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 anyone that has been a Christian for very long knows this Bible verse. It is a tremendous promise with a lot of potential for practical Christian living.

I find this verse a blessing each time I focus on it. I have, however, seen misinterpretations of this verse all too often. It does not mean that you will be the best that there is in whatever you are doing – although some popular plaques and pictures indicate that it could.

Among other Bible verses about strength, this verse refers to the victory that God will give when you need it for obedience and service to Him. In other words, if you are sincere about serving God, you will always find that He will give power to do all that He wants – whether it is pleasant at that moment or not. It does not always mean that there will be a positive outcome.

It does mean that you, as a believer, can have victory…

• Over temptation – any one!
• Over sin – God can break the chains of any sin!
• Over the world – victory over the things that the world worries about and craves for!
• Over Satan – you do not need to fear him!
• Over the thought life – you can have “the mind of Christ”!
• Over the trouble and problems you will face today – they do not need to stress you out!
• Over whatever prevents you from being a better Christian!

The result of knowing and using this verse – and others like it – is that you can continue to be a growing Christian. The only thing that really prevents you from growing as a believer is you.

For a better victory, strengthen your spirit – and resolve to continue – daily by getting in the Word and praying, and by going to church regularly.

What’s stopping you from being a better Christian?