Today is a good day to take a few minutes and reflect on how well last year (2023) went for you. While we all hate to make mistakes (and sins), no doubt we can learn from them.

One thing we can learn is to think about what led to that failure and how to prepare to avoid it this year. Most likely, there are some things we can look back on and say we did not do our best for God in that area. Confess it.

Paul had the solution to this problem. The text verses for today reveal his attitude about it that enabled him to live an amazing life for God and accomplish so much. Of course, most of my readers are not preachers, but there are still some things we can apply to our lives to come out better this year than the last.

They are:

1. Realize you have not reached perfection yet: “I count not myself to have apprehended.”
2. Limit yourself to doing one primary thing in life: “this one thing I do.” “No man can serve two masters.”
3. Stop looking back to the past – no matter how glorious or regretful: “forgetting those things which are behind.”
4. Give your focus and all your heart to what is in front of you: “and reaching forth unto those things which are before.”
5. Aim for the gold prize – not a bronze one: “I press toward the mark for the prize.” Do not seek to settle for second best in what you do for God.
6. Please Christ in all things because that is what we are called to do: “the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” There is no higher calling than that which God has given us.

I am not necessarily suggesting that you make New Year’s resolutions for 2024 that often do not work, but rather seek to recommit yourself (surrender to His will) today to live for God this year. Ask His direction each day – and do it. He will guide people that are sincere about following Him.

May God bless you in your service for Him.

Most believers suspect that the Rapture is not far away. Our world is not getting any better. It seems like it is getting ripe for the antichrist to appear. While many Christians hope it is near, some have mixed feelings about it.

Take a moment and think about something. We know that the Lord will richly reward His faithful servants. He will not fail to do this as He promised. We also have heard that there is no greater joy that a believer can have than being in the will of God. I certainly have found it true. Personally, though there has been testings along the way, I would not trade them for anything. They have revealed God’s care, provision, and wisdom.

However, while thinking about the Rapture, I have to wonder how much have you as a believer done in the first half of the year for Him? Could you have done more? I would have to say that I know I could have.

If He were to come today, would you be disappointed because there is so much you still want to see and do here? Perhaps it is time to reevaluate what you are living for. We ought to be living for His Kingdom: (“seek ye first the kingdom of God” Matthew 6:33). 

Christian friend, you cannot take anything here with you to glory. Nor will you earn any rewards apart from what is in His will for you. Why not submit yourself afresh to doing His will today, and then you will discover that it is “good, acceptable, and perfect” (Romans 12:2)?

The media has been saying over and over that from an economic viewpoint, 2023 is not apt to be much better than 2022. While many people have suffered some loss last year, the Christian does not need to be so concerned about it.

People of this world build their lives and comfort levels on the things they possess. There is no doubt that having things does make a more comfortable life here, but it cannot give peace of mind and soul.

According to Matthew 6:33, the believer’s job in 2023 is the same as last year – to do His will. It has never changed. Just because the world will be more watchful over their pennies and activities this year, it is not the task of the believer. Since God is not any less in control, we need to continue to trust His faithfulness to His promises and be as faithful as we can in return. He ever watches over His own and provides abundant grace when needed.

The above verse states that if we seek His will and the promotion of His Kingdom above all else, that He will take care of your needs. Since God knows all your needs before you even ask, this verse is a most blessed declaration.

Christians can panic if they build their wealth on the stock market, mutual funds, CDs, real estate, etc. But when you build your wealth on eternal riches in Heaven, remember that no economic downturn can affect them – neither can any storm (inflation, stock market crash, etc.) destroy them.