Set Your Affection In The Right Direction

My dad inspired the phrase from the blog as we were having a conversation about what is going on in this world today. Not everyone believes there is a heaven and hell. But what if there is a heaven and a hell? Do you know where you would spend eternity? I would rather not gamble with my life like that. If you do not know Jesus, receive Him now (Romans 10:9-10).

Pastor Gaines has been dealing with the complete book of Revelation, making me search for myself. I want to be ready for God’s return, for we do not know the day or the hour when he will come. Matthew 25:13 Living translation says: So, you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.

Shifting our focus:

Colossians 3 Amplified version says: Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, sharing in His resurrection from the dead], keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value]. 3 For you died [to this world], and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Read the complete chapter of Colossians 3 to see what God expects for us as believers. God gives us all things to richly enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17). It is okay to enjoy nice things like entertainment, traveling, food, and people. However, our focus is to live out the purpose God has for us and to draw people into the kingdom of God.

2 Peter 9 New Century Version: The Lord is not slow in doing what he promised—the way some people understand slowness. But God is being patient with you. He does not want anyone to be lost, but he wants all people to change their hearts and lives.

Thank God for His grace, patience, and mercy towards us. God loves us so much that He is giving us time to repent and live our lives for Him.

Galatians 6:8 says a person who sows to the flesh to the flesh will reap corruption, and a person that sows to the spirit will receive eternal life and peace.

Remember, according to Romans 7:18, no good thing dwells in our flesh (our natural and sinful nature). Everything of God is good, and we should go to him to examine our hearts.

Matthew 6:20 tells us to lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven because it is everlasting, not temporary, where thieves can come in and take them.

One of my favorite hymns is “Hold to God’s Unchanging Hands.” The lyrics are powerful; let them remind you of eternity.

1. Time is filled with swift transition,
2. Naught of earth unmoved can stand,
3. Build your hopes on things eternal,
4. Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

• Refrain:
• Hold to God’s unchanging hand,
• Hold to God’s unchanging hand;
• Build your hopes on things eternal,
  • Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

1. Trust in Him who will not leave you,
2. Whatsoever years may bring,
3. If by earthly friends forsaken
4. Still more closely to Him cling.
5. Covet not this world’s vain riches
6. That so rapidly decay,
7. Seek to gain the heavenly treasures,
8. They will never pass away.
9. When your journey is completed,
10. If to God you have been true,
11. Fair and bright, the home in glory
12. Your enraptured soul will view.

Set your affection in the right direction!

Prayer: God, I magnify you because you are good even when I have not been good. God, I thank you for being patient with me even when I sin. Your love is better than a natural person’s love. You love us so much that you are giving us time to repent and live our lives for you. God, you sent your Son Jesus into the world not to condemn them, but that through His life and love for us, we would be saved according to John 3:17. God, you left us an example to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Lord, forgive me for giving my affections to things on earth that will not last. You gave me things on earth to enjoy, not to idolize and put them before you. I refocus my attention on eternal things, and that will never fade. I am preparing for your return because I do not know when you will come back. I give you the praise, glory, and honor in Jesus’ name! Amen.