The Things that are above

cher lIj yab Daq the Dochmey vetlh 'oH Dung, ghobe' Daq the Dochmey vetlh 'oH Daq the tera'.

Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth - Col 3.2

Perspective matters - and the things, the Dochmey, that we focus on will draw us along.   That is, what we attend to will give us direction.  As the Life Application Bible notes:

truth gives us a different perspective on our life here on earth, looking at life from God’s perspective and seeking what he desires. This is the antidote to materialism; we gain the proper perspective on material goods when we take God’s view of them. The more we regard the world around us as God does, the more we will live in harmony with him. We must not become too attached to what is only temporary.

Where are you looking for what matters?

the earth was formless and empty

the tera' ghaHta' formless je

chenHa' chIm je

Lately I've been reading Matthew Clarke's (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Henry) complete commentary on the Bible. It's a classic work and I found I could get it for my Kindle for a remarkably low price - it makes a nice source for reflection in devotional reading and study. (You can also find it online at CCEL.org). I appreciate sources like this - they provide interesting insights and they aren't encumbered with controversies or concerns of our particular age.

I love this reflection:

The Creator could have made his work perfect at first, but by this gradual proceeding he would show what is, ordinarily, the method of his providence and grace. Let us learn hence, That atheism is folly, and atheists are the greatest fools in nature; for they see there is a world that could not make itself, and yet they will not own there is a God that made it. Doubtless, they are without excuse, but the god of this world has blinded their minds.

What I appreciate about that is Clarke looks at creation and recognizes, it's NOT done. God works carefully, taking his time. And he still does.

Fear, treasure, and being prepared

vaD  nuqDaq  lIj treasure  ghaH,  pa'  DichDaq  lIj  tIq  taH  je.

par vaii gar treasure is, ogir will gar kar'rta cuyir also.

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Luke 12:34

Whether in Klingon, Mando'a or English, Jesus's words, remind us to consider our priorities, and recognize what decisions we make about things we treasure.

As Karoline Lewis notes:

Being ready for Jesus' second coming is less about any actual time and place and more about imagining Jesus' activity in the world, when and where you least expect it or imagine seeing it. In other words, waiting around, waiting for instructions, is not going to cut it. Fear, treasure, and being prepared is the pattern for discipleship. Being without fear, knowing the source of your treasure -- that is, your identity, your worth -- makes it possible to be prepared for and an actual participant in God's kingdom.    http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=1805

 

Lord, help us to treasure you.