DAY 17 - NOT EARTHY MINDS, BUT KINGDOM HEARTS

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DAY 17 – No Earthy Minds but Kingdom Hearts by Pastor Dick

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. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.— Colossians 3:1–4 (NIV)

A Change in Perspective

Big life changes shake things up, don’t they? Moving to a new town, starting a new job, or getting married all shift how we think, act, and live.

Paul says something even bigger happens when we’re raised with Christ. We become one with Him.

Like marriage—two become one—so our hearts and minds need a complete makeover.

Set Your Heart on Things Above

Paul tells us, “Set your hearts on things above,” where Christ is sitting at God’s right hand (that’s a place of honor and power, by the way).

This means seeing life through heaven’s eyes instead of the world’s. It’s the same word Jesus used when He said, “Seek first the kingdom of God.”

Leave Earthly Mindsets Behind

Paul reminds us we died to our old life. So why live like we’re still on that track?

It means dropping catchy slogans like: “

Look out for number one.” “Follow your heart.” “God helps those who help themselves.” “Get rich or die trying.”

Those are earthly philosophies that don’t hold up. As Christ’s people, we live by His Word, not the world’s hype.

How Do We Do This?

How do we keep our hearts set on heaven? By:

• Seeking a close, daily relationship with Christ.

• Letting His Word shape our thoughts.

• Allowing the Holy Spirit to renew us inside.

• Fixing our eyes on the indwelling Life of Christ—that’s the truth that sets us free!
  

The Promise of Hidden Life

And here’s a beautiful promise: our life is hidden with Christ in God. He started a good thing in us and will carry it through to glory.

Living with Kingdom Hearts

This isn’t about following rules or routines—it’s about intimacy with Jesus. The closer we walk with Him, the more we think His thoughts, love His love, and live His life.

So, ask yourself: Am I living with an earthly mind or a kingdom heart?

Reflection Questions

• How do you personally set your heart on “things above”?

• What’s the difference between “things above” and “earthly things” in everyday life?

• Set aside some quiet time today to focus your heart on Christ through prayer and Scripture.
  

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for raising me with You and placing my life securely in Your hands. Help me stop chasing earth’s empty things and seek the things above, where You reign. May I live with a kingdom heart until I see You in glory. Amen.

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New Hope Church of God

1250 Waggoners Gap Rd

Carlisle, Pa

(717) 241-5544