1 Timothy 6:11-12 – But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue
righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. [12] Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

As 2020 draws to a close, most of us are more than ready to turn the page and start a new year. But what lies ahead for us?  Much of what lies ahead is up to us and the choices we make every day.  We must strive to improve spiritually, mentally and emotionally.  I recently came across some great advice that I received many years ago.   

Be Intentional – Have a plan and purpose for each aspect of your life, especially your spiritual life.  Run the race to win!  “How we live our days… is how we live our lives.”  Think about what you can do to grow stronger, more knowledgeable and more faithful.

Be Authentic – Be transparent with your struggles and strengths.  Let Christ shine out of you naturally. The Apostle Paul struggled with many things and wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:10, “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Be Present – Be active in your faith.  Make a difference in every sphere of your life. In John 10:10, Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”  Our life can be full if we choose to be present and fill it up with people, love and service.

Be Malleable – Be open to God’s shaping hand.  Be intentional but not stubborn.  Take life as it comes without setting limits or expectations.  God will overwhelm your wildest imagination.  Your most productive ministry will likely come from your biggest struggle.  The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:11, “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will….”  Allow our life to be molded and shaped to fulfill God’s purpose in our life.

I believe that great things lie ahead for Summit.  I pray that you will choose to grow every day and be an active part of the many things in our future.