Connected in The Word 8-1-25
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1-3
I know it’s Friday, but here’s a bonus devotion this week. First, thanks to everyone that has already subscribed to continue receiving these devotions by email using the link https://connectedintheword.beehiiv.com/. Emails will begin on this platform on Monday August 11th. You can still go to the website now to read devotions. Just a reminder that if you currently receive email devotions and want to continue receiving them, you MUST SUBSCRIBE using the link above. THERE, DONE WITH THAT!
I’ve got to tell you that dealing with new email platforms, meetings, and other logistical stuff that must be done in ministry really wears me out. If I could spend my “work” day preaching, teaching, writing, talking with people, and doing manual labor (it’s weird, I know) to the glory of God and for the good of my neighbor – I’d be a happy camper. But sometimes dying and rising with Christ and setting my mind on things above means I’ve got to switch email platforms, go to meetings, and deal with the logistics of ministry. Keeping your mind on things above does not mean living with your head in the “spiritual” clouds. It means glorifying God and loving your neighbor in whatever task God has set before you – Even the ones I don’t enjoy.
There are a ton of people at Immanuel who do so much of the logistical, organizational, and procedural stuff that I don’t do very well. Some are paid and some are not. But they are all valuable and they all use their gifts to Glorify God and love their neighbors. Real ministry doesn’t happen in the clouds – It happens in the trenches. Yes, Jesus did ascend to the right hand of God, but don’t think about that as a place but instead a position of power and authority. Jesus comes down into the trenches with the authority to forgive and grant new life through Word & Sacrament. Thanks to all of you that use your logistical, organizational, and procedural gifts to support what JESUS is doing in this place!