Heavenly Minds Seek Christ Jesus

Seek Those Things Which Are Above Heavenly minds seek Christ Jesus on a daily basis. Colossians 3:1 proclaims, If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. We can only be raised with Christ when we have accepted Him as our Lord and Savior. As a result, we practice dying to ourselves on a consistent basis. (Not my will, but Thy will be done.) Each time we exemplify the principles of the kingdom of God, it is evidence that we are crucifying the flesh and therefore seeking what's above. What's above? According to James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning - meaning the Lord does not change. He is the same yesterday, today and forevermore. The kingdom is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. Frequently, I search the meanings of bible words from the original text because oftentimes something is lost in translation. The Greek word for seek is zeteo (pronounced dzay-the'-o), which means to worship God. I find that fascinating. Matthew 6:33 states, But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. What things? All the things that you need for your existence: food, clothing, shelter, etcetera, as well as some of your desires. Presently, we are not speaking of a kingdom that can be seen with the natural eyes - though that is to come. We are speaking of the spiritual kingdom on the inside. Worship sets our mind on heavenly treasures. When we seek God, we declare his worth-ship to us. In doing so, we are propelled to the mountaintop - giving us a clearer view and greater advantage over the limited view in the valley. Treasures in Heaven When we examine Matthew 6:19-21 we are instructed: Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Let's visit Proverbs 2:1-6. My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, 2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; 3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, 4 If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; 5 Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; In verse 4, the Hebrew word for seek is baqash (pronounced baw-kash), which means to search out by worship and prayer, strive after. The heavenly minded seek Jesus Christ our Lord because of the 'mindset'. Their minds are set on him. Why do we have to set our minds? Because the battle is fought in the soul, which is comprised of the mind, will, emotions, imaginations and intellect. When our minds are set and our hearts fixed, we are convinced and determined. The ASK Acronym: Ask, Seek and Knock Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Aiteo (ahee-the'-o), the Greek word for ask is to crave, call for, or desire. The Psalmist said, as the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after thee. SET YOUR AFFECTIONS Colossians 3:2 Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. When we are dead to this world, it becomes less important to us, because we understand that everything on earth is passing away. Only what's done for Christ will be rewarded. Take a good look at the Greek meaning for set. It is phroneo (fron-eh'-o), meaning to interest oneself with obedience; be of the same mind; focus, anchor or cement. These are weighty definitions and demand serious observations. The first has made an indelible mark on my mind. When we interest ourselves with obedience, we are more likely to be obedient. The mind wills and we obey - usually. Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. It is vital that we do not conform - act in accordance with this world's system, but that we are transformed - changed by renewing our minds when we meditate on the scriptures. The Greek word anakainoo, pronounced (an-ak-ah'ee-no-sis) is translated renew, renovate. The prefix ana (an-ah') in compounds often means reversal. It is also a derivative of a Greek word for neoteros (neh-o'-ter-os) meaning regenerate - formed or created again; spiritually reborn or converted; restored to a better, higher, or more worthy state. Ephesians 4:22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members, which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. Mortify means to kill. How do we mortify our members? By controlling our physical desires and passions; by self-denial coupled with fasting and prayer. Colossians 3:8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. 12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Why focus on the heavenly? Because sin will kill you. The wages of sin is death. (Romans 6:23) Is it possible for us not to sin? Yes! Jesus made it possible by becoming sin for us. But it's not likely to happen. Will we ever not sin? Not as long as we are in these terrestrial bodies. Does that give us the liberty to sin? No! We've been made more than conquerors. (Romans 8:37) The question on the floor: If we were placed on trial in a court of law for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict us? Too often we're so caught up in this world's system (blending), that the world cannot tell us from its own. Unfortunately, the saying: "He's so heavenly minded, he's no earthly good," does not apply to the great majority of believers. Read Ephesians 2:6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, If you've been raised up with Christ, you should seek the things that He seeks. We have to have a vision, or we perish. Our vision should be a desire to be more like Christ each day. We don't work for salvation; we work from salvation - exercising the fruit of the Spirit. True faith in God will be evident in our actions. It's not what we say necessarily, but rather what we do. Actions will always speak louder than words. Exemplify your stand for Christ by the way you occupy your seat. Today, be heavenly minded, seek Christ Jesus and set your affections on things above. Jesus said come unto me all you who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28) If you don't know Jesus as your Lord and Savior today, it's a simple remedy. Pray, Father forgive me and cleanse me from every sin that I committed. I confess that your son, Jesus died for my sins and I confess him as my Lord and Savior. Now ask Jesus to come into your heart and live his life in you. For more articles like 'Heavenly Minds Seek Jesus Christ, click on the link below. You will also have access to more FREE resources and services. 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