12-28-20 THOUGHTS

Life has a lot of REPETITION in it.  I know I return to this morning’s theme often. In simple truth, what else is there?  If we miss the morning’s theme, we miss it all!  
“THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL...”  

Heb 11:13-16    All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14  For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. 15  And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16  But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.

Michael used the above passage yesterday in his sermon.  It  has always been a favorite of mine.  It’s a PRECISE SUMMARY OF THE CONDITION OF MAN.  The “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” of Col 3:2,   is embedded in the idea of the passage in Hebrews.  The passage above is a “WHERE DO YOU LIVE & THINK” passage.  WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND MY FRIEND?  
Jas 4:4  You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
Jas 4:8   Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

So, where is my mind?  What is my life?  Matt 6:24 Jesus talking...   "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.

Col 3:1-4    Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2  Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3  For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  4  When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.

Am I making it CLEAR  that I am seeking a heavenly country? Am I confessing that I am a citizen of a  HEAVENLY COUNTRY?

My Prayer:
Lord help us to keep our hearts and minds stayed upon you.  May we wait on you day and night.  Help us to put the flesh to death.  Be our guide that we may set you rightly in our hearts and submit to your awesome will.  May we take your yoke upon us, and learn of you.  We desire heaven eternally Oh God.      In Jesus name                    Amen