This week, I am actually hanging around the reality of what I am known for. I actually plan to ask a few people. I want my kids to tell me what they 'know' that I'm about. I wonder what my neighbors think of me. What about the people who are around me all day. I wonder what Susan thinks about me. I want to remove a bit of mystery and ask.

I also want to talk with God this week and ask Him what He wants me to be known for in this earth. Then, I want to become quite intentional in building the disciplines into my life that will make much room for Christ' character to actually flow through me. As Paul wrote in I Cor 9.26ish, I want to 'run straight for the goal that I am after with purpose in every step.' This impassioned pursuit of Christ isn't random. It is an ongoing heart-hope that I not disqualify the beauty and wonder of who my God is by my poor reflection of Him. So, I will get after it in pursuing Him with my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Like Paul, I want to be known for linking my life to Christ. In fact, I don't really care if I am known. If, by some amazing act of God's grace, I might get in on making Him well known and elevating His glory and highlighting the magnitude of Jesus Christ and speaking much of Him and His majesty and His wonder and His awe and His supremacy, I think that I will fade and His greatness will rise to the top. Is it possible that I could be known for knowing Christ and making Him known??! If so, that would be fresh!

Studying Colossians together is going to be a sweet pursuit into Christ's supreme nature. Two challenges are out there as we venture through this letter:

1 - Read the letter of Colossians in its entirety each week. Yeah, we are going to dig into a singular verse or two each week, but it's really a letter. So, as we dig in and micro the letter on Sunday AM, you'll back up and read it as a whole during the week. That will make for a powerful combination.

2 - Let's memorize the book on this journey! Can you imagine memorizing the entire Letter to the Colossians!?! Can you imagine all of us doing that together!? I know it's a big deal. I am quite confident that the Holy Spirit is itching to partner with you in memorizing the Word. I think that God thinks that this is a great idea!! Tackle Colossians 1.1 this week. Just start there....

I love journeying through Scripture. I love that God has given me the great thrill of sharing in that journey with you guys! I love that God has full intention of growing His character in us. Let's have full intention of allowing Him to do just that. Enjoy this week.

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By Grace... For Glory,

Mark