John 16:33 - Living Above Your Circumstances.
John 16:33 - Living Above Your Circumstances.
John 16:33 (NKJV) These things I have spoken to you, that in Me
you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be
of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
Learn to live above your circumstances. This requires focused
time with Me, the One who overcame the world. Trouble and distress
are woven into the very fabric of this perishing world. Only My Life
in you can empower you to face this endless flow of problems with
good cheer.
As you sit quietly in My Presence, I shine Peace into your
troubled mind and heart. Little by little, you are freed from earthly
shackles and lifted up above your circumstances. You gain My perspective
on your life, enabling you to distinguish between what is important
and what is not. Rest in My Presence, receiving Joy that no one can
take away from you. (John 16:33; 16:22) [Jesus Calling by Sarah
Young]
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
Colossians 3:2 (NKJV)
Our inherent tendency is to direct our lives on this earth
according to what we perceive with our five senses. The fact is, if we
have embraced Christ, our attachment to this physical world is no
longer the defining element of our existence. Jesus himself is.
The present reality of his love for us and our new life in
him must become the primary focus of our attention if we hope to
escape the clutches of darkness of this present world. No religious
activity can set us free, no matter how transcendent it might be. The
realities of heaven become the substance of our lives only when we set our
sights on him in whom our life is hidden.
LORD, help me to see with new eyes today. Instead of the
troubles of my life in this world, may I focus my vision on you, the
author and finisher of my faith, the lover and keeper of my soul. Help
me to trust in the realities of your kingdom more than I trust what
I can experience with my physical body. [Praying Through The Bible
By Fuller re Col. 3:1-3]
The things of earth get right in our face and speak to us
relentlessly. We have things to pay for, plans to arrange, people to please,
and responsibilities to deal with - all of which make our to-do
lists long and our bodies and souls tired. There's no way to avoid the
things of earth - we do actually live here, after all - but we can't be
totally preoccupied with them. They drain us of energy and resources if
we are.
What does it mean to think about the things of heaven? It
means knowing heaven's agenda: God's purposes and His ways. It means
seeking visions of Him and His plans. It means living with heaven's
values: a Kingdom culture of integrity, honor, purity, peace,
generosity, and blessing. We understand that heaven is filled with radical
worship right this moment, and we join in the praises. We learn to treat
other people as eternal beings, even if we aren't sure of their
eternal destiny - to see the treasure God has put in them rather than
the junk that comes to the surface now. And we need to know that we
are surrounded by spiritual beings: angels that minister to us and
deceptive spirits that try to seduce us. Heaven's realities are described
in Scripture, and we are fully encouraged to let them become the
realities in which we live and move and breathe.
Whatever is happening visibly in your world today is only a
fraction of your true life. The rest of the story - the most important
parts of it - are invisible to your physical eyes. But they aren't
invisible to your spirit or your thought life. Choose where to dwell, and
fill your mind with the reality of heaven. Live out its culture, its
values, its relationships, and its activities.
Spirit of God, fill my mind with heavenly thoughts. Let me see
what's truly real and really true. Help me live out my citizenship as
an influencer in Your Kingdom. [The One Year Experiencing God's
Presence Devotional by Chris Tiegreen]
EXCELLENT VIDEO SERIES ON EXPERIENCING GOD:
http://sda.biggytv.com/watch/Revive!_-_Dwight_Nelson:_Experiencing_Gods_Grace/revive/
