Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Having a blue Christmas???

I know that there have been so many stressful indicators in the world today...from the markets, the dollar value, housing troubles, jobs...you name it! But, is our happiness truly set upon the things of this world? If so, our Christmas spirit can be dimmed remarkably.

The verse I think we should look at in times like this is Colossians 3:2, and it will be our memory verse for this week..."Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

To get a glimpse of the verse, let's look at the text starting in verse 1..."If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. (2) Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. (3) For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God."

Let's also take a look at the Amplified Bible's translation of these verses..." IF THEN you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (2) And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. (3) For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God."

Does that bring it out a bit to you, like it speaks to me? This is telling me to not place my hopes and dreams on the wood, hay and stubble that the world is offering, but rather on "the higher things" that are to be set up above!!! Remember, this Christmas, that Jesus came to live a perfect, sinless life that He could pay the sin debt that you and I are unworthy to pay. God became flesh...suffered persecution and anguish...rejection, shame, spat upon, and crucified...not in vain, but rather that we may live a life victorious!!!

Don't get down because your money doesn't go as far as you would like...As I have stated before your Father in heaven owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10)...His eye is on the sparrow (Luke 12:6 & 7)...consider the lilies (Matt 6:28 & 29)...

And, I will leave you with this verse from Isaiah 40:31..."But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

Put your faith in Him and let your strength be renewed, so that whatever comes your way will not bring you down!!!

Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

1 comment:

Travis said...

You could not have said it any better it is a stressful world we live in. We all need to be encouraged to set are affections (thoughts, prayers, self, ect.) on the things above. The scriptures you use remind me of a scripture found in Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
We as Christian must put are trust in the one that was sent, Jesus. He is our only hope.