Looking Forward to What Lies Ahead!

(Thank you, Julie @ Joy's Hope)

I LOVE this verse...the perfect verse to start the very first month of a brand new year!

I am taking a bible study and we are learning about Paul, the author of this verse.

Paul was not your ordinary man, but in many ways, I guess he was.

When I first read about Paul (he was originally named Saul) I learned that he was:

Prideful

Arrogant,

Hateful,

Selfish,

Ambitious,

Righteous,

Intense,

Cowardly,

Religious,

Intellectual,

Closed Minded,

Indignant.

After his meeting with the risen Christ, he was:

CHANGED!

Grateful,

Selfless,

LOVING,

FORGIVEN,

Committed,

Surrendered,

Intentional,

Purposeful,

Obedient,

Fearless,

Encouraging,

Strong,

Peaceful,

Paul is speaking to the Philippians and to all the believers everywhere.

Can you imagine that he is writing this note from a prison in Rome?

I want to be like Paul.

He is able to find JOY,

REAL JOY,

WHATEVER the circumstance...

~~~~~~~~~~~~

I had a bad year last year, okay, I'll say it.

I had a CRAPPY year!

Among other losses, my father passed.

I had a pretty good pity-party.

Party for 3?

Me, myself and I!

I have lots of reasons to continue in my pity party, but this verse says to

STOP!

I MUST...

FOCUS...

ALL..

my...

ENERGIES..

on what... lies...

AHEAD!

(now try that with a William Shatner imitation)

How do I do this?

By spending time refueling with the LORD,

through prayer and reading...

letting HIS WORD

sink in....

deep...

within my head,

heart

and

soul.

I must FOCUS on His HOPE...

"Those who HOPE in the LORD will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint".

Isaiah 40:31

I must FOCUS on HIM...

"Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Romans 12: 1-2

What do you need to FOCUS on?

.