August 28 Daily Devotional

28 Jul August 28 Daily Devotional

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE COLOSSIANS

SET YOUR HEART ON THINGS ABOVE

Colossians 3:1-2 “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. . .” (Ephesians 2:6)  This is what you confess in the words of the Apostle’s Creed: “I believe . . .the third day He (Jesus) rose again from the dead, He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. . .” Your resurrection from the grave is totally dependent upon Christ’s resurrection.  On Easter morning Jesus rose from the grave, victorious over death and the grave.  He is now “seated at the right hand of God.”  One day, He promises, “I will take you to be with Me, for where I am there you will be also.” (John 14:3)

Satan will do all in His power to take your eyes off of your heavenly destination.  He wants you to forget you are a citizen of heaven and an alien here on earth. (see Philippians 3:20-4:23)  He uses “earthly things” that are immediate, momentary, fleeting, temporary, and pressing to distract you from “eternal things” that will endure forever and ever.  He attempts to convince you that removal of your pain, a cure of your cancer, reconciliation with a family member is far more urgent than your resurrection from the grave and a place in heaven.

“. . .set your hearts and minds on things above, where Christ is. . .” He alone has “all power (authority) over heaven and on earth.” (Matthew 28:18) His Father has honored Jesus by declaring Him King over heaven and earth. (Matthew 28:20)  Jesus Himself has exhorted you, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-20)

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is . . . “ (Colossians 3:1)“For (y)our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we (you) eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”  (Philippians 3:20)

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, keep my eyes focused upon Jesus and my eternal home He has prepared for me.  In His name.  Amen.

What is the world to me With all its vaunted pleasure

When You, and You alone, Lord Jesus, are my treasure!

You only, dearest Lord, My soul’s delight shall be;

You are my peace, my rest.  What is the world to me!

The world seeks to be praised And honored by the mighty

Yet never once reflects That they are frail and flighty.

But what I truly prize Above all things is He,

My Jesus, He alone.  What is the world to me!

The world seeks after wealth And all that mammon offers

Yet never is content Though gold should fill its coffers.

I have a higher good, Content with it I’ll be;

My Jesus is my wealth.  What is the world to me!

What is the world to me! My Jesus is my treasure,

My life, my health, my wealth, My friend, my love, my pleasure.

My joy, my crown, my all, My bliss eternally.

Once more, the, I declare:  What is the world to me!

(LSB 730)