Philippians 3:12-14 “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.”
The end of the year provides a natural opportunity for reflection; reviewing the past twelve months, and in anticipation, planning the next twelve. No doubt this last year threw up a few unplanned and unwelcome experiences, as well as hopefully some surprise unexpected joys. I believe an authentic life in Christ, like Paul’s who wrote the above, will naturally include any number of ups and downs, highs and lows – or as Gregg Levoy humorously wrote: “Jesus promised those who would follow him only three things: that they would be absurdly happy, entirely fearless, and always in trouble!”
Whatever state of heart and mind you’re in, how about embracing Shoedel’s list of 7-Ups for the coming year:
1. Wake-up – Begin the day with the Lord. It is His day. Rejoice in it.
2. Dress-up – Put on a smile. It improves your looks. It says something about your attitude.
3. Shut-up – Watch your tongue. Don’t gossip. Say nice things. Learn to listen.
4. Stand-up – Take a stand for what you believe. Resist evil. Do good.
5. Look-up – Open your eyes to the Lord. After all, He is your only Saviour.
6. Reach-up – Spend time in prayer with your adorations, confessions, thanksgivings and supplications to the Lord.
7. Lift-up – Be available to help those in need – serving, supporting, and sharing.
Lord, I choose to end this year with fresh resolve to live for you with all I’ve got through whatever ups and downs. Amen!
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