Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Resurrection Experience - An Upward Mindset
Colossians 3:1-11
“[S]et your hearts on things above, where Christ is … Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” -Colossians (V.1,2)
During college basketball’s March Madness, sixty-eight of the top men’s NCAA Division I teams from across the nation compete against each other over the course of twenty days to determine a national champion. To reach their championship goal, coaches urge their players to remove all distractions and prepare themselves physically and mentally for the challenges that lay ahead - executing consistent play, relying on each other as a team, and having a focused, singular mindset. Seeing the thrill of victory (or the agony of defeat) in players' faces demonstrates their total commitment, passion, and focus as they strive to achieve the ultimate goal.
1) What are the goals of your life?
To this, we must all answer unequivocally - to bring glory to a God who gave us this life in the first place (Psalm 36:9) and to believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, who has made a way for us to live forever with our Father (John 11:25-26).
2) What is your game plan for reaching that goal?
"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ..." (Col. 3:1) Recognize the significance of that phrase! It is not what you do that raises you up to Christ's level - Jesus has already done the sacrificial, restorative work to bring you up to where you belong! So, the destination is clear ... but, ah, there is the journey to contend with. Anyone can testify that this life has its highs and lows, victories and tragedies. Knowing where our destination is, we face our journeys by fixing our view heavenward and setting our hearts and minds on things above (Col. 3:1-2) - mindsets focused, the road ahead ready to be faced. Paul urges the Colossians (and us) to rid ourselves of the filth that blurs our focus and deviates us from the right path (3:5-10). Ask yourself some gut-check questions: Do you get angry unnecessarily or sinfully? Do you spew vulgar language from your mouth or into your Facebook/Instagram comments? Do you think that God is not watchful of these things?
The Scripture does not mince words: "If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God" (Hebrews 10:26-27). But, to those who cast off the things that would blemish God's creation and run this race determined and undeterred, there is the promise that "you will appear with Him in glory" (Col. 3:4). When you love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, soul, mind, and strength, that which is of the sinful nature will lose its appeal in the light of our Holy God. By fixing our thoughts, vision, and actions heavenward, our focused mindset will help us grab on to the victory ... that Jesus Christ won already.

PRAYER: Oh Lord, Giver of life, we give ourselves to You. Guard our hearts and minds from the wayward paths to reveal the way to You and Your victory.....Amen

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Fix your gaze upon your Salvation, not your temptation.


Dr. Shaun Rajan, St. Andrew’s MTC, New York

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