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This Week’s Devotional Topic
FOCUS ON THINGS ABOVE – OUR FAREWELL MESSAGE TO YOU
As I have considered all of the scripture we have shared over the years during our Call To Worship, this is what I would like to focus on in this final broadcast. Here are just two things that I want to leave you with. And it’s all about your mindset, your thought life. Things we should always be thinking about.
Number one: always be thinking the way that Jesus wants us to think. Make it a lifestyle priority to invest time with God in prayer and in His word every day. And number two: to focus on things above, not on things of this earth.
Philippians 4:4-8 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Colossians 3:1-4 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.
And consider the attitude and primary focus of Christ Himself as the Apostle Paul shared with the church at Philippi.
Philippians 2:5-11 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
A phrase that I’ve shared with many over the years and especially our children is to “do your best and trust God with the rest”. Just hear this again and think about how this reality will help lower your stress level and allow you to “focus on things above”. Do your best and trust God with the rest. There are several examples in scripture and this concept proclaimed in God’s word. Here are just a few passages.
Proverbs 3:5,6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Matthew 11:28,29 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
II Thessalonians 3:16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I will continue to pray with you and for you, trusting God’s faithful promise to meet all your needs in Christ Jesus. As we all strive to focus on things above continue in prayer, in God’s word and fellowship with His family until we see each other in His presence in Heaven. We will finally be “HOME”.
This week’s Scripture:
Philippians 2:5-11; 4:4-8; Colossians 3:1-4, Proverbs 3:5,6; Matthew 11:28,29 and II Thessalonians 3:16
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