My friend and long time prayer warrior for our church died yesterday.  She gave up her last breath in this life to take in breath in the very presence of her Creator God!  As much as she will be missed this side of Glory, I’m rejoicing that she is now on that side of glory — in fact, two days ago I sat in her room at the nursing home and cried tears as I prayed for God to take her home.  She was ready.

What are you known for?  Take a moment to read Colossians 1:3-4 and note what the people of Colosse where known for:

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints— Colossians 1:3-4

 Jesus never said one negative thing about Himself. This is a pattern we should begin to develop in our lives. There is a verse that I think will help us with this. It says this, 

Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

- Philippians 3:16

The past does not define who we are! We need to live up to what we have already attained in Christ. What has God already attained for us? –Blessing, hope, forgiveness, future, redemption, and the list goes on and on. These are the things that need to define our present. Once we start living up to the things that have already been attained for us, we will experience the life God designed to be lived in and through us. Read that last sentence again. So the question is: What has God already attained for us that reveals who we are in Him?

How do you determine what to do today? What steps to take? Who to call? What to say yes to and what to say no to? Do I go this way or that way? Which direction does God want me to go?

These are deep questions that we have on an ongoing basis. Today, I want us to think deeply about some verses, and ponder the implications of these passages on our lives.

May the God of HOPE fill you

with all joy and peace AS you trust in HIM,

so that you may overflow with hope 

by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

- Romans 15:13