I was out back this morning working on a couple of kitchen chairs I’m repainting. I looked up and saw a fairly large bob cat about 15 feet away partially hidden by a bush. While we’ve heard about them, we’ve never seen one. It reminded me of all the things that go on around us as we carry out our busy lives with work, sleep, travel, etc. What fun and a blessing it was to see that bob cat.
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:1-3
There are two realms in this life. There is the natural, earthly realm, and the spiritual realm. The Bible states that the invisible, spiritual realm is more real and important than this earthly realm. In His Word, God tells us that Jesus came to give us life – life more abundant and free. The Heavenly realm where Jesus now resides has infinite life for those who choose to seek Him. It’s so easy for us to seek this natural realm with our whole heart. But, there’s so much more up ABOVE in the Heavenly realm. Open the Bible. Apply what it says to your life and let all of Heaven give you Jesus Who is the abundant life.
I heard a Jewish fellow say something beautiful yesterday. In the verse that talks about “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. They shall prosper that love thee,” the word “prosper” has nothing to do with money or things. Instead, it means that those who pray for the peace of Jerusalem will have “heart peace.” Isn’t that wonderful?
The abundant life Jesus has for us has much more to do with spiritual blessings than it does with money, worldly success, and the accumulation of things. If we have Jesus’ peace in our hearts, we won’t feel the need for things. When He fills our hearts, by comparison, everything else loses its importance.
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed-or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:38-42
Oh, the riches of His glory.
Look up and enjoy the abundant life. Let Jesus give you heart peace…Nothing in this natural realm compares to Him.
Thanking and praising God in all things,
Mark