a heavenly perspective

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.

Colossians 3:1‭-‬4 NLT

The whole of this chapter is a very good read, I encourage you to read it and let it sink in. However, for this part we deal with right perspective. If we are watching heavily things we will not be caught up in carnal appetites and attitudes. 

Last night I had dinner and played a game with a friend. We discussed the millennial period, dying in Christ and whether we go straight to be with the Lord or sleep somewhere in between. The reason for this is my friend had had a visit from a Seventh Day Adventist. We also discussed whether most people live in their emotions,  which they do, or somewhere else. We were aware that scripture tells us to live in the Spirit. My friend told me he prays in the spirit if he is in a funk and finds it brings him out of it quite successfully. I told him that Smith Wiggleswirth used to say: pray in tongues until you laugh, that is joy! My friend said he listened to a Christian author speak on radio about his new book called Joy and that most Christians do not walk in Joy. I said I mostly do, which I do. My friend said he did not. Therefore he needs to find Joy. 

All our hope and Joy are found in Christ,  He is the source! Amen!

justice

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10 NLT

Sometimes I wish one of the gifts is a boxing glove. People do manage to irritate at times. However, I must be mindful that it works both ways.  There are times when I deserve a smack in the head (preferable with  an empty sock). I am so grateful to Jesus for His wisdom.  Just as you judge others you will be judged. What you sow you reap.

Unfortunately, or fortunately, justice is the Lords to meter out, not me. He sees what I do not see,  deep inside praise Him! Amen

gifts

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10 NLT

Each of us has a gift, even if it is sensing the need to listen to a friend experiencing grief, excitement, angst. Being able to cope with this need in others takes grace. If we are also sensitive to the Holy Spirit we will receive a word of knowledge or wisdom, we may even impart faith or pray for healing.

It starts with a willingness to listen. Listening to God and people is what it is about. God has answers, gifts to give. We can be the vessel. Amen!

He answered me

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. Psalms 34:4‭-‬5 NLT

He answers! He comes through. It may not be with the answer you want, however, it will be an answer.  Job had a lot of questions of the Lord, but when God showed up He asked Job questions that help put everything into perspective. God's perspective is the best, it always brings freedom and life. 

Today I had a lecture on hieroglyphics. We had a lot of questions and the tutor, knowledgeably, answered them in a way that explained the process of writing in hieroglyphs rather than the 'but why' questions so  many had.

I appreciate a knowledgeable teacher. This is what our God is. Trust His answers! They are best!

all fears

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. Psalm 34:4,5

Some of the things we fear, we did not know about until we meet them, like going for a ride on a particular showride. Thereafter we vow not to go on it again. Some people find being closed in a tight space (as a MRI tunnel) fearful. I am not fussed on it but sing to myself in the spirit the whole time. I also am not fussed with going down into mines underground. However, ordinary things like not enough money, relationships breaking down can cause angst.

Note the scripture says, from all my fears, not just some. We must come to a place of trust. What does God's word say?.

Jesus said, “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Matthew 6:31‭-‬33 NLT

There you have it folks! Eyes ahead! Amen!

what sort of friend are you?

Show deep love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.1Peter 4:8

Have you thought about what a mtitude of sins means for you,  you family and friends? How much is a multitude? What are these sins? My study bible says that this multitude of sins,  basically mean having to have a forgiving nature. I am sure there are definitely some sins you should step away from. If a person is deliberately abusing you, children, old people, in fact anyone, you should step away from them. However, we are called to forgive, because it is good and healthy for us.

I have a friend who I wonder why we are still friends, however, the Lord wills it so. This friend is difficult, and obtuse at times, but at other times very gracious and generous. This friend needs a friend like me, one who speaks truth. 

What sort of friend are you called to be?

love deeply

Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 NLT

Lovimg deeply also means we can be hurt deeply, however, it is the way of the cross. Only deep love can forgive and cover a multitude of sins.

Last night we had a blood moon. It reminded me of how the pure sinless Christ was slain for our sins. Later in the night I was up to let my dog out and saw the moon shining in all its glory, it had risen again from the grave. 

Jesus our redeemer knew the hearts of mankind but did not refuse to associate with people, however, He did not give Himself fully to such people. Did it mean He did not love them, no! I believe He still loved them but did not let them take from Him who He was. He still died for all mankind. Even Peter tried to correct Jesus for choosing to go to the cross. Peter was acting carnally.  We do not let people deter us from the path we must travel. Amen!