I remember the early commercials for 7-Up that featured "Reggae man" Geoffrey Holder, holding up some small round nuts in his hand and saying, "These are cola nuts," and then holding up a lime and lemon saying, "And these are not." 7-Up prided itself for it's clean and refreshing taste - with no caffeine! As you know, Coca-Cola is my beverage of choice, but I fell in love with 7-Up again while I was in Mexico. There's nothing like a 7-Up and saltine crackers when Montezuma takes his revenge!

I mentioned the biblical significance of the powerful word "Go!" in a recent blog. Today I'd like to focus on another small but influential word, "Up!" Enjoy these "7 Ups" to a better and healthier life in Christ!

1. Wake Up!! Decide to have a good day. "Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up!! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7

3. Shut up!! Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3

4. Stand Up!! For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up!!... to the Lord. "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

6. Reach Up!! For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6

7. Lift Up!! Your prayers! "Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING." Philippians 4:6.

A positive thought... If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If he had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring, and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He could live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart. What about the Christmas gift He sent you in Bethlehem; not to mention that Friday at Calvary. Face it; He's crazy about you!

And I am too! Look forward to seeing you this Sunday as we continue our series on the "I am" statements of Jesus! Wasn't worship last week fantastic? Don't be left out!

Yours in Christ's Love,
Mark