The Seven Ups

This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. I hope you will as well.

I read a lot of devotions, and I run across one occasionally that I like to share with those who read my blog. Today is one of those days. I just finished reading a devotion by Bob Gass entitled, "Seven Ups." It blessed me and believe it will you as well.

I will lift up mine eyes… my help cometh from the Lord. Psalm 121:1-2

Wake up. Life's not a dress rehearsal. Live each day as though you won't be around tomorrow - for you might not be.

Dress up. When you get up each morning don't forget to put on a good attitude; it'll determine the rest of your day! Life's like a piano; everything depends on how you play it. Only 10% is about what happens to you; the other 90% is about how you respond to it.

Shut up. You're not learning while you're talking! Listen: "He who guards his lips guards his [soul]" (Proverbs 13:3). You'll save yourself untold heartache, and impress others by listening, observing, and speaking only after you've thought things through.

Stand up. Establish your values and your vision according to God's Word - nothing else! Not everybody will agree, nonetheless: "Stand firm. Let nothing move you" (1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV).

Reach up. Paul says, "I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me" (Philippians 3:14). Focus on your goals! Refuse to settle for less than God's highest and best.

Lift up. Max Lucado says, "Worship is a 'thank you' that refuses to be silenced; an act of gratitude offered by the saved to the Saviour, the healed to the Healer, and the blessed to the Blesser." So lift up your voice in praise today!

Look up. David said, "I will lift up mine eyes… my help cometh from the Lord." Know what? When you're at your weakest, God's at His strongest!

Blessings!

Pastor Rusty