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2-Sep-14

Colossians3-1Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. Colossians 3:1-4Setting our sights on reality of Heaven changes things.  It changes our lives, our focus and we find our hiding place from the hurts and humiliation of this world.  When we know ‘the rest of the story’ of our lives, we learn to be at peace with what is.  The what is – is the way the world is – and we hide our lives in Jesus.When my Mom suffered from pulmonary fibrosis she celebrated.  She was on her way to Heaven.  Then her ‘what is’ went on and on too long.  For four years she waited and became impatient.  It wasn’t easy for her.  Finally, God took her home.  I could imagine the celebration as she crossed the great divide.We all have things to learn to make us ready to truly be God’s children.  The world, this life, is our classroom.  We may think we dress for the day, but we dress for our Lord.  God chose us to be holy people.  Anger,  impatience  and unforgiveness clash with the clothing God has for us from his wardrobe – tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.We are not in this life alone.  I am not me alone, but I am you and I am me.  We are one with Jesus.  Our bond is Forgiveness. We make allowances for others’ faults as they make allowances for our faults.  As we are forgiven through the blood of Jesus, we forgive others.  Forgiveness is the closure on our Godly wardrobe that keeps us clothed.Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:12-13