Verse of the Day
"You were raised from death with Christ. So live for what is in heaven, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God." — Colossians 3:1 ERV
Lesson of the Day
When Jesus died on the cross, He defeated death. He had to defeat death so that we didn't have to die due to our sins. So, when He was raised from death, we were raised with Him, since we no longer had to die. Since He bought our freedom from death with His life, we are His, and therefore we should live for Christ. Living for Christ is living for what's in Heaven where Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God.
So, the verse is saying live like someone who's already been raised from the dead. Your citizenship is in heaven now. Your real life is hidden with Christ. So, stop living like this world is all there is. Set your mind on what matters eternally. We spoke of what we have to look forward to in Heaven. We know that there is a beautiful place waiting for us. Therefore, our thoughts should be on…
- Making sure that we are saved (raised with Christ).
- Imitating Jesus Christ's character (that will come with the fruits of the Spirit).
- Telling others the good news so that they can have this wonderful opportunity (studying the Bible is a must).
- Realizing that we are strangers in this world. We don't do what the world does, we don't do things just because it is the new trend or the common thing to do. We do things intentionally to demonstrate that we belong to Jesus Christ.
- Realizing that this world is temporary and fleeting.
- Knowing that Heaven is forever.
Encouragement
As I was writing this, I got convicted. Am I doing all of this? Do I realize that this world is temporary and that I should be focused on things above?
We get so caught up in this world that we make everything down here more important.
God, I have to work.
God, I'll go to church later.
God, I will read my Bible when I have time.
God, I don't want people to think that I am a Jesus freak.
Let's all open our Spiritual eyes and start focusing on what really matters.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, You are our source of life. You spoil us with love, grace, mercy, and favor, but we don't always show our appreciation. I pray that we will stop looking at the world as home and that we start preparing for our real home. Guide us towards Your righteousness. Fill us with Your love, help us put on Your character and yearn to reach others so that they can also be saved. Give us the courage to make You first in our lives. Thank You for everything Lord. We couldn't ask for a better King and Lord of our lives. In Jesus Christ name we pray, amen.