Psalm 1:1–2 (ESV"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night." Pastor's Note: What do we find our delight in? What captures the attention of our hearts? The word here for “delight” means too long for, to desire, to take pleasure in. Does that describe our affection to our Lord and His word? Do we wake in the morning considering Him and His word? Do we long for it? Do we take pleasure in it? Do we go to bed with Him on our minds? Do we meditate upon Him and His statues throughout the day? I tell you, I can always tell when my heart is rightly focused. Any and all that comes my way when I have my heart directed correctly is a blessed day, regardless of difficulty. It’s those times when my heart is not rightly directed that I struggle the most. Even small things become a struggle. Let this be our encouragement today and every day…find our delight in Him! I pray you have a blessed day seeking and finding pleasure in the Lord. May God bless you Pastor Jamie  EPHESIANS 2:4–7 (ESV)4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Pastor's Note I love these verses. They are so rich! It speaks to the transgressor as a dead man. A decaying, lifeless body that can do nothing except rot on its own. Yet, based on the love of God and His amazing mercy, He makes us alive in Christ. Paul uses past tense terms “He raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him.” To raise means “to waken.” This is what He has done for us! We were dead yet now we are alive, seated with Him in the heavenly places…not only is our eternal destination with the Lord, Paul uses the language to demonstrate that we, as born again believers, experience the present reality of being “seated” with Him now…wow! What an amazing statement. Have an wonderful and blessed day with the Lord. Tell lost folks how dead people can be made alive…preach the gospel of grace! Praying for you always Pastor Jamie Payton  Colossians 3:1-4If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Pastor's Note: We have heard it said, “don’t be so heavenly minded that you’re no earthly good.” But that is directly contrary to what Paul says to the Colossian church. He instructs them to be heavenly minded. To set their affections on things above. If we have any hope to glorifying our Lord, He must be the center and the focus of our lives. A heavenly minded believer has the right perspective. His affection, rightly directed, will result in a life lived well for the Savior he believes in. So, our encouragement for today and every day, keep focused on the things above, set our affections on Christ, and allow our heavenly-mindedness to be a witness for this lost world to see. Have a great day, walk faithfully with the Lord and know you are being prayed for God bless, Pastor Jamie  |
AuthorPastor Jamie Payton 
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