Today is September 17.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Colossians, chapter 3.  
  

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.  
  

This scripture points up... listen to the words: you have been raised. Set your heart on things above. Do you find that all too often, your mind and your heart gets pointed down, on what this passage calls ‘earthy things’? Give the Lord some space right now to reorient you. You might want to begin by listing things out to the Lord that are occupying your heart and your mind. 
   
I often forget that my life is ‘hidden with Christ in God’. I may know that verse by heart…. And yet not allow it to be a foundation for my day-to-day life. Listen to this brief passage again, and pay attention to a single word or simple phrase that stands out to you.  
   
This scripture reminds us who we are: what is true of Christ is true of us. He was raised, so we are raised—already. We are hidden with Christ, we are made alive in Christ. Even now, our minds and our hearts are meant to be directed toward this eternal reality. What are some ways you can interrupt your day with a reminder to re-direct your heart and mind toward Christ. Maybe an alarm on your phone? Maybe a midday walk and prayer? As we end, think of one way you can practically remind yourself today to set your mind and heart on things above.

Music: You're All I Need - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)