just one?

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above,

where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Colossians 3:1-4

There is a meme on facebook these days.  People update their status with their favorite Bible verse and then tag a few people to do the same.  Now, if you know anything about me, you could probably tell me back my favorite verses over time.  They were the same for years and years.  And, I still love to go back and read and remember what was going on in life when the Holy Spirit lifted those passages off the pages and straight into my heart. Passages such as John 3:16-17, Jeremiah 29:11-14, Psalm 40:5, Isaiah 48:17 (really, the entire book...spent years studying it in Sunday School, but that's a story in and of itself), Romans 8:28, and so many, many more.

Yesterday, I was tagged.  One of yesterday's gifts was the joy of trying to figure out which favorite verse to share.  But, because I was a slacker in posting and chose to go to sleep versus writing about my gifts of the day, I am writing about them this morning.  (I was tagged again this morning from another person, so it is now a 2-for-1 post.)

As I thought and thought about verses that have moved me in one way or another in my walk with Christ, God's Word spoke to my heart over and over again with His promises, characteristics, forgiveness, help, joy, and redemption.  What a gift!  

Above is Colossians 3:1-4.  I am drawn to these verses for various reasons at this time in my life.  

Verse 1 reminds me of whose I am and where I stand, so to speak.  I am risen with the resurrected Christ.  My heart is to be centered on Him.

Verse 2 draws my mind upward and off of my current circumstances.

Verse 3 recognizes that my life, and all of its ups and downs, is (as I see it) protected by Christ Himself.  I am no longer on my own.  He has me in the palm of His hand as I endure the pathways of life.  Nothing touches me that is not first seen...felt...allowed...by Christ.  

Verse 4 is my favorite.  It holds my true identity.  Christ is my life.  All that I am or want to become is found in Him.  And, because of this, my life after this life is with Him.  The hope of eternity lies with Him and in Him.

This passage helped me tremendously the past few months in keeping perspective on my circumstances.  God is good to provide such hope and peace when new paths are to be taken.  He lights the way as I need it in the here and now, but also illuminates the distant future which He also ordains.  Most poetically written in  the KJV... 

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Pslam 119:105

No extra charge for the bonus verse.

Blessings!