I saw a picture of a maquis at a fast-food restaurant recently that said, “Helping you break your resolutions since 1962.” While I smiled at the image, thinking to myself how many times I have frequented the chain for food that would not fit any diet, I was reminded that our lives are filled with enticements to pull us off track. The beginning of a new year is always a time for people to renew commitments to eat better, live better – – be better. But a day or a week or even a month later, life happens and we find ourselves right back in the same habits as before.
This year, I’d like to suggest a simple process toward change that anyone can follow. These six words can truly change your life:
Look in . . . Look up . . . Look out
This Sunday, I will begin a new sermon series titled, “Inside Out.” In this series I will challenge our family to look inward to examine your faith – are you walking with Jesus every day? And then look up – are you trusting in God and looking to Him for guidance? And finally, look out – are you looking for ways daily to live your faith to make a difference in the world?
Don’t get discouraged. God is the God of grace. Simply remember to look in, look up and look out.
May 2024 be your best year yet!
Clay in the Hands 
Love the simplicity of this encouragement. As I try to keep my eyes focused on the Author and Finisher of my faith, grateful for your encouragement and the grace of God that never runs out in spite of my not-enough-ness for life’s challenges.
Joanna Berry