The Ball is Soon to Drop

Most of us have seen that ball in Times Square on New Years Eve dropping to usher in the start of the new year.  Well its about to drop as 2011 is drawing to a close and the truth is Christ could come back in the rapture before it does, but if it doesn’t have you considered any New Year’s resolutions?  This is a good time of year to make some evaluations and set some great goals for the coming year.  As you read the pages of the New Testament there’s no doubt Paul was goal oriented. He had ambitions to take the gospel to Rome, Spain & so forth !   And though he never made it to Spain he was right to set some ambitious and God honoring plans.  We should come up with some also !!  Perhaps being a better witness, praying more for your pastor or fellow members, encouraging and discipling a newer person to your church who maybe hasn’t been saved that long and getting with them weekly, reading through that Bible this year, taking less time with technology (TV, computers, etc) and more with people, put off the excuses of why you can’t and put on the effort for Jesus Christ, etc. Be creative and Christlike, honestly acknowledging where you’re at and moving in some way closer to being more like the Lord.

In the setting of goals its wise to not make some so high that we set ourselves up for certain disappointment yet we must take up strong challenges at the same time.  Nor must our goals be too low either.   And whether we fail or succeed we must take to heart the apostle’s words in Philippians: “. . . forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (3:13-14).   As 2011 comes to its end and you look back at things undone resolve to do better and let go the failures and if need be confess the sins resting then in His forgiveness.  As the new years approaches determine with His help to reach greater heights for Him in the life He’s given you.

Truth is, 2012 could be the last year you have here too. Make it count. Don’t allow the world, the flesh or the devil to sidetrack you from walking by faith and thus making a huge impact for the Lord around you !   Reading your Bible and praying is key, church attendance is critical, finding a niche in which to serve there vital !  And then one day when the goals are done and the warfare is accomplished  we can truly say with the apostle, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness. . .” (2Tim.4:7-8).   Get your balling rolling this coming year for the Lord !!!