In the third chapter of Colossians, Paul wrote:
1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
The challenge each of us has is to function at the earthly realm while keeping our focus on the Heavenly realm. The daily activities would demand all of your attention if you would let them and most people give in to the demands. It takes commitment and discipline to consistently seek those things Above and it is my desire in these writing to help you keep that focus. I could write about the constantly changing and unfolding economic events each day and believe me there is plenty to write about. Instead, I prefer to keep our focus on the everlasting not the temporal.
Be of good courage. As we continue the maturing process FATHER will honor our commitment to HIM and navigate us through the turbulence which lies ahead. By consistently seeking those things Above, I have seen my priorities and interests shift dramatically over time and I am extremely thankful for that. My focus has shifted from “self” to others and what a blessing it is to see the growth in personal relationships. I have received similar reports from others. HIS Word really works once we read and dwell on it from a perspective of Love. Paul revealed this as he wrote:
12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;
13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection
It is my deepest desire to be a conduit of HIS Love to you and those whom I come in contact with on a daily basis. I hope as you are encouraged by these daily writings and you see your life being transformed in the same manner. We must have the patience of farmers who plant their crops knowing that it will take time for the harvest to ripen. We must keep our perspective aligned with FATHER’S reality while we await the ripening of the fruit.
Think back to some event that happened several years ago, an event which at the time seemed very negative. Does it really matter now? Have you finally let it go? Consider how Paul (who was Saul) had such a regretful history of being an enemy to those who love Jesus Christ. Only the Love of Christ was able to minister to Paul and wipe away the sins in his life and replace it with Love and gratitude for being reconciled to FATHER. Each of us should wake up daily with such gratitude for Our Heavenly Father. With such gratitude in mind, we should be quick to forgive those who are weaker and immature in HIS Love. We too were once in the same state as those who might challenge us on a daily basis. Paul continues:
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
There are some days where peace could depart from me if I were not grounded IN HIM. Owning and operating my own business has inherent risks. Revenue goes up… and revenue goes down. All of us would like steady income that we can always count on but generally it is not the case for small businesses. As I matured, I became less impacted by the business cycle. In July 1985, FATHER told me to start my own business rather than take another position as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of an established business. Two months passed and the new business had no revenue. I prayed to FATHER and told HIM if something didn’t happen soon, I would have to get a job working for someone else. HE answered my prayer and sent my first client. I learned to trust IN HIM as my source. HE expects each of us to exercise our faith but also it should have Love as a foundation. That event along with countless others has provided me with a basis to write encouraging words to you. I can testify of HIS Love in action. The key is to seek those things Above.