Get into the word. Colossians chapter three. We're only going to take the first four verses today.

I think you'll see why here in a moment. I'll ask you to turn there if you're not there already.

And once you do, if you're able, I'll ask you to stand. You can follow along as I read. If not where you're seated is fine.

The Apostle Paul is writing by the Holy Spirit and says verse one, 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. And here's why, verse three. For you died and your life is now

hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, verse four, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Oh, can't wait.

Let's pray if you would join with me loving Heavenly Father we are so thankful to you for your word in this portion that we have here

in your word this morning, especially dealing with setting our hearts and minds on you, on the things above, on heavenly things.

However, Lord, we're keenly aware that unless the Holy Spirit enables us and empowers us to do so, we really have no hope of setting our minds on things above.

So Lord, even now, as we need for you by the Holy Spirit to enable us to surrender our minds to you so that we can concentrate and focus

and give you our undivided attention so you can minister to us.

That's why we're here today, Lord. We want to hear you speak into our lives

as you always do. You're always so faithful to. So Lord speak. Your servants are

listening in Jesus name. Amen and amen. You can be seated. Thank you. You can probably tell by now that I've been really

looking forward to today's text, actually for quite some time now. I want to talk with you today

today about how it is that we as Christians can live our life through the lens of eternal life

and specific to how we view the trials in life, pain and suffering, the difficulties that we face in our lives

in this fallen world.

Doubtless you've heard that saying that Christians can be so heavenly minded there of no earthly good?

Apparently you have by that response.

You'll forgive me, but I haven't met that person yet.

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