July #jammed: Grace serves.

188: Walk by.

“Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Keep thinking about things above, not things on the earth, for you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3 (NET)

Stores that sell in bulk are full of bargains …that I cannot be trusted amongst. Too many bargains make their way into the trunk of my car. What starts out as a grocery run becomes the day I found a great deal on a winter coat …or work-out clothes …or that new book I never knew I needed to read. The struggle is beyond real for me to stay focused on my grocery list.

So, now, to help avoid overspending …I send my husband into said store to get what we absolutely cannot find a better deal on anywhere else.

Today’s verse reminds us to set our minds on things above, and my shopping problem seems to seep out of this reminder.

“Keep seeking things above, where Christ is…” When my daughters were babies, I would go shopping a lot, just to get out of the house. Limited on my budget being a stay at home mom, I would shop the bargain stores and clearance racks. There are tons of good deals lying around there when time is abundant to discover them.

Over the years, my life got busy again, and the time to talk to my babies while sifting through racks had passed. Things found in a rush are often more costly than those we take the time to discover.

“ Keep thinking about things above, not things on the earth…” 

With my girls in school all day and the ease of online shopping, it can be hard to resist a day spent flipping through thrift store racks or having things mailed to the house. But I am reminded, as I pray for God to refocus my attention during this season of my life, that I am too busy to shop.

He created time, and can stretch minutes. He can also refill them with “things above” when we’re having a hard time focusing on anything but “things of earth.” Believing in Jesus changes how we want to spend our time.

Father, Praise You for the constraints of time. Thank You that we only have so much of it each day, and in life on earth. Forgive us for wasting minutes and not cherishing fleeting ones. Keep us busy occupying our time following Jesus …call us, and help us steer right to follow. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Get the conversation started by commenting below, and let’s encourage one another as we face life in 2017 armed with grace! 

#greatgrace17

Happy Shopping,

Megs

Get the #jammed Daily Devo sent straight to your inbox each morning, by subscribing to Sunny&80.