We are finishing (though the thermometer doesn’t agree) a very hot summer. I am so looking forward to the first cool weather. Isn’t it interesting how we come into this world always looking for tomorrow and end up missing today? Jesus had something to say about that.
Matthew 6:34
“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
I know He was talking about the everyday ‘worries’ of life: what I will eat, wear, live, etc., but I also believe it covers the opportunities and joys of the present. When we are always thinking of what is coming, are we trusting the Lord to have it in His power and plan, or are we trying to get all of our ‘guards-up’ to protect ourselves. You know motive and subconscious self-preservation are really subtle and often undetectable by ourselves, that is why we need the Holy Spirit to:
Psalm 139: 23 & 24
Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any [a]hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
The Word of God by the Holy Spirit will show us our true motives and intentions; whether it is flesh or spirit / soul (lie-based beliefs resulting in emotional over load) or spirit.
The question that continues to present itself is will we live in the present, eternally minded or always looking to the past or the future based upon our temporal sight and earthly wisdom.
You all know from the mission of Hope In Christ Ministries, Inc. that I am not saying deny the past with all of its hurts, sin and lies. I have spent 22 years helping people know the truth of their true identity, which is only realized in Christ, and their freedom from beliefs that have influenced their concept of their identity or state of being, thus, choices and resulting behavior. So, what am I talking about when I say we must live in the present? To play on words, we must live in the Presence, the Great I AM, THAT I AM, the Eternal timeless One.
Colossians 3:1-2
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.
It is a command and a solution to living life in a way that has us free from the burdens of unnecessary pain and stress. Taking what comes our way as coming from the very hand of God, our Loving Heavenly Father, for eternal purposes and the Glory of the Son. Knowing that:
Romans 8:28
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
I didn’t say that all feels good, but it has a purpose, therefore, we can endure the pain/discomfort for a season, letting it have it’s full purposeful work, to ‘conform us to the image of Christ’ (Romans 8:29).
But, there is more to it. We will not only be changed to look/act more like Christ as He shines through this refining fire, but we will receive an eternal reward. Jesus living in us and through us is more than enough, but there is lagniappe, a reward from Him when we get home (heaven).
So friends, keep looking up, focus on the Lord and His eternal home that He is preparing for you and me, and enjoy this earthly time we have. Live in the Present and His Presence!