Happy New Year! May it be a good one for you! Now, to set the tone, here’s a quote from C.S. Lewis – “There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” With this insightful observation, let’s explore 10 points to start this year well.
This week, I get to say – HAPPY NEW YEAR – to you! Of course, it’s also an opportunity for a fresh new start. So, let’s look at some action points for a great start with strong traction this next year.
It’s Thanksgiving! Time for a “self-check” on gratitude. A mindset of gratitude makes a huge difference, even when things are difficult or painful.
So, if you had a Gratitude Scale that measured how thankful you are, where would you score on a scale 1-10?
Let’s explore “mindset of gratitude.” But first – let’s have some fun with that Gratitude Scale we mentioned.
As I consider today’s material: “Strong Hope,” I’m reminded of a Bible passage in one of my quiet times. Interestingly, a thought struck me as I read that passage. Simply this.
If I were to make a list of all the struggles, issues, sorrows, and difficulties in my life so far –
– and if I were to put a column of dates next to them (similar to what I have in my Bible)
– then, if I were to record a verse or promise God gave me for that particular situation in a third column
– I would have an amazing record of God’s faithfulness in my neediness. In fact, I’d have enough material to publish a book about strong hope.
This is #5 in a series on hope.
What’s the theme of your life? Have you thought about it? Some people target a theme and work toward it for years. Others simply live – and notice a theme forms over time. Interestingly, if you engage some strategy, you can maneuver – and even change – your life theme.
Hope and opportunity are always available to help you move forward. Let’s explore.
Back in the year 2000, in the Disney movie, “The Kid,” two grown-ups have a conversation about growing up. One of them, Amy, says, “Well, we can’t go around anymore talking about what we’re going to be like when we grow up. We are up.” Basically, she’s saying – it’s time to live grown up.
So, let’s explore what it means to live grown up.
In our last article/podcast, A Plan To Be More Like Jesus, we laid out a reasonable plan using twenty-five helpful action points to keep you matched up with Scripture. You’ve likely formed many plans over the years with strategies to carry them out. Subsequently, it makes sense to develop a plan and long-term strategies to be more like Jesus.
Do you need a long-overdue vacation? Or perhaps you want to pay off a loan quickly. Maybe you’ve never gardened, but you want to try one. Could be you’ve decided to change careers but need more education. Or you might commit to lose a few unwanted pounds. Regardless, whatever the scenario, you need a plan – or you’ll get nowhere fast. Similarly, you need a plan to be more like Jesus. Incidentally, it doesn’t just happen.
So, let’s look at a good plan to do just that.
Have you ever seen a good three-strand cord? It’s super strong! Basically, it’s impossible to rip apart. In fact, it looks strong enough to hold a ginormous military ship with aircraft landing strip, or perhaps a cruiser with intimidating deck canons and torpedoes – securely to a dock.
Today, we’ll explore a three-strand cord, but in a slightly different way. Essentially, your “past, present, and future.” You are a three-strand cord through all tenses of your life. Consequently, your history, your current scenario, and your future options are woven into one strong cord.
Past, Present, Future: A Three-Strand Cord
“A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecc.4:12)
God loves humanity! He created their design to flourish.
A Three-Strand CordGod weaves your past, present, and future together creatively. Remarkably, He’s had your life cord in mind before creation. In other words, you’re always on His mind always. Your life matters!
It’s hard to break a three-strand cord. However, much depends on how you respond to God’s creative weaving. God weaves His tenacious love into your three-strand cord life. But you must say “yes” or “no” to His weave. His unlimited creativity makes each tense matter.
Let’s explore.
It’s hard to imagine a “less than healthy” past could contribute anything to a three-strand cord. Rather, it seems only a successful, positive past would be strong enough for such a cord. Not so. Christ redeems a whole life when you accept Him. Actually, even a good past (outside Christ) isn’t strong enough for a durable three-strand cord. God weaves your past in with tenacity and beauty when you completely surrender to Him.
Consider the Apostle Paul who literally hunted Christians. Incidentally, he knew they could be jailed, tortured, or killed. His past is rather despicable. Yet, his past was woven into his three-strand cord in a remarkable way to bring glory to God.
The Lord chose this man with a less-than-respectable past to be “His guy.”
Incredibly, the same is true for you – whatever your past.
The only life tense you have any control over is your present. Sure, there are things you can prepare for in your future. You can also “call on” experiences in your past. However, your present is where you live.
Every thought, attitude, word, and deed takes place here – in your present. Essentially, today becomes tomorrow’s yesterday when all current choices are gone. Subsequently, this is the power of the present. Your will gives you the only control you have.
God steadies you if you let Him. Jesus makes Himself available to you at all times. In –
Jesus is with you. Here and now, in the present.
Some folks have made incredible contributions by “being present” each moment. Many have changed history, medical advancement, discovery, inventions, and so on. Most have the power to quietly make a significant difference in daily details.
Incredibly, the same is true for you – whatever your present.
Your future is filled with possibilities. Essentially, you have blank pages waiting to be filled. Your part is to fill those blank pages with good choices that make a difference in your life and the lives of others. You can make choices that honor God.
God is your Partner. This sets you up for future successes. Jesus gives hope that reaches forward. Your future is best when you –
This will look differently than what you picture. Often, blessings flow out of difficulties as you rest in the Lord’s wisdom, timing, and interventions. God will never leave you without help if you eagerly connect with Him in your present.
God loves you. He never misses anything. He wants your three-strand cord life to succeed. Thousands of people have partnered with God. Consider Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Christ’s disciples, Apostle Paul. Now consider people you know who are committed Jesus followers. Some are famous. Many are not.
Incredibly, the same is true for you – whatever your future.
We’ve identified and defined past, present, and future. Now, let’s look at each again, but this time with deliberate response to God.
Whatever your past, God redeems all things. If you have a broken past, give it freely to Jesus. He makes brokenness and strife into something beautiful. If you have a faithful past, give it freely to Jesus. This is your service record. Regardless, God knows what to do to effectively weave your past into a strong three-strand cord.
The present is such a gift. It keeps on giving – if you engage it thoughtfully. This means you will live with purpose. Match every thought, attitude, word, and action to God’s Word and Christ’s character.
The Lord faithfully points out what’s not pleasing to Him. Immediately thank Him when He points it out. God wants you to succeed. Essentially, this means He will show you any missteps. Cooperate with His training. Fix issues. As for His help. As you accept His training, you bring the cord of your life into alignment with God’s Word.
Learn to think with Scripture’s strategies. Paul calls this – “work out your salvation.” This helps you lean into a sin-free life. (Phil. 2:12; Jn. 8:11)
The future is unknown. Yet, your future is filled with possibilities and opportunities that increase God’s work in lives. Determine to discover God’s intentions for your life. God’s design is strategic and He values your partnership. So, engage His strategies. Partner with God. As one would say in chess: It’s your move.
Life is like a game of chess. Interesting pieces placed on an equally interesting board of contrasting squares. Then it starts: strategies, choices, and patterns. It only takes a few minutes to realize you can’t play life chess without being very engaged and thoughtful. This content helps you identify strategies and action steps to make good choices and build strong, healthy life patterns. You can be confident each day by adopting God’s methods when It’s Your Move.
Your life is continually being woven. You’re a miracle from birth through eternity. We’ve mentioned regrets from the past. Plus, the unknowns of the future. Regardless, when you live your present by faith in Jesus, you partner with God in weaving your miraculous three-strand cord life. God wants you to enjoy His love and goodness at all times. Plus, He has great purpose for your life.
There are three “p” words that flow from your relationship with God:
When you trusted God for salvation, He justified you. What does “justify” mean? Made right. Lined up. Straightened out. So, you have been made right with God.
Nevertheless, there’s something that comes first in receiving grace. Here are the steps:
God Weaves Your Three-Strand CordInterestingly, God weaves your three-strand cord together through daily situations of your life. You partner with Him by –
How does God define “success”?
These definitions help you be the person you were created to be. All of that together brings glory to God.
Christ anchors you in all three tenses of your life. What if your past or present is filled with mistakes and regrets? Actually, Jesus addresses this. And He invites you to “get into His weave.” Rev. 21:5 says, “I am making everything new!” So, weave yourself into God with all your heart. A three-strand cord is woven.
Engage your present fully each day. The present becomes the past. The future becomes the present. Be a miracle. Live every present moment in Jesus Christ.
Application Thoughts And Questions
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There’s a whole section of published books called “self-help” books. Some of these resources have helpful information. Others – not-so-much. Some topics are – habits, leadership, rest, self-care, and many more. Interestingly, I happen to know a very effective book that covers the entire spectrum of your life – all topics! Further, it provides focus points to improve your character.
