At one time...

 Praise the LORD!!!

    At one time, while I was still in the prison of man(having been set free by the LORD), someone told me that I was "too heavenly minded, to be of any earthly good." Now, I'm sure most of you have heard this little statement used at sometime or another, if not maybe you should ponder it for a few minutes(?) I, more or less scoffed at the statement, at that time, not seeing that this is a possible state within Christian's lives. Not mine though(thank GOD), for I've been blessed to be well grounded in the LORD and seek not my own will, but HIS for me!!!

   But, this state is possible within the lives of many and I will reveal cases of such here. You'll most likely be aware of those that are in this state and we must open their eyes to the truth in this matter!!! Anyone, that pays any attention to the events of the world, should have a general knowledge of this happening. For many times on the news and in other forms of media, we hear of many "miracles" being witnessed by the masses. Some of these are true miracles and many are not, for the adversary can and does use the "miraculous" to turn our eyes from the true glory of GOD and HIS purposes for us in life. These can be classed easily enough, as those that draw attention only towards and object(idol), person or place. Like the many "images" of JESUS or the Virgin Mary being found in or on many items. I don't think I need to list the many, that fit in this group.

   What do these have to do with "being heavenly minded," a great deal. For they draw our attentions away from that which we are to be doing, to bring glory to the LORD, and towards something else. The greatest miracle of all, is one many simply overlook, this is the conversion(true) of an unbeliever. For it is a direct revelation of GOD working within a person's life. The preparation of the person's heart to receive the seed of the GOSPEL. The moving of GOD upon the saint, which plants this seed and then HIS watering of it and producing a baby saint!!! A true MIRACLE by the hand of GOD!!!!!!!

   Perhaps the the greatest case of  "being heavenly minded" is one most would tend to overlook. Why??? Because people believe, due to errors in teaching and the pride of man, that it is GOD's will for us. Which it is, but not in the extent that people are concentrating upon it though and this has opened the door for satan to use, to draw people's attention away from the actual will of GOD. Let me first then, state that which is the will of GOD for us, which is truly simple, but often made complex by men wanting to do so. These are clearly stated in scripture, in the two great commandments(Matt. 22:37-40), in our loving our brothers and sisters in the faith (John 15:12), that we provide for the needs of others( Matt. 25:35,36; James 1:27) and(of coarse) to spread the GOSPEL(Matt. 28:18-20.) Sure there are a few other details in following the will of GOD in our lives, but these are an ample foundation to work from.

   Now, for the major purpose of this article, the being "too heavenly minded." There are many today in the church that are seeking after "signs and wonders." Spending all their energy and effort on seeking after these and setting aside those things that the LORD wills for us to actually accomplish for HIM while here on earth. It is not in the seeking of these that the error occurs, but it is in the forsaking of all else set before us, to seek them.(John 4:48)

   I could go forth from this, but am led to leave you with this alone. Are you seeking after all the pomp and circumstance of signs and wonders??? Or are you seeking to bring glory to the KINGDOM of GOD thru the love JESUS has poured forth for you??? Focusing only on the power of heaven in your life, is keeping you "heavenly minded" and your hands away from the true works GOD has set them about !!! Which shall it be???

Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!

Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org

GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries