I wondered how? Searching out its meaning helped: Gk: is habitually set your mind-- your attention-- on things above not on things of the earth! Wait a minute, i am earthly so how do I seek? The greatest source is the written word for it reveals the Living Word. We are given God's word that we might know God's Son not only as our Savior but as our very life! He is the basis of life and sanctification. We can know many Biblical truths and yet be almost ignorant of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our consuming desire must be to know Him intimately.
Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. John 17:17
In the beginning we mistakenly think we should walk in order to sit. We think we cannot reach a goal without walking, without effort. Sitting does not 'feel' right until we learn to walk by faith, not feelings.
But Christianity is a queer business! If at the outset we try to do anything, we get nothing; if we seek to attain something, we miss everything. For Christianity begins not with a big DO but a big DONE. WN
Walking implies effort on our part. It is not that we work for God, but that He works for us giving us a position of rest. Christians often come across as clever and strong and righteous... a little too strong and clever-- there is much of 'self' in their strength and often their righteousness is legalistic and critical. They have everything to make them saints, except crucifixion; which would mold them in to Christ-likeness and supernatural tenderness and love for others. For He brings His Son's finished work and presents it to us. To mature in faith first we must learn to sit; it is an attitude of rest. Think of Mary sitting at Jesus feet while her sister's complaints reigned down.
...a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me. But the Lord said to her "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42
My natural bent is to be a Martha. He is transforming my heart and drawing me to His word. How I stand and walk is determined by where I sit. Positionally I are seated on the throne with Christ because I am hidden with Christ in God! I just typed words beyond my comprehension! This must set your feet to dancing or you are not hearing these words. This is a plan far beyond any that man could imagine or conceive. It is divinely orchestrated for His glory and our salvation. Ruminate on these Truths; refuse to let them be silent, mundane words! Hear the music and dance before His throne in utter joy.
Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Colossians 3:2-4
On this point Christian experience proceeds as it began, not on the basis of our own work but always on that of the finished work of Another, praise His holy name. If these Truths do not provoke praise and awe you either do not know Christ Jesus personally or you are deaf. Has unbelief taken you to a far country because of deep hurts and trials? He understands and waits to forgive you and renew a right spirit within you. His love for you is immeasurable and He alone can fill your heart with praise for Him regardless of your circumstances. He is greater than your trials. Even now bring Him praise...
My precious brothers and sisters, my prayer for you is that you will learn to sit (Eph 2:6), walk(Eph 4:1-2), stand (Eph 6:10-18) and bring Him glory.
Seeking Him,
az
