Next Step - December 27

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. - 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Hi Everybody

Do you make New Year's Resolutions? I never really have, they really are not my personality (or maybe I just don't want to break them). In any event, the end of the year is a very natural time to take stock of where you are and to make any changes that need to be made in your life. I think as Christians, it is important to do that periodically -- to take stock of where we are and then make changes. This is the essence of the word "repentance," it is a course correction, and each of us needs to make course corrections to turn ourselves more and more into the life of Christ, in order to finish this life well, in order to finish my life more in love with Jesus than I am today, accelerating to and through the finish line.

There are a lot of things that we can be intentional about which will help us to finish well. Here are 5:

1. Recognize God’s Presence Throughout Each Day: How does God interact with the things of everyday life? Do you see Him and His goodness reflected in the things around you?

2. Seek Mentors Whom You Can Learn From As Well As People You Can Mentor: Who do you know who is finishing well? Who do you know who has a trait you wish you had? Ask them to coffee, ask them to mentor you in this area (and look for others whom you can mentor).

3. Make It A Priority To Be In A Community Of Love And Accountability: Are there other people in your life who know you inside and out, struggles and all? Do you meet with them regularly and ask them to hold you accountable? If you do not, who might be able to fill that role in your life?

4. Recognize That Your Time On Earth Is But A Breath Compared To All Eternity: None of us knows how long we have. Take a moment each day and recognize the reality that you do not know if you will be around tomorrow. How does this change how you react to others? How does this change your priorities in life, faith, family, etc.

5. Incorporate Spiritual Disciplines Such As Regular Times Of Reading The Bible And Prayer Into The Rhythm Of Your Life: God wants us to read the Bible, to pray, to fast, to do any other spiritual disciplines that help us to develop greater intimacy with Him. We do these things not because we need to in order to be approved by God, but in order to meet Him. What spiritual practices have been helpful for you to connect with God? What might you add?

As we approach the end of 2009, take stock of your life. If your life ended now, how would you have finished? Flash forward a year. Same question. I'll ask you again in 365 days. Will your answer be different?

Peace, hope and love

Doug