November 7, 2024

This Week…Colossians 3:1-3

May 8, 2015 by

SeekingHimLogo

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.
Colossians 3:1-3

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

This week, here on the Seeking Him devotional blog, our sisters have reminded us again and again of these truths.  Here are a few highlights from the devotionals that Tina, Cynda, and Ahmee wrote earlier this week.

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In Why?, Cynda shared a couple of questions…

“If we have died and our life is hidden with Christ then

Why do I need to keep seeking Him?
How long must I continue to seek Him?

The second question was a little easier to answer than the first.

Hosea 10:12 (HCSB) says: It is time to seek the Lord until He comes and sends righteousness on you like the rain.
1 Chronicles 16:11 (NKJV) tells us: Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore!
Psalm 105:4 (HCSB) states: Search for the Lord and for His strength; seek His face always.

But WHY?

Scripture tells us:

  • If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.  2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV
  • As long as he sought the Lord, God prospered him.  2 Chronicles 26:5 NASB
  • …that we might humble ourselves before our God to seek from Him a straight and right way…  Ezra 8:21 AMP
  • Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged.  Psalm 69:32 NLT
  • Seek Me that you may live…  Amos 5:4 NASB
  • Seek the Lord that you may live…  Amos 5:6 NASB

I don’t know about you but, for me,
that is reason enough to continually seek Christ!

❦

In Taking Our Thoughts Captive, Tina issued a challenge…

We look at what others have and say: “Why can’t I have that?”  “Why do they get to go on those great trips all the time?” “I want a car like that!” God knows what we desire.  He hears, He sees, and He wants to bless us.  But where the correct thinking should be is where are we storing up our treasures?  These things we desire will corrode, tarnish, wear out, or we will forget them.

This week, ask God to show you how you can honor Him.  Listen and watch for those moments where you and God will be lifted up and you will be amazed at the blessings you may have been missing.  Today, find your quiet time and reflect on the words in the verses above.  Ask God where you can make changes in your thoughts and actions to glorify Him.

❦

In In The Middle: It’s Called Balance, Ahmee shared an excellent perspective…

“Verse 1 of this passage tells us to ‘…set our sights on the realities of heaven…’.  I agree with this statement (it is in the Bible, after all, and it is not wise to argue with the Bible).  However, I also believe in balance.  Although the reality of heaven is very real, we are not to be blind to that which is going on around us.  If we did this, a countless number of souls would be lost because everyone would be solely concerned with the afterlife.

I believe what this verse is saying is that we need to live our lives with heaven in mind; but not to ignore our earthly life now and live in a dream world.

Colossians 3:3 says, “…your real life is hidden with Christ in God.”  Let us live for our God.  Let us point people towards Him. Let us remind each other and comfort each other discerningly with the very real reality of heaven.”

Be productive for God…always point people to the Father.
And remember that heaven isn’t all that far away.

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Taking Our Thoughts Captive

May 6, 2015 by

SeekingHimLogo

So if you have been raised with the Messiah, seek what is above,
where the Messiah is, seated at the right hand of God.
Set your minds on what is above, not on what is on the earth.
For you have died, and your life is hidden with the Messiah in God.
Colossians 3:1-3 HCSB 

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

As the world goes, we should be different.  We may look the same on the outside, our hair, our makeup, our clothes. But from our heart we should have such a different light that shines forth from us.  Our inner light, our inner contentment should be so shining that others are intrigued.  The way we react and love each other should be with a different slant, a better example of what God has for us.  

We all know this is not easy.  We look at what others have and say: “Why can’t I have that?”  “Why do they get to go on those great trips all the time?” “I want a car like that!” God knows what we desire.  He hears, He sees, and He wants to bless us.  But where the correct thinking should be is where are we storing up our treasures?  These things we desire will corrode, tarnish, wear out, or we will forget them. 

If we have been given the gift of teaching, we should use this to further His love by showing kindness, encouraging kindness in our students. If our gifting is in the corporate world, we are to be sure to practice what Jesus demonstrated in the Temple and to always honor God in all of our business dealings.  We are to be fair and honest, not seeking to get the best deal for ourselves, but the best for our customer. 

This week, ask God to show you how you can honor Him.  Listen and watch for those moments where you and God will be lifted up and you will be amazed at the blessings you may have been missing.  Today, find your quiet time and reflect on the words in the verses above.  Ask God where you can make changes in your thoughts and actions to glorify Him. 

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

Father, today I thank You for Your Word that would remind us of right thinking and actions.  Today, I repent of the wrong thoughts I have had.  Forgive me for coveting what others have.  Forgive me for focusing on things here on earth that are of the world.  Begin in me a new heart, one that seeks after You and Your ways.  The one that will bring much fruit into Your Kingdom.  Thank You for the many chances we have to serve You. In Jesus’ name, I pray and ask these things, amen!!!

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Why?

May 5, 2015 by

SeekingHimLogo

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ,
Keep seeking the things above,
Where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Set your mind on the things above,
Not on the things that are on earth.
For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:1-3

In the Bible, we are repeatedly instructed to seek the Kingdom of God, to seek Christ, and to seek His face.  As I was reading the above passage a couple of questions came to mind.

If we have died and our life is hidden with Christ then

Why do I need to keep seeking Him?
How long must I continue to seek Him?

The second question was a little easier to answer than the first.  Hosea 10:12 (HCSB) says:

It is time to seek the Lord until He comes
and sends righteousness on you like the rain.

1 Chronicles 16:11 (NKJV) tells us:

Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore!

And Psalm 105:4 (HCSB) states:

Search for the Lord and for His strength; seek His face always.

Seeking God must be extremely important if we are to do it ‘until He comes’, ‘evermore’, and ‘always’.  To seek is to aspire to, desire, or be passionate about something.  We are to aspire to be like Christ and be passionate in doing so.  Psalm 63:1 says we are to earnestly and eagerly seek God, to thirst and long for Him.

But WHY?

Scripture tells us:

  • If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.  2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV
  • As long as he sought the Lord, God prospered him.  2 Chronicles 26:5 NASB
  • …that we might humble ourselves before our God to seek from Him a straight and right way…  Ezra 8:21 AMP
  • Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged.  Psalm 69:32 NLT
  • Seek Me that you may live…  Amos 5:4 NASB
  • Seek the Lord that you may live…  Amos 5:6 NASB

Matthew 6:33 and Luke 12:31(NKJV) states that those who “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness,…ALL these things shall be added to you.”  And Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) reminds us that “He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

I don’t know about you but, for me,
that is reason enough to continually seek Christ!

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

Father, thank You for repeatedly reminding us to seek You.  I don’t want to miss out on any of the blessings You have stored up for me simply because I chose not to seek You.  While I don’t always understand, I choose to put my trust in You alone.  You are in control and You see the bigger picture.  Only You can lead me on the right path.  Thank You for being patient with me.  In Your Holy Name I pray, Amen – It is so!

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In the Middle: It’s Called Balance

May 4, 2015 by

SeekingHimLogo

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.
Colossians 3:1-3

Verse 1 of this passage tells us to “…set our sights on the realities of heaven…”  I agree with this statement (it is in the Bible, after all, and it is not wise to argue with the Bible).  However, I also believe in balance.  Although the reality of heaven is very real, we are not to be blind to that which is going on around us.  If we did this, a countless number of souls would be lost because everyone would be solely concerned with the afterlife.

I believe what this verse is saying is that we need to live our lives with heaven in mind; but not to ignore our earthly life now and live in a dream world.  Nobody ever said, “I’m running low on gas in my car…oh well, that’s an ‘earthly’ thing. I don’t need to be concerned with that.”  The facts are as facts are: if you don’t stop to get gas, you will run out.

No, we don’t need to worry about things in our lives because God will provide for us in all situation.  However being practical is not the same thing as “worrying or being concerned with.”  Jesus felt that it was important enough to come to Earth and help people. He came and walked among the people of earth.  He did good deeds and performed miracles.  And we should do as He did.

Colossians 3:3 says, “…your real life is hidden with Christ in God.”  Let us live for our God.  Let us point people towards Him. Let us remind each other and comfort each other discerningly with the very real reality of heaven.  Sometimes, we can get so overwhelmed with life and forget that all that we strive for here will pass away.  In these moments—when we are so immersed in our earthly doings—we need each other to remind us that what we have here on earth is not all that we have.  Matthew 6:19-20 says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” We live with our ultimate goal in mind, but we don’t simply stop being productive.

Be productive for God…always point people to the Father.
And remember that heaven isn’t all that far away.

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My Life Is In You, Lord

May 3, 2015 by

SeekingHimLogo

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ,
keep seeking the things above, where Christ is,
seated at the right hand of God.
Set your mind on the things above,
not on the things that are on earth.
For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:1-3 NASB

I will praise You with all of my life
I will praise You with all of my strength
With all of my life
With all of my strength
All of my hope is in You

My life is in You, Lord
My strength is in You, Lord
My hope is in You, Lord
In You it’s in You

Daniel Gardner, Singer/Songwriter

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This Week…1 John 4:4

May 2, 2015 by

SeekingHimLogo

Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him]
and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist],
because He who lives in you
is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world.
1 John 4:4 AMP

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

This week, here on the Seeking Him devotional blog, our sisters have been encouraging us with this Truth.     Here are a few highlights from the devotionals that Tina, Laura, Cynda, and Ahmee wrote earlier this week.

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

In Success, Cynda did a Biblical word search on ‘success’ and shared a number of verses with us.  She wrote of a common struggle we have:

“All of us want success.  Yet so many times we get bogged down and frustrated.  Why?  We forget to let God lead.  We forget He is always with us.  We forget He is greater than anything we could come up against.”

(And then reminded us of the truth:)

“Who brings about our success? God
Why? Because we seek His guidance and leadership
How? Because God is Greater than he who is in the world”

❦

In Who You Are, Ahmee shared some things that have been happening in her life and the struggles she has been going through.  She shared some good encouragement about what we choose to believe about ourselves.

“Be mindful of the spoken words you choose to believe about yourself. John 8:44 says that the devil is ‘the father of lies’.  The people we encounter may not be of the devil or demons, but their words can be used to plant seeds that Satan will use against us.  Anything time you choose to believe words spoken about yourself, first test it against the Word of God.  God has the final say about who you are, because He made you.  God is greater than Satan.  He will always be greater than Satan. Therefore, His Word is always going to be greater than anything Satan could have to say about us.  Test the words you hear, against the Almighty’s words. ”

❦

In Living In Us, Tina  shared a very good question:

“How to be in the world but not of the world.  We strive everyday to live in a fallen world…surrounded by hate, mistrust, deception, malice, negative thoughts, and backbiting.  We are guilty of it no matter how hard we may try to remove ourselves from it.

The question is, how do we live in the world but not of the world ?
By inviting the Holy Spirit to live in us.”

❦

In Weapons of God, Laura shared an experience and how it reminded her of Who is living in her and how that protects us.

“This past weekend I had the joy of enjoying the Priscilla Shirer simulcast…her topic was on the armor of God.

God is greater than all in the world.  He is greater than man and greater than all disasters and sin on the earth.  It is hard to protect ourselves from the world.  Yet, when we accept God we are from God. He sends us to spread His message, and we must be prepared.  The armor of God is a set of weapons that we can use to protect ourselves with and be part of the one who is greater than us.”

 

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Weapons of God

April 30, 2015 by

SeekingHimLogo

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them,
because the One Who is in you is greater
than the one who is in the world.
1 John 4:4

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

This past weekend I had the joy of enjoying the Priscilla Shirer simulcast from Huntsville, Alabama.  I love Ms. Shirer; she is funny and she understands the Bible very clearly.  She has this way about her that makes you think about the Bible in a totally different perspective.  This past weekend her topic was on the armor of God.

God is greater than all in the world.  He is greater than man and greater than all disasters and sin on the earth.  It is hard to protect ourselves from the world.  Yet, when we accept God we are from God. He sends us to spread His message, and we must be prepared.  The armor of God is a set of weapons that we can use to protect ourselves with and be part of the one who is greater than us.

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,
with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith,
with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.
With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me
so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,
for which I am an ambassador in chains.
Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Ephesians 6:14-20

Our weapons are spiritual.  If we gird ourselves with the Truth of God we can’t be touched.  All we have to do is have faith in God and His Living Word—Jesus.  We are made ready when we get into the Word of God.  The Word of God is our Shield and Sword.  The Word of God protects us by teaching us how God wants us to live.  It is the Sword that lets us protect ourselves from the enemy.  Prayer is one of the greatest weapons…it is our direct line to God.  We can praise Him and ask Him for anything when we pray to Him.

All we have to do is become part of God and put on His armor.  His armor—truth, love, faith, the Word of the living God, and prayer—are the weapons that we are equipped with to protect ourselves from sin and to spread the good news about God to others.  The armor shields us from sin and allows us to be godly example to others.

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Dear Heavenly Father: I put on Your armor when I step out of the door every day.  I remember Your words and let them guide me.  I let Your truths wash over me and cleanse me.  Your Spirit is my Sword and salvation.  Without it, the world would consume me.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Living In Us

April 29, 2015 by

SeekingHimLogo

You are from God, little children, and have overcome them;
because greater is He Who is in you
than he who is in the world.
1 John 4:4 NASB

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

How to be in the world but not of the world.  We strive everyday to live in a fallen world…surrounded by hate, mistrust, deception, malice, negative thoughts, and backbiting.  We are guilty of it no matter how hard we may try to remove ourselves from it.

The question is, how do we live in the world but not of the world ?
By inviting the Holy Spirit to live in us.

When we ask Jesus to come and live in us, we invite God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit to take up residence in us and assist us in our daily living.  God directs them and grants to each what is needed at the appropriate time.  The Holy Spirit helps us to determine if what we are doing is honoring God.

When we are tested, we are put in situations that would determine whether we believe it is God’s ability to help us in a situation or if we trust our own abilities.  I recently heard someone state that our first place to run is supposed to be God (not to our friends). We all need our quiet time with God and to be still and reflect. To allow Him to be greater in us, by seeking His will before our own and that of man.

God always wants our best.  He puts us in hard situations to determine how we will react.  Will be become angry, bitter, lashing out…or will we be patient and kind, waiting to see what is going on.  If we are being meek and humble, we can do what God asks of us.

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

Father, give us the courage to seek You first before we do or say anything.  Let us have the discipline to control our thoughts and emotions.  We want to please You.  We want to be a light for others who are seeking something more in their lives.  Thank You for allowing us to be your children…your daughters.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Success

April 28, 2015 by

SeekingHimLogo

Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him]
and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist],
because He who lives in you
is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world.
1 John 4:4 AMP

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

Each of us has dreams.  All of us want success.  Yet so many times we get bogged down and frustrated.  Why?  We forget to let God lead.  We forget He is always with us.  We forget He is greater than anything we could come up against.  (Plus, we often expect it to happen instantly.)
In Matthew 17:20 (NLT) Jesus tells us,

I tell you the truth,
if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed,
you could say to this mountain,
‘Move from here to there,’
and it would move.
Nothing would be impossible.

We read that and assume it will happen instantly.  But, what if God wants us to hang in there as He helps us move that mountain bit by bit…?  Matthew 17:20 doesn’t mention a time frame.  It does tell us that nothing is impossible because, as 1 John 4:4 reminds us, God is greater than the things of this world.  God will help us overcome that mountain.  He gives us success.  His way is perfect.  He is greater than all of our enemies put together.  (BTW, enemies aren’t always people—pride, fear, doubt are enemies as well.)

I did a Biblical word search on ‘success‘.  These are just a few of the verses I found:

…the Lord has made my journey a success.
Genesis 24:56 HCSB

…the Lord was with him, giving him success in everything he did.
Genesis 39:3 NLT

…for it is He who blesses you…and gives you success in all your work.
Deuteronomy 16:15 NLT

He will ensure my safety and success.
2 Samuel 23:5 NLT

The God of heaven is the One who will grant us success.
Nehemiah 2:20 HCSB

He stores up success for the upright….
Proverbs 2:7 HCSB

{And my favorite one:}
And as long as the king sought guidance from the Lord, God gave him success.
2 Chronicles 26:5b NLT

Who brings about our success? God
Why? Because we seek His guidance and leadership
How? Because God is Greater than he who is in the world

WooHoo!!!!
Doesn’t that just make you want to shout
and do a happy dance?

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

Lord, I am so very thankful You are greater than the One Who controls this world. Remind me to seek Your leadership and guidance. When I do, You will ensure my success. And all glory and honor will be Yours. In Your Holy name I pray, Amen – It Is So!!!

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Who You Are

April 27, 2015 by

SeekingHimLogo

You, dear children, are from God
and have overcome them,
because the One Who is in you
is greater than the one who is in the world.
1 John 4:4

These past few months I have had a lot going on—constant sickness, tragic events, stress at jobs, quitting the preschool job, deciding what to do with my life, school, exams, papers galore, and, getting engaged.  During this time I have been struggling with my identity, or rather, a mixture of that and where I belong.  Life can be tough sometimes.  And I’ll be the first to say that I am not a happy-go-lucky person.  I’m often practical…not too emotional; but I do have my days.  Some would say I’m mean.  I say I’m just straight to the point.  Either way, I think we could all agree that I’m a little rough around the edges.

I used to struggle daily with self-hatred.  I have grown to like myself.  I love myself, but I also now like myself, too.  Others, though, are keen on trying to change me.  I know I have things that I need to improve, but people don’t change people.  God changes people.  And people constantly telling me that I need be this or that, does not work for me. I hear what people say. And I prayerfully consider what people say. But I work with God to improve me, and I strive to be the person that He created me to be.

I believe that you are who you are because of the things we have experienced and the lives we have lived and the hand we’ve been dealt and the families we are part of.  I also believe that who you are may not line up 100% with who God intended you to be.  Therefore, we must work hand-in-hand with Him allowing Him to transform us into the beings He intended us to be.  It’s a lifelong process.  Do I think I will ever reach that goal?  Nope.  But I will strive for it until the day I die.

I would say this is a long introduction to get to the point I am trying to make.  1 John 4:4 says,

You, dear children, are from God
and have overcome them,
because the One Who is in you
is greater than the one who is in the world.

This passage really does need to be read in context.  It goes on to say, “They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them” (verse 5).

Be mindful of the spoken words you choose to believe about yourself. John 8:44 says that the devil is ‘the father of lies’.  The people we encounter may not be of the devil or demons, but their words can be used to plant seeds that Satan will use against us.  Anything time you choose to believe words spoken about yourself, first test it against the Word of God.  God has the final say about who you are, because He made you.  God is greater than Satan.  He will always be greater than Satan. Therefore, His Word is always going to be greater than anything Satan could have to say about us.  Test the words you hear, against the Almighty’s words.

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

Lord, I know that You are greater than anything this world could ever fathom.  Please help me to believe and live in this wonderful truth.  Amen.

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